Hybrids

[EdDucks916]

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-cars27may27,1,5684314.story?coll=la-home-headlines

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Here looks like someone has chosen to buy a 4Runner over a full-size. He chose the V6 version, though, thinking that it'll save him 720 dollars in fuel cost vs. a Tahoe or Yukon.

Meantime, Toyota next year will roll out their hybrid Highlander and Lexus RX400h while Ford counters with their Escape hybrid. If the market is there Toyota has said they plan to offer hybrids on all models in 2007 - meaning it's likely the 4Runner will get a hybrid setup if the market is there.

Curious as to whether anyone might consider a hybrid 4Runner...

 

[darktiger]

I would go for a gas/hybrid 4runner. The specs on the new RX400h is pretty good............

 

[CopperX]

If I understand correctly, what they will do to Hybrid Highlander/RX400h was just to add electric motors in addition to their original 3.3 engines so it will work effiently when they don't need too much power. I will think they will just engineer some electric motors to match the 4Runner's 4.0 and 4.7 engines.

 

[CopperX]

From the LA Times article:

"To move the larger vehicles, he said, automakers and dealers are resorting to incentives and discounts. In the case of Chevrolet's Suburban, they add up to about $10,000."

Wasn't it pretty much like a 25% off on a new Suburban?

 

[bulldog-yota]

If they do it right I will defintely go for it. FOr off orad driving a proper electric motor will spank a gas engine. It provides its max torque at 0RPM in most applications and it doesn't need to idle!!! It will make it ideal for those climbs with low traction, also you can recharge on the way down.

Downside will be cost and weight, as an electric motor needs big fat battery. Also the gearbox will be interesting as I haven't seen a CVT that can handle the torque to accelerate a 2ton+ vehicle. I stand corrected but the hybrid on the Lexus and highlander is sort of gas drive front wheeels and electric back wheels??? WHich will not work for 4RUnner applications.

Diesel sucks most of the time off road, as they normally come in turbo form and requires at least 1700 RPM or more to make torque (which come in spades then), but everytime I went off roading I constantly found myself in no mans land with either too little or too much torque.

 

[Specialized]

Yes Yes Make a Hybrid! I love my 4runner too much to give it up for another SUV brand hybrid

 

[Uneek]

Gas only, the hybrid premium doesn't offset the gas savings. But I do love the instant pull and acceleration of performance hybrids like the Lexus GS450h. It just walks away at freeway speeds.

 

[Falls]

No hybrid , personally I think thats all such BS.

 

[shawnstcyr]

Unfortunately, hybrids are only practical if you do alot of in-town driving. Does anyone know if they make or plan to make a 6 cyl. hybrid.