2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets CR best in class award, Explorer flops.
05-14-11, 02:27 PM
#1
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets CR best in class award, Explorer flops.
The 2011 Highlander Hybrid received a Recommended rating and an "89" overall score, higher than any other SUV reviewed, including the Touareg TDI and Ford Explorer in the same June edition.
Midsized SUVs, Consumer Reports
Midsized SUVs, Consumer Reports
2011 HH gets amazing 28mpg combined, 0-60 in 7.4s/7.1s and 60-0 in 120ft, all awesome figures for larger 7 seater SUV.
Ford got really poor review for its engine and nvh.
05-14-11, 03:45 PM
#4
Lexus Fanatic
Compare the prices, though. The Highlander Hybrid and VW Diesel versions that CR tested run 8-10K more than the tested Explorer. Sure, they get better mileage, but that price difference can buy a LOT of gas for the Explorer. And diesel fuel, of course, has gone up in price with gasoline.
Don't get me wrong....I'm not an Explorer fan-boy, or necessarily trying to defend its flaws. I reviewed the new Explorer last winter, and, like with all vehicles, wrote up both Plusses and Minuses. But I think you have to compare apples and oranges....a conventional gas V6's fuel-mileage, in most cases, is simply not going to compare with an equivalant diesel or hybrid.
Don't get me wrong....I'm not an Explorer fan-boy, or necessarily trying to defend its flaws. I reviewed the new Explorer last winter, and, like with all vehicles, wrote up both Plusses and Minuses. But I think you have to compare apples and oranges....a conventional gas V6's fuel-mileage, in most cases, is simply not going to compare with an equivalant diesel or hybrid.
Last edited by mmarshall; 05-14-11 at 03:50 PM.
05-14-11, 04:20 PM
#6
Lexus Fanatic
^Factor in the rate of depreciation and total annual operating costs for the Highlander hybrid are competitive with any mid-sized SUV (especially American SUVs and VW SUVs). Purchase price alone doesn't tell the whole story in this case.
05-14-11, 04:45 PM
#7
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
Compare the prices, though. The Highlander Hybrid and VW Diesel versions that CR tested run 8-10K more than the tested Explorer. Sure, they get better mileage, but that price difference can buy a LOT of gas for the Explorer. And diesel fuel, of course, has gone up in price with gasoline.
Don't get me wrong....I'm not an Explorer fan-boy, or necessarily trying to defend its flaws. I reviewed the new Explorer last winter, and, like with all vehicles, wrote up both Plusses and Minuses. But I think you have to compare apples and oranges....a conventional gas V6's fuel-mileage, in most cases, is simply not going to compare with an equivalant diesel or hybrid.
Don't get me wrong....I'm not an Explorer fan-boy, or necessarily trying to defend its flaws. I reviewed the new Explorer last winter, and, like with all vehicles, wrote up both Plusses and Minuses. But I think you have to compare apples and oranges....a conventional gas V6's fuel-mileage, in most cases, is simply not going to compare with an equivalant diesel or hybrid.
I am sure they used the pricing as well, which makes HH win even more telling how good vehicle it is.
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05-14-11, 08:55 PM
#8
Lexus Fanatic
No question the 28K Highlander is also a good vehicle, and the Highlander, to its credit, does not seem to have suffered the quality and fit/finish drop that some other recent Toyota products have. But then, again, the 28K Highlander's mileage is several MPG's short of its Hybrid-cousin....and much closer to the Explorer's. And the base Highlander offers something the base Explorer doesn't...a four-cylinder and 2WD, for even better gas mileage. But not many people want 2WD SUVs.
Last edited by mmarshall; 05-14-11 at 08:58 PM.
05-14-11, 09:14 PM
#9
No question the 28K Highlander is also a good vehicle, and the Highlander, to its credit, does not seem to have suffered the quality and fit/finish drop that some other recent Toyota products have. But then, again, the 28K Highlander's mileage is several MPG's short of its Hybrid-cousin....and much closer to the Explorer's. And the base Highlander offers something the base Explorer doesn't...a four-cylinder and 2WD, for even better gas mileage. But not many people want 2WD SUVs.
05-15-11, 04:42 AM
#10
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
No question the 28K Highlander is also a good vehicle, and the Highlander, to its credit, does not seem to have suffered the quality and fit/finish drop that some other recent Toyota products have. But then, again, the 28K Highlander's mileage is several MPG's short of its Hybrid-cousin....and much closer to the Explorer's. And the base Highlander offers something the base Explorer doesn't...a four-cylinder and 2WD, for even better gas mileage. But not many people want 2WD SUVs.
05-15-11, 08:21 AM
#11
Lexus Champion
In CR's rankings of mid sized SUV's the top 5 in order are: Highlander Hybrid (89), Flex Ecoboost (85), Acura MDX (85), Toureg TDI (82), Kia Sorrento (82).
The Highlander V6 is ranked #6 (81). Not too much of a spread between the top models.
The Highlander V6 is ranked #6 (81). Not too much of a spread between the top models.
05-15-11, 09:01 AM
#12
Recovering Lexus Addict
I wonder if Ford is stretching their use of that single platform a bit far. I was surprised that the 3.5 Ecoboost was not available in the Explorer. I suspect they are trying to hold down the price compared to the competition.
05-15-11, 01:13 PM
#14
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter