rhwimmers

Thinking about getting one of these for my wife to drag the kids around in. Anyone have one or know much about them?
Needing a 7 passenger vehicle with good mileage and not enormous, the LX470 models are way to big...So we are replacing a minivan, could go with another minivan, but saw the 7 passenger hybrid and really liked it.
Any thoughts? Looking for a used one of course...

Thanks for any input.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Mike (mmarshall) posted a positive review of the Highlander last year, but I think he did the regular gas version, not the hybrid.

Here is the review: 2008 Highlander Review

tex2670

3rd row is not split--it's either up or down. That is a big minus in my book--I've had plenty of times in my Pilot where I need only *one* seat in the third row, plus cargo area for a stroller or something else.

RX300-BV

Seven passenger with good mileage? Not much out there besides the Highlander Hybrid, depending, of course, on your definition of good mileage. Is 24 mpg highway good? If so, that opens the door to other options.

A seven passenger that is not enormous? There's always the 3-row RAV4. That's pretty much the opposite of enormous. Of course it may not seat 7 adults very well.

A used Highlander Hybrid is still going to cost you a small fortune. A RAV4 you can have for cheap.

bad co

gl320 cdi nuff said

Nextourer

well do you use all 7 seats often? Cause the HiHy's 3rd row is passable for around town trips only. Also, it's a full-fold seat, not split. They're also quite powerful w/ 270hp on board.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

odyssey would be my take probably over the highlander if i needed all that seating.

link: http://automobiles.honda.com/odyssey/

look at odyssey interior:

rhwimmers

gl320 cdi - 17/23 and extremely high priced! Pretty sweet though! had to look up the HiHy lol...like the nickname for it though. I think 24mpg and over is "good" Im sitting at 16-20 (accd. to sticker- i get more like 18-22+) in the mercury villager.
Will not be using 3rd seat too much...so its ok that its small..

SLegacy99

Saw 27 MPG Avg. reported on fueleconomy.gov, which sounds reasonable given my experiences with the RX400h. EPA rates the Highlander hybrid better than the RX400h even with the same powertrain.

I'd say at least 1/4 of the Highlanders I see on the road are hybrids. So, Toyota is doing something right I guess.

memasterac

If you had your mind made on the HL Hybrid, go for it

Otherwise, give yourself a test drive to the Mazda CX-9. http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=128367 I purchased the CX-9 Grand Touring a month ago, love it, and the price is really good. Sometimes I think it handles better than my GS350.

LexusChris

iTrader: (1)

Toyota RAV4, has similar third row specs to the Highlander., RAV4 way to go!.

Fizzboy7

You can't beat it for the economy and reliability. But it's awfully non-descript and plain jane. Your decision depends upon your personal priorities in a vehicle.

KILLERGS4

I know peeps on this forum dont like Acura, but I like the MDX (better than Highlander). offers luxury and good performance... i'd choose MDX for my money...

geko29

One of my coworkers was looking for a 7-passenger vehicle to buy under the CARS program and was set on the RAV4....until he went to the dealer. He said the only purpose of the 3rd row seat was to say there was a 3rd row seat. Even his kids (all are under 8) wouldn't fit back there. So he wound up with the Highlander.

rhwimmers

Is the Rx400H the "same" as the hihy? I dont think the 400h comes with an available 3rd row though right? I had one of those as a rental and loved it!