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Toyota Highlander Hybrid Driving Tips & Tricks

428 messages,  Last post on Oct 16, 2009 at 6:44 PM

You are in the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer

What is this discussion about? Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), SUV


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#415 of 428
Re: My Take on "Off Road" [stevedebi] by wvgasguy
Mar 05, 2009 (12:22 pm)
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Replying to: stevedebi (Mar 04, 2009 12:25 pm)

I think that the main reason it isn't "recommended" for off road use is the electric rear drive. If those motors overheat, you are stuck in FWD (until the electric motors cool off), and they would only overheat if you were in a situation where you needed AWD, when the rear wheels were spinning!
 
In the TCH the traction control indeed kept you from spinning the wheels. If you got on a slippery surface it just shut down. The HH has more traction and if you had snow tires that's sure to help even more, but if you do get to where you lose traction, on both rear wheels I would assume the traction control would not allow any rear wheel spin of any significance. It would probably simply not spin the wheels. If the front's don't pull you the HH would just sit there. Again, this was a concern of mine with the TCH for winter use, but with the HH I had no problems this winter. I can't think of too many situations where you'd lose traction on all 4 wheels other than a sheet of ice.
#416 of 428
Re: My Take on "Off Road" [stevedebi] by wvgasguy
Mar 05, 2009 (12:25 pm)
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Replying to: stevedebi (Mar 04, 2009 12:25 pm)

As far as I know, only the Ford Escape Hybrid has a mechanical AWD system
 
I really likes that about the Escape. However I just could not bring myself to pay that much for the Escape considering how small and uncomfortable it was for 4 people. I think it would be a great all around commuter for one or two people needing occasional SUV flexibility, but the second row seat just didn't pass inspection for me. Also, I think the Escape only had 1500# towing. My Jet Ski's and trailer weigh more than that.
#417 of 428
Re: My Take on "Off Road" [wvgasguy] by stevedebi
Mar 15, 2009 (4:04 pm)
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Replying to: wvgasguy (Mar 05, 2009 12:25 pm)

"I really likes that about the Escape. However I just could not bring myself to pay that much for the Escape considering how small and uncomfortable it was for 4 people. I think it would be a great all around commuter for one or two people needing occasional SUV flexibility, but the second row seat just didn't pass inspection for me. Also, I think the Escape only had 1500# towing. My Jet Ski's and trailer weigh more than that. "
 
I have a family of four, but the kids are still fairly young (9 and 12). We do fine with the FEH, but I would not consider it for a family of five.But it is great on city mileage (around 31 with my AWD), and the SUV design makes for a lot of space inside.
 
You are correct, I would not tow with an FEH. I think the technical limit it 1000 lbs, but I don't tow, so I never really checked.
#418 of 428
Re: My Take on "Off Road" [stevedebi] by wvgasguy
Mar 16, 2009 (10:18 am)
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Replying to: stevedebi (Mar 15, 2009 4:04 pm)

I don't haul family around all the time (my wife does babysit the Grandkids) but my son is 6'5 so we let him sit up front. I got rid of a 4Runner because my wife complained about sitting in the back. I made fun of her and finally made her let me sit in the back while she drove. I traded it. There is no way I would expect an adult to sit in that.
 
With the new design on SUV's with high backs, reclining and even sliding second rows, I considered the Escape as second choice to anything else.. BTY, the Highlander is very comfortable for adults in the second row.
#419 of 428
Driving Tips Summary for Best Gas Mileage... by mcgusto
May 26, 2009 (3:48 pm)
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Hello all!
 
I've been posting on a couple of different threads here, and I think I'm in the right one now (finally). In any case, I'm looking for a synopsis of good driving techniques in order to maximize fuel economy in our 09 Hybrid Highlander Limited. Other posters have already warned me not to judge the gas mileage for (roughly) the first 2500 miles, but thus far the first tank of gas yielded 22mpg, and the second tank (still in progress) is only registering 18mpg. I've read about the following, so any clarification on any of these- or other topics - would be greatly appreciated:
 
Pump Float Glide?
 
Recommended PSI?
 
Hyper-Miling?
 
Power Meter?
 
Anything else?
 
For the second tank of gas, I've even had my wife (who predominantly drives the HyHybrid) leave the car in ECON mode....
 
Thanks in advance,
 
Gusto
#420 of 428
Re: Driving Tips Summary for Best Gas Mileage... [mcgusto] by wvgasguy
May 28, 2009 (3:27 pm)
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Replying to: mcgusto (May 26, 2009 3:48 pm)

You won't see as much activity here as on some forums for some reason. Look at the Camry Hybrid driving tips. A lot of comments there (from me and others) and they apply to the HH.
 
I have not seen the large numbers with my 4wd HH, but with warm weather it is rising. Basically for the first 8000 miles I averaged around 23.5 mpg. However since it has warmed up I mostly see 25. My wife drives it most and she typically is around 24.5 and I'll see 26+.
 
I was able to average 37+ in my TCH over 67,000 miles so I know how to maximize the FE. The HH is a little less fulfilling because you don't see the large differences. For example on the same route I can get 25 or 27. Doesn't seem worth the extra effort sometimes. Where as with the TCH I would vary from 36 to 41. Really not that much difference %'wise but mentally it motivated me.
 
With practice you should be able to get at least 23+, which in my opinion is still pretty good. Just got back from the beach where my Expedition got 16 on the road tank and 13.5 on the tank driving around. However I hauled 6 of us and most of what we owned it seemed. Next year we'll probably take the HH and the 2010 prius I have on order.
 
Don't give up and read the threads.
#421 of 428
Re: Driving Tips Summary for Best Gas Mileage... [wvgasguy] by racer81
Jul 11, 2009 (12:37 pm)
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Replying to: wvgasguy (May 28, 2009 3:27 pm)

We purchased a 2009 HH in May. We now have about 2300 miles on it. We leave it in econ mode all the time. The lowest mpg was 22.5 and the highest was our last tank at 27.5. The auto is very quiet and handles quite well. We traded a 2004 Honda Pilot which to this point was the best vehicle we have owned. Just did not like the redesign of the new Pilot.
#422 of 428
Highlander Hybrid Best driving tips? by yaggarwal
Aug 18, 2009 (7:35 pm)
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Hi All
 
I purchased a new HH 09 Limited last month. I am curious about best driving techniques as this is my first hybrid vehicle.
 
I am generally using the HH in economy mode and so far getting around 25 MPG.
 
I have these questions
 
1. Is it safe to keep driving HH in economy mode all the time. I mean it shouldnt damage vehicle to keep using economy mode all the time.
 
2. What are best driving tips you all the previous owners can suggest?
 
3. HH have the toyo tyres. How many miles/years these tyres generally give depending upon routine use of vehicle.
 
I appreciate your help.
 
Yogi Aggarwal
#423 of 428
Re: Highlander Hybrid Best driving tips? [yaggarwal] by monte8
Aug 24, 2009 (9:04 am)
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Replying to: yaggarwal (Aug 18, 2009 7:35 pm)

"I have these questions
  
1. Is it safe to keep driving HH in economy mode all the time. I mean it shouldnt damage vehicle to keep using economy mode all the time."
 
Yes, it is. If you need to do hard acceleration, just floor the gas pedal and it will override the econ settings.
  
"2. What are best driving tips you all the previous owners can suggest?"
 
Inflate the tires to 39psi, drive gently, anticipate starts and stops. Using the heat or a/c does reduce gas milage, but do what you need to be comfortable. You do not want to drive at highway speeds with a window open, it will drive you nuts. Keep you speed below the speed limit on highways.
  
"3. HH have the toyo tyres. How many miles/years these tyres generally give depending upon routine use of vehicle. "
 
I don't know on this one. I have just under 12,000 miles on my 2008 after owning it for 21 months. I have rotate the tires twice. They still look good, but others say they are lucky to get 20,000 miles on them.
#424 of 428
Re: Highlander Hybrid Best driving tips? [monte8] by yaggarwal
Aug 24, 2009 (10:51 am)
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Replying to: monte8 (Aug 24, 2009 9:04 am)

Thanks for your response.
 
For tire pressure, recommended or written on tires is 33 psi. Are yours marked as 39psi or you just inflate then with 39. Is it from your own experiance or their is any logic behind having 39 psi as against 33.
 
Yogi

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