Nx hybrid in the mountains
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Nx hybrid in the mountains
Was wondering if anyone uses their NX in the mountains? IF so how does it do? I know the hybrid doesn't have the greatest of power. I have a place in the mountain that i go to that i have to climb a big hill.
Any thoughts from anyone would help.
Thanks!
The road is gravel that goes up to the cabin.
Any thoughts from anyone would help.
Thanks!
The road is gravel that goes up to the cabin.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 841
From: Idaho
Your info pane shows you are in Virginia, so you would probably be OK. The mountains out there aren’t very tall 
. But all kidding aside, they aren’t as gutless as many people seem to think. I guess it really depends on how steep and long the grades are that you anticipate climbing. I understand why you might be apprehensive about using a hybrid in this environment and your caution is wise. How close is your dealership to this mountain road? A test drive would be the best way to be sure, but a dealer is unlikely to consent to a test drive in off-road conditions.
I would be more concerned about the fact that the hybrid isn’t a true AWD in the conventional sense. If the mountain road you climb is gravel, I would think traction will be very important to you. There is no mechanical linkage to the rear drive wheels in the hybrid. The rear are powered by an electric motor. This is fine for the commuter type traffic that I would suspect most of us use them for, but I would probably prefer a more traditional layout for any serious mountain gravel conditions. This flavor of AWD works well for slick paved roads, but I’m not so convinced as to its effectiveness on steep gravel roads. Just my humble opinion.
. But all kidding aside, they aren’t as gutless as many people seem to think. I guess it really depends on how steep and long the grades are that you anticipate climbing. I understand why you might be apprehensive about using a hybrid in this environment and your caution is wise. How close is your dealership to this mountain road? A test drive would be the best way to be sure, but a dealer is unlikely to consent to a test drive in off-road conditions.I would be more concerned about the fact that the hybrid isn’t a true AWD in the conventional sense. If the mountain road you climb is gravel, I would think traction will be very important to you. There is no mechanical linkage to the rear drive wheels in the hybrid. The rear are powered by an electric motor. This is fine for the commuter type traffic that I would suspect most of us use them for, but I would probably prefer a more traditional layout for any serious mountain gravel conditions. This flavor of AWD works well for slick paved roads, but I’m not so convinced as to its effectiveness on steep gravel roads. Just my humble opinion.
Last edited by TechNut; Jul 6, 2018 at 04:19 PM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 229
From: wa
Sure am I not why hybrid does not have enough power. Electric motors are very torquey and after two hybrids, I'll question such statement.
All will happen is your ICE will run just as regular engine, going up hill - but assisted by motor generators.
I had ZERO issues taking on very steep hills in my Highlander Hybrid. Even winter time and loaded up the roof, as we moved in December and SUV was used as truck, basically. Loaded AND towing a trailer.
That said, at toyotanation, in HiHy section, there was a report from owner, traversing similar environment. Same situation - mountain cabin at steep hill summit, gravel road. He stated that he could not get up the hill. Not sure how and why. 12% serpentine grade I take on daily is no issue whatsoever. Hybrid AWD proved, to me, to be stellar.
All will happen is your ICE will run just as regular engine, going up hill - but assisted by motor generators.
I had ZERO issues taking on very steep hills in my Highlander Hybrid. Even winter time and loaded up the roof, as we moved in December and SUV was used as truck, basically. Loaded AND towing a trailer.
That said, at toyotanation, in HiHy section, there was a report from owner, traversing similar environment. Same situation - mountain cabin at steep hill summit, gravel road. He stated that he could not get up the hill. Not sure how and why. 12% serpentine grade I take on daily is no issue whatsoever. Hybrid AWD proved, to me, to be stellar.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 360
Likes: 6
From: SG
Sure am I not why hybrid does not have enough power. Electric motors are very torquey and after two hybrids, I'll question such statement.
All will happen is your ICE will run just as regular engine, going up hill - but assisted by motor generators.
I had ZERO issues taking on very steep hills in my Highlander Hybrid. Even winter time and loaded up the roof, as we moved in December and SUV was used as truck, basically. Loaded AND towing a trailer.
That said, at toyotanation, in HiHy section, there was a report from owner, traversing similar environment. Same situation - mountain cabin at steep hill summit, gravel road. He stated that he could not get up the hill. Not sure how and why. 12% serpentine grade I take on daily is no issue whatsoever. Hybrid AWD proved, to me, to be stellar.
All will happen is your ICE will run just as regular engine, going up hill - but assisted by motor generators.
I had ZERO issues taking on very steep hills in my Highlander Hybrid. Even winter time and loaded up the roof, as we moved in December and SUV was used as truck, basically. Loaded AND towing a trailer.
That said, at toyotanation, in HiHy section, there was a report from owner, traversing similar environment. Same situation - mountain cabin at steep hill summit, gravel road. He stated that he could not get up the hill. Not sure how and why. 12% serpentine grade I take on daily is no issue whatsoever. Hybrid AWD proved, to me, to be stellar.
Has anyone driven the hybrid compared to a non hybrid? I ask only because I find out 2018 NX quite slow. It's fine once you get up to highway speed and cruising at 70-80mph... but the initial take off isn't there. I wonder if the hybrid because of the instant torque would make it feel better/quicker? The dealership was telling me that the hybrid would be quicker..., but I have yet to test drive one yet.
-Nigel
-Nigel
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: OH
Has anyone driven the hybrid compared to a non hybrid? I ask only because I find out 2018 NX quite slow. It's fine once you get up to highway speed and cruising at 70-80mph... but the initial take off isn't there. I wonder if the hybrid because of the instant torque would make it feel better/quicker? The dealership was telling me that the hybrid would be quicker..., but I have yet to test drive one yet.
-Nigel
-Nigel
Trending Topics
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 314
Likes: 83
From: Vancouver, USA
For its quickness off the line alone, I prefer the hybrid in sport mode over the 200t, but I see little difference between the two in sport mode in all other aspects.
I would buy the hybrid if it came in the F-Sport model with its distinctive grill, but until it does, I'm extremely pleased with my 200t F-Sport.
I would buy the hybrid if it came in the F-Sport model with its distinctive grill, but until it does, I'm extremely pleased with my 200t F-Sport.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 314
Likes: 83
From: Vancouver, USA
Um, yeah, that's why I wrote "I see little difference between the two in sport mode in all other aspects."
But I guess it depends on what you call a "hill." I've driven both the hybrid and non-hybrid up and down a hill that is just over 4300 feet in elevation (I-5 over the Siskiyou Summit in Oregon) with no discernable difference in performance.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mikemareen
HS 250h Model (2010-2012)
14
Sep 13, 2010 10:52 AM
teutonictr
GS - 3rd Gen (2006-2011)
25
Apr 10, 2006 09:20 PM