Hybrid Car Review

Despite higher gas prices, hybrid SUVs are staying on the lot longer than they did in December. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid was on the lot for an average of 34 days, according to the Power Information Network, J.D. Power and Associates’ number-crunching unit.

According to Edmunds.com, the Highlander Hybrid was on the lot for 38 days, even though the conventional highlander took 31 days to sell. The average vehicle took 63 days to sell in March.

The problem with the hybrid SUVs is price. When they are delivering some return on investment with better mileage, most buyers are not convinced to pay the up front costs. For instance, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid sells for $37 to $38K, but the conventional highlander can go for $28-$29K.

Despite that, sales have grown since December for the hybrid version, although the days on the lot have also grown from only 14 days on the lot. Still, the hybrid version is accounting for 27 percent of Highlander sales.

Some dealers are offering incentives on the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, at up to $3900 off the sticker price. While the Lexus RX400h sticker price was cut by $2350 in November by making the navigation system and rear camera optional.


Times Leader | 04/30/2006 | Gas price run-up not turning tide for hybrid SUVs