Road Test: March 2008

Going Hybrid

Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Price: $33,700 to $39,500
EPA rated MPG: 27/25

Lexus RX400h
Price: $41,180-$42,580
EPA rated MPG: 27/24

Going green in the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Lexus RX400h was the easy part of a two week, 600-plus mile journey along the Texas Triangle. From Round Rock to Houston to Dallas, my family of five put just about every gimmick and gadget to the test.
Both vehicles had plenty of get-up-and-go on the highway and were eerily silent in stop-and-go-traffic when the electric motor took over. Just one tank of gas ($42) took us about 400 miles. An unexpected bonus was all of those environmental smiles and comments from people who credited us with driving a hybrid.

Meanwhile, my husband kept himself entertained with the on-board navigation systems, and I loved the rear view camera and even a conversation mirror which convinced my kids that I had eyes in the back of my head.

My magical powers continued with the Highlander’s SmartKey system, which consists of a start/stop button and a key fob (a black computer square with buttons), I kept inside my purse. With no keys, the car sensed my proximity and unlocked the door as I approached.

I also had a lot of fun with a seat converter which I easily pulled out of the center console and transformed the second row of two captain’s chairs into a seat to fit three. It is there when you need it, and compact when you do not.

Soccer Mom-Mobiles

Toyota Land Cruiser
Price: $63,200
EPA rated MPG: 18/12

Toyota Sequoia
Price: $41,150 - $55,600
EPA rated MPG: 16/13

Once we were home, we went up in price and down in fuel efficiency in both the 2008 Land Cruiser and Sequoia, and we loved every mile of it.

I had plenty of room for groceries, gear, kids and all their friends. The Land Cruiser had a great two-tailgate system, although I was not crazy about the bulky third row jump seats, which locked to the side. I was surprised by the 10 airbags (more than any other new Toyota), 14 speakers and more cup holders than I bothered to count. Amidst all the luxury, the Land Cruiser even had a giant center console that doubled as a drink cooler.

The new Sequoia was bit more understated, but very comfortable and family-friendly. My model had all the bells and whistles, and of all the cars, this one seemed to fit my family best. The set-up on the dashboard and the bulky knobs took some getting used to, and my first grader had to show me the seat heater was the red dial. The blue dial was actually fanning a cool breeze through the seat’s back.
Both vehicles had my favorite “must-haves” with the rearview cameras and the Smart Key system as an available option. Both also had that “get out of my way look” and drove more like a truck, which I really liked until I had to pay for it at the gas pump several times.

My friends with babies loved the center section seat in the second row that slid forward, and we cheered all the belts and anchors for car seats in all three rows. The power-recline and power-fold features on the third row were great, and nothing beat that power rear gate that opened with a button on the key fob.

Cool 2B Square

Scion xB
Price: $15,650 - $16,600
EPA rated MPG: 28/22

Now, if money is a factor and you regularly cart around five people, give the Scion xB a whirl. It was not a hybrid, but the little square shape and simple features made it feel like I was driving something different. It was low to the ground, which took some getting used to, and the acceleration was great around the neighborhood and on the highway, although a few 18-wheelers made me nervous.

The Scion was a “get-us-where-we-need-to-go” kind of car for my family. It was not big in the luxury department, but it had an amazing amount of room. I finally found the cup holders in the doors, and my husband got me hooked on the short-throw shifter through five gears which I mastered by week’s end.

*EPA rated MPGs can be found at www.epa.gov
*Research a vehicle: Cars.com; ConsumerReports.org; Edmunds.com; kbb.com (Kelly Blue Book)

Lexus of Austin

• “Quiet Room” is complete with Internet access, leather couches and even massage chairs!
• The gift shop puts the Lexus emblem on everything from Rolex jewelry to Longhorn gear.
• Service any Toyota vehicle and receive a complimentary, hand car wash.
• Not kid-friendly yet, but plans include a dedicated children’s area.

• 140 employees
• Community Involvement includes Center for Child Protection, the Rise School of Austin, People's Community Clinic

Charles Maund Toyota/Scion

• Close to IH-35 and US 183.
  
• Internet access and separate showrooms for truck-lovers and sound system- enthusiasts.
  
• Small children’s area, but friendly staff and lots of smiles.
  

• 113 employees
• Community Involvement includes U.S. Marine Toys for Tots

www.CharlesMaundToyota.com
458-2222
8400 Research Blvd. • Austin

Round Rock Toyota/Scion

• Showroom is huge and customer-friendly.
• Full-service Starbucks coffee bar in the middle of the waiting area.
• Plenty of seating, kiosks, Internet access and a great kid’s area.
• Customer check-out offers a Toyota brand gift shop

• 137 employees
• Community Involvement includes Walk Like MADD-5k Walk,
• Stony Point High School Project Graduation

www.ToyotaofRoundRock.com
244-6900
2307 N. IH 35 • Round Rock