[theleeb]

Folks - I have a 2007 gas Highlander....getting about 19mpg. Mulling the hybrid version....need an SUV so considering the Escape as well.

I see that the Escape seems to get better mileage....and Ford has improved their quality, surpassing GM and Chrysler. But I know they still trail Toyota.

Anyone have any thoughts about the comparison? From reading other publications it appears the 2008 Escape generation was a big step forward from pre-2008.

Likewise, I was reading Edmunds testimonials and folks seem to be disappointed with the 2006 Highlander-hybrid...somewhat less so for the 2007 edition...and, similar to the Escape, there are more positive reviews for the 2008 edition.

I can't afford anything new, so looking at the 2007-2009 years for either model.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks.

 

[CPSDarren]

Folks - I have a 2007 gas Highlander....getting about 19mpg. Mulling the hybrid version....need an SUV so considering the Escape as well.

I see that the Escape seems to get better mileage....and Ford has improved their quality, surpassing GM and Chrysler. But I know they still trail Toyota.

Anyone have any thoughts about the comparison? From reading other publications it appears the 2008 Escape generation was a big step forward from pre-2008.

Likewise, I was reading Edmunds testimonials and folks seem to be disappointed with the 2006 Highlander-hybrid...somewhat less so for the 2007 edition...and, similar to the Escape, there are more positive reviews for the 2008 edition.

I can't afford anything new, so looking at the 2007-2009 years for either model.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks.

The Escape will only get a little better fuel economy if you opt for the 2WD version. In AWD trim, the EPA rates them pretty close. Consumer Reports gives the edge to the Highlander Hybrid. I doubt it's much difference either way.

Quality wise, I doubt there's much difference, either. Most new vehicles are pretty reliable these days.

The Highlander is certainly larger. You get a 3rd row if you ever need it. The crash test results are better, too.

If you don't need AWD and are going for fuel economy, I'd personally consider the FWD Escape to be more of a competitor to the new Prius V in terms of passenger and cargo space, and the Prius V gets a lot better fuel economy.

If you need AWD or plan to tow and cost isn't an issue, then the Highlander Hybrid is a much better choice all around. The Escape is being phased out, so there might be bargains to be had.

 

[355spider]

Make sure you look on the net at real world gas mileage. The EPA isnt so good at it apparently. The KIA SUV is rated hi but gets bad mileage on almost everything I read from real owners.

 

[roboron]

Keep in mind the HiHy was redesigned in 2008... 2007 is still the older generation with several problems, and was 'only' FWD. 2008 and later are much better, a bit bigger, and are all AWD.

BTW - the third row seats are not standard with all HiHy's. They are a part of different option packages, namely the "Popular Package", "Popular Plus Package", and "Preferred Interior Package". I almost made the mistake of buying a used HiHy, assuming they all had the third row. I have found that about half of the ones I've looked at - don't.

Only the "Limited" HiHy has it as standard.... along with about everything else you can imagine.

 

[Zembonez]

The two are completely aimed at different markets. The Highlander is much more upscale.

 

[Etiddr]

Third row is also availaible on somes options package on the base model (At least for 2008-2010).

 

[GoCarGo]

I've owned 08 mercury mariner (upscale trim/comfort over escape) and '08 & '12 HiHy's (and Prius) and I can say that the difference in quality, comfort and ride between Ford & Toyota is VERY noticeable and (your buying a Ford) would be a downgrade.

2 quick differences between them that made all the difference in the world to me are:

The Ford's air conditioning does not cool at full stop (such as: traffic lights) because its AC compressor is connected to its gasoline engine's fan belt and the Ford's engine shuts down when your foot's on the brake, and you know this is NOT the case with the all Toyota's Hybrids as our AC compressor is not run by fan belt but rather by it's own independent electric motor.

Locate a set of "bumpy" RR tracks: Drive your HiHy over them at 50 mph and then go test-drive the Escape/Mariner hybrid over the same tracks at the same speed... you'll feel that the Toyota's ride is much more smooth and controllable.

Case closed, you're welcome