With our average miles we drive it would take us 7 years to break even from the additional cost of a hybrid( est $3.50/gallon). Then when the 10 year battery warranty goes away that 7-10 year timeline gets reset when you need a new $2-3000k battery. Less towing capacity is also an issue for us which hasn’t been resolve yet on the platinum gas or hybrid. Just run the numbers.

 

If you drive 8000 miles per year at 18mpg you will burn 444 gallons. At $3.20 per gallon in one year you will spend $1400. Since Hybrid gets double miles per gallon it will take you 2 years to pay for the difference.

 

I wonder how long your hybrid could idle to keep you warm if you were stranded in -30 C temp. How long will the air conditioner work in +30 C weather. To me.. a hybrid is only useful if you just commute to work or get bread and milk at the grocery store.. and you plan to trade up long before the battery needs replacing. Once the subsidies disappear.. and you pay road tax (or equivalent) on that electricity.. hybrids soon lose their appeal.

 

My highlander Hybrid uses the hybrid battery to run the A/C until the battery drains down at which time the engine starts and recharges the battery and powers the A/C. I bought my Hybrid years ago when hybrid was considerable more. I enjoy the quiet at traffic lights and when stuck in traffic. I drive my cars until they go to the scrap yard so resale value is not important to me.

 

I'm waiting for the hybrid. It won't be a financial driver. I probably won't break even vs. the gas model based on how long I usually keep my vehicles (3 to 5 years).

I've been intrigued by hybrids ever since I test drove a 2008 Highlander Hybrid. I've enjoyed renting various hybrids including the Prius and the Fusion Hybrid. I seriously considered buying a Lexus CT200 or a Prius. It came down to the CT and the 4Runner, and I went with the latter (no regrets). A few months ago I seriously considered buying a Tesla Model 3.

I think it's the instant torque of the electric motor(s) that I enjoy. My main concern was lack of power when the gas engine kicked in -- saw that with the CT, Prius, and the Fusion. You'd accelerate, and it was great for the first few seconds until the gas engine kicked in and you're basically mashing down the gas pedal to build any speed.

One other note: based on a couple of the YouTube reviews, I'm seriously considering the AWD version. Seems like the FWD versions have a bad case of torque steer when the electric motor kicks in.

I'm not as worried about reliability and longevity given how many years Toyota has had producing hybrids. They extended the warranty period from 8 to 10 years for 2020, which indicates to me that they are confident enough to know they can do that with minimal risk.

 

If I buy another Highlander, I’m waiting for the Hybrid Limited or Platinum. My ‘14 Limited ice consistently gets 17.5 -18.5 mpg. (I rarely drive highway, mostly short trips to work and around town) For $1,400, I’m almost doubling my mpg. No brainer. Assuming gas prices and how I drive remain stable, I’ll pay off the $1,400 in about 21K miles over driving my ‘14. I don’t need to tow 5K lbs., 3.5K is more than enough for me. Not sure where the lower resale bullet point came from in the OP’s post. All of my research indicates that the Hybrid (2014-2019) has a higher resale? I likely won’t keep the car more than 5 or 6 years before I get the itch to buy new again, so no battery replacement costs/issues. Toyota’s Hybrid systems have also proven very reliable.

Kelly Blue Book average trade 01/10/20, Standard Options:
2014 ICE Limited - $17,846
2014 Hybrid Limited - $20,791

2014 ICE Platinum - $19,510
2014 Hybrid Platinum - $22,044

The differences are also consistent from year to year. The Hybrids are worth more at resale across the board and between my savings in mpg and higher resale, I expect to be $5K - $6K ahead over an equivalent ICE model at the end of my ownership.

 

Lower resale value?? Negating any gas savings?

Looking at Edmunds to compare used hybrid vs non hybrid for exact same model - same average condition, same color, same options - the hybrid doesn't seem to loose that much value even after the 8 year/100,000 mile warranty has expired.

Comparison 2016 model year / 50,000 miles:

Comparison 2011 model year / 100,000 miles:

 

Isn't the hybrid better for the environment, regardless of how long it takes to recoup the cost difference?

 

It's debateable, and the answer is likely "No'. Hybrid technologies require the refinement of heavy metals --- something that is not very environmentally friendly to begin with. However, it's done in far away lands and not metropolitans where one's external public image to the world is everything. Basically --- it gives the buyer warm-fuzzies.

 

I'd dare to point out that OP is interested in why you chose gas over hybrid. Not how hybrid is better. I think, he already has one similar thread in hybrid section, where he is convinced that hybrid is better.
Maybe prove to him HERE, why gas is better?

 

I'd dare to point out that OP is interested in why you chose gas over hybrid. Not how hybrid is better. I think, he already has one similar thread in hybrid section, where he is convinced that hybrid is better.
Maybe prove to him HERE, why gas is better?

I don't know if/why gas is better. I haven't bought either one yet. I simply "dared" to ask a question. If it was an inappropriate question or post, then I apologize.

 

OP here's my take why gas model is better:
1. Price of gas model is cheaper by $1400
2. 3.5L V6 is more powerful and has better acceleration when you need it (often drive with passengers, baggage, or just want more power to feel safer on highways on ramps, passing etc)
3. Better availability (more choices of trims/colors - for those who don't want to wait for order and wants to just buy on the lot) and better discounts under MSRP (HiHy when it comes out will have much steeper curve of holding msrp and much less discounts compared to gas model - based on similar sales trend for RAV4 gas vs Hybrid).
4. 250lbs lighter - this is subtle, but noticeable increase in handling (of course this is very mild point, as neither of Highlanders excels at handling, but just for sake of complete list of reasons)
5. Towing 5000lbs - again this is only for those who needs it (statistically it's less than 5% who tow close to 5000lbs, probably why Toyota decided not to care too much for them and offered only 3500lbs on HiHy)
6. If you keep it for >10 years - a slight chance that repair prices (should you ever need it) will be higher on HiHy, as once again many repair shops go by the book and the book has different requirements for Hybrid vehicles - Hi-Voltage system clearance and such. So I'm saying that gas model might be cheaper in the long run to maintain (though you might have to pay more for spark plug replacement on V6 vs inline 4 on HiHy).

One thing I want to address though: HiHy does not have more moving parts. To begin with V6 engine is a lot more complex (even if it's older), it has 2 banks (instead of 1 on 4 cyl.), it has more valves, more gaskets, more chances of failure. In addition gas model gets 8-speed transmission that also has a lot more moving parts vs CVT on Hybrid model. On top of that that 2.5L inline 4 cyl. engine in HiHy will work in MUCH milder regime on a steady rpms (ideal for internal combustion engine) vs 3.5L engine that will be MUCH more taxed on EVERY and EACH acceleration/load. Somebody calculated that on a average trip Toyota Hybrids spent 40% of time with engine NOT working, while the rest 60% it's working in much milder loads. If I remember correctly coefficient of miles in terms of engine life was about 3 to 1 - basically for every 100k miles you drive on your gas 3.5L it will equate to only about 30k miles on HiHy - meaning that engine in HiHy will have 3 times less wear and tear. So IMHO it's not as simple as you might think that HiHY has more moving parts and hence more chances of failure. In my opinion it's opposite.

 

I think the discount difference between hybrid and gas might be bigger than the $2k stock MSRP price difference. With just the 2k MSRP difference, I think it will take about 3 years to break even.

Here in Canada, the cars only started to arrive this month. Maybe in 2 months, we can hope to get $2k or even $3k discount on a Platinum trim. In which case, it could take 6+ years to break even. I might just go with gas.

Critical factors in your choice.
Your driving environment, mostly highway or mostly city-urban.
Time of ownership
How much you have to finance

You already said you intended to keep it around 5 years, so the depreciation is a wash.
The hybrids shine in stop and go environments.
Lower initial cost means less interest paid on the loan (assuming you have one).

My drive to work each way is about 30km, 20km of it is highway, so I would be spending more on highway. I am planning to keep it for 5 years or so, even if I plan to keep it longer, I will be giving this to my wife who will be doing local driving 10 km or 15 km per day total.

The problem is that ICE powered cars never get EPA measured MPGs.

Wouldn't this be same for Hybrid as it is for ICE - that they never get the EPA measured MPGs?

 

I guess.

I am just wondering if you can share the reason why you did not wait or consider the hybrid.

Also, it's conventional Highlander forum. Hybrid discussions are in hybrid section.

 

Sorry for the confusion. It was not really about gas vs hybrid, and it was just a question for gas version buyers why they chose gas over the hybrid. I think mod changed the title to correctly reflect the point of the thread.

Thanks everyone for sharing your reasons, that does help.

 

I think the ICE all wheel drive is better than the Hybrid all wheel drive.

 

I live in the mountains and want the extra Horsepower. Plus the Hybrid has a CVT, doesn't it? I prefer to have the 8 speed instead.

 

See, you can do it

 

I chose the gas model because I do not know anyone including myself how to repair the vehicle except for the dealer. The motor generator failure will cost you a pant load if it fails and not an easy repair to boot. Toyota has models that are so much easier and cheaper to repair Plus I keep my vehicles a very long time. 1993 911, 2004 Escalade ESV, 2000 Corvette convertible, 2011 RAV4 and a 2005 BMW 745 LI. So my 2019 HL will be with our Family for a very long time. Plus today I bought gas a Costco for 2.05.9

 

Regarding AWD. Yes, you have electric AWD in hybrids and mechanical AWD in conventional cars. Hence, towing is better. We had reports from hybrid owners having trouble pulling boat trailers up on wet ramps or going up snowy hills. With mechanical AWD you can lock all wheels and with electric you can't.

 

Many of you already bought the gas model, or looking to buy gas model soon. I am just wondering if you can share the reason why you did not wait or consider the hybrid.

So far, the differences I know are:

• Better mileage (rated at 600+ miles / 900+ km on a full tank, is this even realistic?)
• Only US1.4k and CAD $2k more than the gas model

• More moving parts, more chance of failure
• Lower towing capacity
• More weight
• Lower resale value?? Negating any gas savings?

Is there anything else I missed?

I am trying to hold off until the Hybrid comes out so I can go check out both models. If you can share your thoughts on this, that would help me decide. Sometimes I feel like not taking chances of Hybrid with it's "more moving parts, more chance of failure"

Critical factors in your choice.
Your driving environment, mostly highway or mostly city-urban.
Time of ownership
How much you have to finance

You already said you intended to keep it around 5 years, so the depreciation is a wash.
The hybrids shine in stop and go environments.
Lower initial cost means less interest paid on the loan (assuming you have one).

 

I chose gas over hybrid because adding a hybrid adds more complications to the mechanics, electronics, transmission, and engine; therefore, possibly leading to more repairs. Also it takes time to get a return on the investment on a hybrid. I will buy a hybrid when the return on the investment is quick.

 

Return on investment can be quick depending on your driving, cost of fuel where you drive and yearly mileage situation. You also get some of the extra purchase price back at resale time.
The return on investment on RAV4 Hybrid vs regular RAV4 is supposed to be quite quick for average drivers. If you live where gas is cheap and you drive low yearly mileage and not much city driving mileage, it will be slow though.

 

Thank you everyone for you input and thought. VERY Interesting/helpful thread. Look forward to more input.

 

I have a 2014 Avalon purchased new as of today 64600 miles. Excluding tires and regular service I have spent no money on repairs. I have averaged 39.8 mpg using app “Fuelly” to track the mileage.

 

My 2019 Platinum, Hybrid just makes me feel good. I'm getting 25mph in the city 3 or 4 better than my 2008 hybrid. I wouldn't care for the "automatic off" the gas version apparently has, although I've heard you can turn that off. Plenty of towing for me....I'm not a macho guy and need to have a RAM or something - this does me just great

 

Many of you already bought the gas model, or looking to buy gas model soon. I am just wondering if you can share the reason why you did not wait or consider the hybrid.

So far, the differences I know are:

• Better mileage (rated at 600+ miles / 900+ km on a full tank, is this even realistic?)
• Only US1.4k and CAD $2k more than the gas model

• More moving parts, more chance of failure
• Lower towing capacity
• More weight
• Lower resale value?? Negating any gas savings?

Is there anything else I missed?

I am trying to hold off until the Hybrid comes out so I can go check out both models. If you can share your thoughts on this, that would help me decide. Sometimes I feel like not taking chances of Hybrid with it's "more moving parts, more chance of failure"

 

I had a 2016 RAV4 Hybrid and now have a 2019 Highlander Platinum ICE. With the Highlander V6 in Power mode the RAV4 in power mode the RAV4 could easily out accelerate the Highlander with a V6. The reason I went with the ICE is because I'm looking at retirement within a year and am thinking of getting a travel trailer and want more towing power. I do miss the 37 MPG in the RAV4 and the acceleration. I just completed a long road trip in the Highlander and was impressed that we got 27 MPG on several tanks. I also have a booth at a lot of craft fairs and needed more space.

 

Not sure but won’t the ‘20 HyHi have less power this year than last?

 

It’s a 4cyl hybrid this year. It was a 6cyl hybrid last year.

 

Ca

Many of you already bought the gas model, or looking to buy gas model soon. I am just wondering if you can share the reason why you did not wait or consider the hybrid.

So far, the differences I know are:

• Better mileage (rated at 600+ miles / 900+ km on a full tank, is this even realistic?)
• Only US1.4k and CAD $2k more than the gas model

• More moving parts, more chance of failure
• Lower towing capacity
• More weight
• Lower resale value?? Negating any gas savings?

Is there anything else I missed?

I am trying to hold off until the Hybrid comes out so I can go check out both models. If you can share your thoughts on this, that would help me decide. Sometimes I feel like not taking chances of Hybrid with it's "more moving parts, more chance of failure"

May I reply in favor of the hybrid? We have the 2017 HiHy Limited Platinum and could not be happier!!! Had been waiting some time for a hybrid or electric that could tow our popup 3K lb camper and set our sights on the HiHy to replace our old Honda Odyssey as soon as we read the HiHy was on the way. It’s more than lived up to our expectations, towing the camper from Houston to west Texas and other trips like a champ. It’s as if nothing is behind us!!! And we’re averaging over 25 mpg around town, 20-25 on the trips. Admittedly we didn’t care about the extra cost or trade-in value (Toyota seems to have the hybrid technology down pat). Wife and I try to be very green and considered buying a hybrid the responsible thing to do. Would have gotten the Tesla SUV but infrastructure just not there yet to support our road trips. Only issue so far has been with the enTune system. Bottom line: We think we made the right choice and no regrets whatsoever.

 

Many of you already bought the gas model, or looking to buy gas model soon. I am just wondering if you can share the reason why you did not wait or consider the hybrid.

I have the 2018, and here's what I have found with Hybrid (Not that I dont like it):

• ~30 minutes of idle with A/C in Summer on battery before engine kicks in
• ~30 minutes of idle in Winter with Heat ON since engine is what provides heat if you set a +20 Celsius temp front/back but depends on our Canadian weather
• In Summer I get average of 9L/100KM combined (80% City / 20% Hwy), In winter its 9.5-9.8L/100KM
• If I drive with a very easy foot in the summer, I can squeeze out a FULL 700KM from the tank.

I like the little extra oomph hybrid offers with the V6, Yes its heavier but I feel the acceleration is better than ICE

If i had to buy a new 2020, I wouldn't buy hybrid as honestly the savings are minimal at current gas prices, and Its power sucks with the I4....If i am going to drive a Crossover the size of a highlander...I definitely want the power to go with it....I would instead look at the Rav4 Prime (Will be considering this for our Corolla replacement in a year or two)

 

Something else to be considered... At $1400 above gas, the cost of hybrid can be calculated out to how long to recoup your cost. However, one thing often overlooked is dealerships may be more willing to negotiate more for gas than hybrids. In that case, your cost difference could be significantly more than just $1400. This could be the deciding for myself when I am ready to buy (late spring)...will there be any discount differences I can get on one above the other. Otherwise Hybrid is looking the winner to me for gas savings and fact I won't need that much towing ability.

 

That depends on supply and demand. If Toyota underestimates demand and therefore underproduces hybrids, then there will be a shortage making discounts difficult.
If not, there is no leverage or logical reason for dealerships to negotiate less on hybrids.
For some reason, Toyota is underproducing RAV4 hybrids. I assume they have capacity issues at the factory that produces the hybrid version in Japan. However, isn’t the Highlander hybrid going to be produced at the same factory as the gas version?

When any new model is released, initial production is slow and dealerships may only get onesie two size deliveries that will sell immediately to desperate buyers who want to be the first to own one.
6 months or a year later, who knows.

 

Me personally? I wouldn't touch a hybrid. Only because it would stick a finger in the eye of all those man made global warming morons.

 

Should I get into the science v. science deniers...? nah...wont fall for the bait. This is about highlander forum...