xcel
10-15-2007, 11:58 AM
The 08 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a well appointed cross-over with the added benefit of improved fuel economy and even lower emissions than its non-hybrid counterpart. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/hybrid-vs-non-hybrid-comparisons/t-toyotas-08-highlander-sport-awd-vs-08-hihy-awd-cost-and-features-analysis-6827.html#post50067)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/08_HiHy_Drivers_side_rear_corner.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG.com (www.CleanMPG.com) - Oct. 15, 2007
When the original Toyota Highlander launched in 2001 it joined the RAV4 and Lexus RX 300 helping to usher in the Toyota/Lexus Cross-over sport utility vehicle. The Highlander gained immediate success, setting industry standards for SUV’s in innovation and sales. Toyota broke new ground again in the summer of 2005 with the launch of the Highlander Hybrid, the world's first hybrid SUV with available seating for seven. The all-new 2008 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid raise the bar once again in the mid-sized SUV segment with a complete redesign that is improved, refined and expanded in nearly every metric of comparison. Equally important, along with Prius and Camry Hybrid, it is a key component in the industry's only three-vehicle hybrid strategy.
The 2008 Highlander is larger, roomier and more powerful than the Highlander it replaced. Even with its increased weight, the new Highlander's fuel efficiency improves upon its predecessor per 2008 EPA specifications. It is noticeably quieter and more spacious. It is among the leaders in providing standard active and passive safety equipment in a segment where safety is at the top of purchase considerations.
Here are some of the differences between a 2008 Highlander Sport AWD and the HiHy AWD in terms of amenities, performance, option pricing and total cost.
2008 Toyota Highlander Sport AWD vs. the Toyota HiHy AWD
2008 Toyota Highlander Sport AWD|2008 Toyota HiHy AWD
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/08_Highlander_passenger_side_front_corner.jpg|http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/08_HiHy_drivers_side_front_corner.jpg
2008 Toyota Highlander Sport AWD|2008 Toyota HiHy AWD
|
Engine and Power differences|
3.5L ICE|3.3L ICE
2,000 # Towing capacity – 5,000 # w/ optional Tow package|3,500 # Towing capacity
|
Exterior Feature differences|
|
Fog Lamps|Not Available
Roof Rails|Package
Rear Glass Hatch|Package
Option|Heated power outside mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer grid
Rear Spoiler|Package
P245/ 55R19 Tires|P245/ 65R17 Tires
|
Interior Feature differences|
6-disc CD Changer|Package
Satellite radio|Package
Not Available|Power meter display for the hybrid powertrain.
Not Available|Energy distribution via MFD
Driver Multi-Adjustable Power Seat|Package
Cargo Area Cover|Package
Illuminated vanity mirrors|Package
Second-row personal reading lamps|Package
Fabric-trimmed third-row seat with fold-flat-into-floor capability and folding headrests|Package
Cargo area second-row-seat one-touch fold-flat levers|Package
|
Safety Feature differences|
|
Downhill Assist Control (DAC)|Not available
Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)|Not Available
DRL’s|Not available
|
Pricing (MSRP/Invoice including dest. of $685).|
|
$31,400/$27,946|$33,700/$30,330
Cold Weather Package $60/ $48|Option Package Popular Plus - $3,850/$3,069
Power Back Door $400/$320|
5,000 # Tow Package $220/$160|
Homelink $125/$100|
Note: Some options or packages may not be available on either the HiHy or Highlander Sport depending on your location within the US.
A few odds and ends: As shown, the Highlander Sport has quite a few standard features that the Base HiHy only gains with the Popular Plus package to compare. The HiHy’s feature additions over and above the Highlander Sport include the following: Electric A/C.
Electric Water pump.
Smart Key Smart Start and remote illuminated entry.
Cargo tie-downs.
Hybrid Component warranty of 8 yr./100,000 mi.The HiHy’s Popular Plus equipment package includes 19” Alloy Wheels, Chrome Roof Rail, Driver Power Seat Adjusts 8 Ways Total, Rear Spoiler, Leather Located On Shift Knob, Leather Steering Wheel, Dual Illuminated Vanity Mirrors, Tonneau Cover, 6-Disc CD Changer, Flip-Up lift gate Window – all of which are similar to the appointments included with the Sport AWD. The extra features found in the Popular Plus package but not in the Sport AWD include both Power Lift Gate and HomeLink(R) Universal Garage Door Opener.
The Highlander Sport AWD needs the following options to match what the HiHy’s Popular equipment package added including the windshield wiper de-icer grid and heated side-view mirrors, Towing Prep Package which includes 5000-lb. towing capacity, heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler, 200-watt fan coupling, transmission oil cooler with water cooler, 150-amp alternator and pre-wired harness, Power Back Door and Homelink.
Minor detail differences between the HiHy and Sport like chrome or painted roof racks and door handles, shift lever and steering wheel coverings and exterior trim were purposely not described to keep the article focused on the major differences instead.
Size and Performance: In terms of size, the HiHy has nearly the same interior volume as the Highlander Sport but weighs 253 #’s more due to HSD and the MGR (rear) motor.
Considering performance, the HiHy’s 0 - 60 time is approximately equal to the Highlander Sport AWD. The HiHy has a 2.0 gallon smaller fuel tank than its non-hybrid counterpart but with higher FE, total range is superior.
Pricing: To make an apples to apples comparison, the Base 2008 HiHy had to be optioned up with the Popular Plus equipment package at $3,069 (invoice) and the Highlander Sport needs to be equipped with the options listed above at a cost of $628 (invoice) as outfitted from Toyota.
This puts the cost of the HiHy over $4,825 more than a similarly equipped Highlander 4WD Sport per current Invoice pricing.
Conclusion: With the HiHy’s standard amenities falling short until the very expensive Popular Plus package is added, the HiHy relies on its hybrid drive with higher FE (EPA rated at 27/25 as opposed to the Sport’s 17/23 per the 08 EPA specs), its lower SMOG and GHG emissions, and the ability to drive in an ultra quiet EV mode. All three have to be considered in any price and features analysis. The hybrid premium is hard to justify on $’s alone considering a fuel payoff of 25 + years at $3.00 per gallon (regular unleaded) for the HiHy vs. the Highlander Sport AWD while traveling up to 15,000 miles a year. The differential between the two is just too high to justify in this particular analysis. I suspect Toyota will be sharpening their pencils in the near future when it comes time to price the HiHy more competitively.
Counterpoint: Not only is the std. 08 Highlander Sport AWD $4,825 less than the HiHy AWD when similarly equipped (with no possibility of receiving a payback from fuel cost savings), another drawback is that the HiHy can only be purchased in an AWD configuration. Considering how few $30,000 + SUV’s actually leave paved roads and the fact that any number of 2WD sedans can and do traverse the same roads in harsh winter climates, we question this lack of choice when the RX 400h is available in a FWD configuration? Finally, the HiHy really should be available with the TCH’s 2.4L ICE and HSD combination for even higher FE and lower emissions.
If you are in the market for a $30,000 + Cross-over SUV, the HiHy’s lower SMOG and GHG emissions courtesy of HSD do take a small bite out of the price premium but with an almost $5,000 differential to pay up front for only 5 more mpg on average, it would not be the smart choice.
Good Luck
Wayne
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/08_HiHy_Drivers_side_rear_corner.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG.com (www.CleanMPG.com) - Oct. 15, 2007
When the original Toyota Highlander launched in 2001 it joined the RAV4 and Lexus RX 300 helping to usher in the Toyota/Lexus Cross-over sport utility vehicle. The Highlander gained immediate success, setting industry standards for SUV’s in innovation and sales. Toyota broke new ground again in the summer of 2005 with the launch of the Highlander Hybrid, the world's first hybrid SUV with available seating for seven. The all-new 2008 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid raise the bar once again in the mid-sized SUV segment with a complete redesign that is improved, refined and expanded in nearly every metric of comparison. Equally important, along with Prius and Camry Hybrid, it is a key component in the industry's only three-vehicle hybrid strategy.
The 2008 Highlander is larger, roomier and more powerful than the Highlander it replaced. Even with its increased weight, the new Highlander's fuel efficiency improves upon its predecessor per 2008 EPA specifications. It is noticeably quieter and more spacious. It is among the leaders in providing standard active and passive safety equipment in a segment where safety is at the top of purchase considerations.
Here are some of the differences between a 2008 Highlander Sport AWD and the HiHy AWD in terms of amenities, performance, option pricing and total cost.
2008 Toyota Highlander Sport AWD vs. the Toyota HiHy AWD
2008 Toyota Highlander Sport AWD|2008 Toyota HiHy AWD
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/08_Highlander_passenger_side_front_corner.jpg|http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/506/08_HiHy_drivers_side_front_corner.jpg
2008 Toyota Highlander Sport AWD|2008 Toyota HiHy AWD
|
Engine and Power differences|
3.5L ICE|3.3L ICE
2,000 # Towing capacity – 5,000 # w/ optional Tow package|3,500 # Towing capacity
|
Exterior Feature differences|
|
Fog Lamps|Not Available
Roof Rails|Package
Rear Glass Hatch|Package
Option|Heated power outside mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer grid
Rear Spoiler|Package
P245/ 55R19 Tires|P245/ 65R17 Tires
|
Interior Feature differences|
6-disc CD Changer|Package
Satellite radio|Package
Not Available|Power meter display for the hybrid powertrain.
Not Available|Energy distribution via MFD
Driver Multi-Adjustable Power Seat|Package
Cargo Area Cover|Package
Illuminated vanity mirrors|Package
Second-row personal reading lamps|Package
Fabric-trimmed third-row seat with fold-flat-into-floor capability and folding headrests|Package
Cargo area second-row-seat one-touch fold-flat levers|Package
|
Safety Feature differences|
|
Downhill Assist Control (DAC)|Not available
Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)|Not Available
DRL’s|Not available
|
Pricing (MSRP/Invoice including dest. of $685).|
|
$31,400/$27,946|$33,700/$30,330
Cold Weather Package $60/ $48|Option Package Popular Plus - $3,850/$3,069
Power Back Door $400/$320|
5,000 # Tow Package $220/$160|
Homelink $125/$100|
Note: Some options or packages may not be available on either the HiHy or Highlander Sport depending on your location within the US.
A few odds and ends: As shown, the Highlander Sport has quite a few standard features that the Base HiHy only gains with the Popular Plus package to compare. The HiHy’s feature additions over and above the Highlander Sport include the following: Electric A/C.
Electric Water pump.
Smart Key Smart Start and remote illuminated entry.
Cargo tie-downs.
Hybrid Component warranty of 8 yr./100,000 mi.The HiHy’s Popular Plus equipment package includes 19” Alloy Wheels, Chrome Roof Rail, Driver Power Seat Adjusts 8 Ways Total, Rear Spoiler, Leather Located On Shift Knob, Leather Steering Wheel, Dual Illuminated Vanity Mirrors, Tonneau Cover, 6-Disc CD Changer, Flip-Up lift gate Window – all of which are similar to the appointments included with the Sport AWD. The extra features found in the Popular Plus package but not in the Sport AWD include both Power Lift Gate and HomeLink(R) Universal Garage Door Opener.
The Highlander Sport AWD needs the following options to match what the HiHy’s Popular equipment package added including the windshield wiper de-icer grid and heated side-view mirrors, Towing Prep Package which includes 5000-lb. towing capacity, heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler, 200-watt fan coupling, transmission oil cooler with water cooler, 150-amp alternator and pre-wired harness, Power Back Door and Homelink.
Minor detail differences between the HiHy and Sport like chrome or painted roof racks and door handles, shift lever and steering wheel coverings and exterior trim were purposely not described to keep the article focused on the major differences instead.
Size and Performance: In terms of size, the HiHy has nearly the same interior volume as the Highlander Sport but weighs 253 #’s more due to HSD and the MGR (rear) motor.
Considering performance, the HiHy’s 0 - 60 time is approximately equal to the Highlander Sport AWD. The HiHy has a 2.0 gallon smaller fuel tank than its non-hybrid counterpart but with higher FE, total range is superior.
Pricing: To make an apples to apples comparison, the Base 2008 HiHy had to be optioned up with the Popular Plus equipment package at $3,069 (invoice) and the Highlander Sport needs to be equipped with the options listed above at a cost of $628 (invoice) as outfitted from Toyota.
This puts the cost of the HiHy over $4,825 more than a similarly equipped Highlander 4WD Sport per current Invoice pricing.
Conclusion: With the HiHy’s standard amenities falling short until the very expensive Popular Plus package is added, the HiHy relies on its hybrid drive with higher FE (EPA rated at 27/25 as opposed to the Sport’s 17/23 per the 08 EPA specs), its lower SMOG and GHG emissions, and the ability to drive in an ultra quiet EV mode. All three have to be considered in any price and features analysis. The hybrid premium is hard to justify on $’s alone considering a fuel payoff of 25 + years at $3.00 per gallon (regular unleaded) for the HiHy vs. the Highlander Sport AWD while traveling up to 15,000 miles a year. The differential between the two is just too high to justify in this particular analysis. I suspect Toyota will be sharpening their pencils in the near future when it comes time to price the HiHy more competitively.
Counterpoint: Not only is the std. 08 Highlander Sport AWD $4,825 less than the HiHy AWD when similarly equipped (with no possibility of receiving a payback from fuel cost savings), another drawback is that the HiHy can only be purchased in an AWD configuration. Considering how few $30,000 + SUV’s actually leave paved roads and the fact that any number of 2WD sedans can and do traverse the same roads in harsh winter climates, we question this lack of choice when the RX 400h is available in a FWD configuration? Finally, the HiHy really should be available with the TCH’s 2.4L ICE and HSD combination for even higher FE and lower emissions.
If you are in the market for a $30,000 + Cross-over SUV, the HiHy’s lower SMOG and GHG emissions courtesy of HSD do take a small bite out of the price premium but with an almost $5,000 differential to pay up front for only 5 more mpg on average, it would not be the smart choice.
Good Luck
Wayne