New Highlander Hybrid arrived!
#1
10-18-2008, 04:12 AM
New Highlander Hybrid arrived!
It's taken 4 months, but my 2009 Hybrid Highlander (Cypress Pearl) arrived and is finally sitting in my garage!
It's a Limited. Major options are: Nav, SunRoof, Remote Start (don't start with me...), Auto Front and Rear Air, Towing Package.
I ordered the CLEAR bug shield and headlamp covers from a friend in New Zealand (Toyota doesn't offer them here) and will install them this weekend.
Photo's to follow...when I get some time.
It's a Limited. Major options are: Nav, SunRoof, Remote Start (don't start with me...), Auto Front and Rear Air, Towing Package.
I ordered the CLEAR bug shield and headlamp covers from a friend in New Zealand (Toyota doesn't offer them here) and will install them this weekend.
Photo's to follow...when I get some time.
#2
10-18-2008, 08:09 AM
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Beautiful Pacific NW
Posts: 1,678
Re: New Highlander Hybrid arrived!
Gee....
Now you can go from 0-60 MPH a lot faster than the standard Highlander, plus burn more fuel on the highway vs the due to the ICE having to run at a higher power level from time to time just to keep the hybrid battery charged up.
Lossy path, that.
If you do mostly city stop-and-go driving and with all three seat rows being occupied then you made a good choice, otherwise...
The '09 FWD Highlander with the fuel sipping I4 would likely have been a much more sensible purchase overall.
Now you can go from 0-60 MPH a lot faster than the standard Highlander, plus burn more fuel on the highway vs the due to the ICE having to run at a higher power level from time to time just to keep the hybrid battery charged up.
Lossy path, that.
If you do mostly city stop-and-go driving and with all three seat rows being occupied then you made a good choice, otherwise...
The '09 FWD Highlander with the fuel sipping I4 would likely have been a much more sensible purchase overall.
#3
10-19-2008, 03:42 AM
Re: New Highlander Hybrid arrived!
WWest -
0-60 times are identical (per Toyota). While Hybrids can "get off of the line" quicker due to the electric motor providing "instant" power to the wheels, the all gas V6 is a 3.6 to the Hybrids 3.3. I think it would be an interesting real world comparison to clock the two at a dragstrip....
I think you're comparing apples to oranges. While they look alike, the Hybrid, V6 and 4 cyclinder Highlanders are different vehicles based their power plants. The 4 cylinder will not be out until the first of the year, and although I ordered this in June (before the official announcement of the 4 cylinder being added to the engine lineup) I specifically ordered the Hybrid.
Compared to the V6 (Auto) the EPA mileage estimates are 27 to 17 -- that's a 10 mpg advantage to the Hybrid (and a 16 mpg advantage compared to my GX470)....and since most of my driving is in town....
Anyway - the vehicle drives and handles very well. While the interior "appointments" are nice (fit and finish, quality of materials used and the general "feel") it is a little noisier than the Lexus GX470 that I was driving and does not sit as high.
I am a little disappointed in the Nav "map" (Nav system is a WHOLE different thread). When trying to register my "home" - I found that it does not exist. Now, the street that I live on has been in existence for at least 3 years (more likley 4...) but it is not on the mapping that is provided with the 2009. I have called the dealer and they are looking into seeing if there is an updated disk that I can exchange with them.
I installed the Bonnet Protector and the Headlam Covers yesterday. Both look good. The installation of the Bonnet Protector took a little more time due to having some difficulty to remove the 4 plastic keepers that are used to attach it to the hood. I like the clean look of the clear.
0-60 times are identical (per Toyota). While Hybrids can "get off of the line" quicker due to the electric motor providing "instant" power to the wheels, the all gas V6 is a 3.6 to the Hybrids 3.3. I think it would be an interesting real world comparison to clock the two at a dragstrip....
I think you're comparing apples to oranges. While they look alike, the Hybrid, V6 and 4 cyclinder Highlanders are different vehicles based their power plants. The 4 cylinder will not be out until the first of the year, and although I ordered this in June (before the official announcement of the 4 cylinder being added to the engine lineup) I specifically ordered the Hybrid.
Compared to the V6 (Auto) the EPA mileage estimates are 27 to 17 -- that's a 10 mpg advantage to the Hybrid (and a 16 mpg advantage compared to my GX470)....and since most of my driving is in town....
Anyway - the vehicle drives and handles very well. While the interior "appointments" are nice (fit and finish, quality of materials used and the general "feel") it is a little noisier than the Lexus GX470 that I was driving and does not sit as high.
I am a little disappointed in the Nav "map" (Nav system is a WHOLE different thread). When trying to register my "home" - I found that it does not exist. Now, the street that I live on has been in existence for at least 3 years (more likley 4...) but it is not on the mapping that is provided with the 2009. I have called the dealer and they are looking into seeing if there is an updated disk that I can exchange with them.
I installed the Bonnet Protector and the Headlam Covers yesterday. Both look good. The installation of the Bonnet Protector took a little more time due to having some difficulty to remove the 4 plastic keepers that are used to attach it to the hood. I like the clean look of the clear.
#4
10-19-2008, 09:43 AM
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Beautiful Pacific NW
Posts: 1,678
Re: New Highlander Hybrid arrived!
WWest -
0-60 times are identical (per Toyota). While Hybrids can "get off of the line" quicker due to the electric motor providing "instant" power to the wheels, the all gas V6 is a 3.6 to the Hybrids 3.3.
I think it would be an interesting real world comparison to clock the two at a dragstrip....
You make my point, exactly.
Why would, does, anyone buying a hybrid vehicle give a **** about comparing 0-60 times...??
I think you're comparing apples to oranges. While they look alike, the Hybrid, V6 and 4 cyclinder Highlanders are different vehicles based their power plants. The 4 cylinder will not be out until the first of the year, and although I ordered this in June (before the official announcement of the 4 cylinder being added to the engine lineup) I specifically ordered the Hybrid.
Compared to the V6 (Auto) the EPA mileage estimates are 27 to 17 -- that's a 10 mpg advantage to the Hybrid (and a 16 mpg advantage compared to my GX470)....and since most of my driving is in town....
But my '01 AWD RX300 easily gets 20-22 MPG traveling across Idaho at 75MPH+. MPG drops once we get into MT.
The only advantage, FE and environmental, the current crop of hybrids have is "free" energy recovered during actual braking. And yes, I know that it also uses the regenerative technique during non-braking coastdown periods. But my vote is still out on the advantage of coastdown regenerative braking.
So, on the highway there is not only no advantage to these hybrid systems, they operate at a definite FE disadvantage.
Anyway - the vehicle drives and handles very well. While the interior "appointments" are nice (fit and finish, quality of materials used and the general "feel") it is a little noisier than the Lexus GX470 that I was driving and does not sit as high.
I am a little disappointed in the Nav "map" (Nav system is a WHOLE different thread). When trying to register my "home" - I found that it does not exist. Now, the street that I live on has been in existence for at least 3 years (more likley 4...) but it is not on the mapping that is provided with the 2009. I have called the dealer and they are looking into seeing if there is an updated disk that I can exchange with them.
I have always opened the DVD door for my nav system when it was not in use to avoid the "I agree" idiocy. Recently I purchased a portable Garmin and subsequently gave the $300 current revision nav DVD away.
I installed the Bonnet Protector and the Headlam Covers yesterday. Both look good. The installation of the Bonnet Protector took a little more time due to having some difficulty to remove the 4 plastic keepers that are used to attach it to the hood. I like the clean look of the clear.
0-60 times are identical (per Toyota). While Hybrids can "get off of the line" quicker due to the electric motor providing "instant" power to the wheels, the all gas V6 is a 3.6 to the Hybrids 3.3.
I think it would be an interesting real world comparison to clock the two at a dragstrip....
You make my point, exactly.
Why would, does, anyone buying a hybrid vehicle give a **** about comparing 0-60 times...??
I think you're comparing apples to oranges. While they look alike, the Hybrid, V6 and 4 cyclinder Highlanders are different vehicles based their power plants. The 4 cylinder will not be out until the first of the year, and although I ordered this in June (before the official announcement of the 4 cylinder being added to the engine lineup) I specifically ordered the Hybrid.
Compared to the V6 (Auto) the EPA mileage estimates are 27 to 17 -- that's a 10 mpg advantage to the Hybrid (and a 16 mpg advantage compared to my GX470)....and since most of my driving is in town....
But my '01 AWD RX300 easily gets 20-22 MPG traveling across Idaho at 75MPH+. MPG drops once we get into MT.
The only advantage, FE and environmental, the current crop of hybrids have is "free" energy recovered during actual braking. And yes, I know that it also uses the regenerative technique during non-braking coastdown periods. But my vote is still out on the advantage of coastdown regenerative braking.
So, on the highway there is not only no advantage to these hybrid systems, they operate at a definite FE disadvantage.
Anyway - the vehicle drives and handles very well. While the interior "appointments" are nice (fit and finish, quality of materials used and the general "feel") it is a little noisier than the Lexus GX470 that I was driving and does not sit as high.
I am a little disappointed in the Nav "map" (Nav system is a WHOLE different thread). When trying to register my "home" - I found that it does not exist. Now, the street that I live on has been in existence for at least 3 years (more likley 4...) but it is not on the mapping that is provided with the 2009. I have called the dealer and they are looking into seeing if there is an updated disk that I can exchange with them.
I have always opened the DVD door for my nav system when it was not in use to avoid the "I agree" idiocy. Recently I purchased a portable Garmin and subsequently gave the $300 current revision nav DVD away.
I installed the Bonnet Protector and the Headlam Covers yesterday. Both look good. The installation of the Bonnet Protector took a little more time due to having some difficulty to remove the 4 plastic keepers that are used to attach it to the hood. I like the clean look of the clear.
Last edited by wwest; 10-19-2008 at 09:52 AM.
#5
10-19-2008, 12:17 PM
Re: New Highlander Hybrid arrived!
Actually - I don't care about 0-60 times...I was responding to your comment:
WWest Said: "Now you can go from 0-60 MPH a lot faster than the standard Highlander, plus burn more fuel on the highway vs the due to the ICE having to run at a higher power level from time to time just to keep the hybrid battery charged up."
Also - I disagree with your assertion that:
WWest said: "So, on the highway there is not only no advantage to these hybrid systems, they operate at a definite FE disadvantage."
The EPA numbers on the V6 Highlander (3.6L) gets 23 mpg to the Hybrids 25. Granted its not much, but there is an advantage.... and per your numbers ... even more of an advantage when compared to your RX300.
Ultimately this was the right decision for me. Obviously you have issues with the FE advantages that Hybrid technology provides. So be it. It's a free country.
[Sorry to use the "quotes" -- I haven't figured out how to indent the previous e-mail -- or a portion of the e-mail -- as a tag...]
WWest Said: "Now you can go from 0-60 MPH a lot faster than the standard Highlander, plus burn more fuel on the highway vs the due to the ICE having to run at a higher power level from time to time just to keep the hybrid battery charged up."
Also - I disagree with your assertion that:
WWest said: "So, on the highway there is not only no advantage to these hybrid systems, they operate at a definite FE disadvantage."
The EPA numbers on the V6 Highlander (3.6L) gets 23 mpg to the Hybrids 25. Granted its not much, but there is an advantage.... and per your numbers ... even more of an advantage when compared to your RX300.
Ultimately this was the right decision for me. Obviously you have issues with the FE advantages that Hybrid technology provides. So be it. It's a free country.
[Sorry to use the "quotes" -- I haven't figured out how to indent the previous e-mail -- or a portion of the e-mail -- as a tag...]
#6
10-19-2008, 12:58 PM
Re: New Highlander Hybrid arrived!
hey once the engine is warmed up does the gas engine shut off when you let off the gas pedal? Or do you have to do the (idle for 7 seconds with coolant temp above 70 degrees C or 168F ) before the hybrid system lets you do that?
wwest, his v6 is fine, i wouldn't be surprised if they didn't offer an I4 hybrid simply because it would be stupid to eat into regular I4 sales. That's what the ECON button is for on the hybrids, just leave it on if you truly need the mileage.
Hopefully the highlander hybrid still has zero rpm below 40 mph, even though the ev button only works below 25 mph! garbage.
wwest, his v6 is fine, i wouldn't be surprised if they didn't offer an I4 hybrid simply because it would be stupid to eat into regular I4 sales. That's what the ECON button is for on the hybrids, just leave it on if you truly need the mileage.
Hopefully the highlander hybrid still has zero rpm below 40 mph, even though the ev button only works below 25 mph! garbage.
#7
10-19-2008, 04:16 PM
Re: New Highlander Hybrid arrived!
Hi philmcneal -
What I have experienced so far (please remember that I just received my HyHi on Thursday!) is that once the ICE has reached normal operating temperature, the ICE will shut down when you let off the throttle...i.e. approaching a stop sign or traffic light.
What I have experienced so far (please remember that I just received my HyHi on Thursday!) is that once the ICE has reached normal operating temperature, the ICE will shut down when you let off the throttle...i.e. approaching a stop sign or traffic light.
#8
10-20-2008, 01:19 AM
Re: New Highlander Hybrid arrived!
even for the prius if you were at operating temperature, you can only get the engine to die if you go past 35 mph (56 km / hr) then when you let off the gas pedal the engine killed itself, subsequently if you were under that speed you can hit the ev mode button.
But if your under 34 mph and you let off the gas before doing the idle check, then would the engine idle till you get below 25 mph and then hit the ev button? hm
But if your under 34 mph and you let off the gas before doing the idle check, then would the engine idle till you get below 25 mph and then hit the ev button? hm
#9
10-20-2008, 08:06 AM
Re: New Highlander Hybrid arrived!
Gee....
Now you can go from 0-60 MPH a lot faster than the standard Highlander, plus burn more fuel on the highway vs the due to the ICE having to run at a higher power level from time to time just to keep the hybrid battery charged up.
Lossy path, that.
If you do mostly city stop-and-go driving and with all three seat rows being occupied then you made a good choice, otherwise...
The '09 FWD Highlander with the fuel sipping I4 would likely have been a much more sensible purchase overall.
Now you can go from 0-60 MPH a lot faster than the standard Highlander, plus burn more fuel on the highway vs the due to the ICE having to run at a higher power level from time to time just to keep the hybrid battery charged up.
Lossy path, that.
If you do mostly city stop-and-go driving and with all three seat rows being occupied then you made a good choice, otherwise...
The '09 FWD Highlander with the fuel sipping I4 would likely have been a much more sensible purchase overall.
Buy the way congrats on the purchase. And yes those 0-60 times are fun!!!
#10
10-20-2008, 11:04 AM
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Beautiful Pacific NW
Posts: 1,678
Re: New Highlander Hybrid arrived!
Actually - I don't care about 0-60 times...I was responding to your comment:
WWest Said: "Now you can go from 0-60 MPH a lot faster than the standard Highlander, plus burn more fuel on the highway vs the due to the ICE having to run at a higher power level from time to time just to keep the hybrid battery charged up."
Also - I disagree with your assertion that:
WWest said: "So, on the highway there is not only no advantage to these hybrid systems, they operate at a definite FE disadvantage."
The EPA numbers on the V6 Highlander (3.6L) gets 23 mpg to the Hybrids 25. Granted its not much, but there is an advantage.... and per your numbers ... even more of an advantage when compared to your RX300.
Ultimately this was the right decision for me. Obviously you have issues with the FE advantages that Hybrid technology provides. So be it. It's a free country.
[Sorry to use the "quotes" -- I haven't figured out how to indent the previous e-mail -- or a portion of the e-mail -- as a tag...]
WWest Said: "Now you can go from 0-60 MPH a lot faster than the standard Highlander, plus burn more fuel on the highway vs the due to the ICE having to run at a higher power level from time to time just to keep the hybrid battery charged up."
Also - I disagree with your assertion that:
WWest said: "So, on the highway there is not only no advantage to these hybrid systems, they operate at a definite FE disadvantage."
The EPA numbers on the V6 Highlander (3.6L) gets 23 mpg to the Hybrids 25. Granted its not much, but there is an advantage.... and per your numbers ... even more of an advantage when compared to your RX300.
Ultimately this was the right decision for me. Obviously you have issues with the FE advantages that Hybrid technology provides. So be it. It's a free country.
[Sorry to use the "quotes" -- I haven't figured out how to indent the previous e-mail -- or a portion of the e-mail -- as a tag...]
"...Obviously you have issues with the FE advantages that Hybrid technology provides..."
No, I currently own an early model Prius. IMMHO the Prius makes use of hybrid technology in a more correct way.
I would like to see a cross between the Toyota A-BAT concept and Hybrid-X concept. Perhaps with a smaller "boxer" DFI 4 cylinder but with an engine belt driven, via "CVT", SuperCharger. Use the Atkinson engine cycle (delayed intake valve closing) 12:1 effective compression ratio, for simple cruising power. But put your foot into it and the engine transitions into the MILLER cycle as SC BOOST rises.
Stellar FE and 0-60 times.
THAT would get me out of my Prius.
