Here’s Why this Toyota is the Worst SUV to Buy

Summary

In this video, Scotty discusses the pros and cons of buying a hybrid SUV, focusing on the 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. He explains how hybrid SUVs offer slightly better gas mileage but come with higher upfront costs and maintenance risks, especially as they age. Scotty warns against purchasing high-mileage hybrid SUVs due to costly repairs, particularly with the hybrid components. He also touches on CVT transmissions, noting that Honda's CVTs are more reliable than Nissan's. In the end, Scotty advises caution when considering hybrid vehicles, particularly used ones, emphasizing long-term reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hybrid SUVs like the 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offer better gas mileage compared to their non-hybrid counterparts, but the difference is modest, especially on the highway.
• 😀 The hybrid version of the Toyota Highlander provides more horsepower (306 hp) compared to the regular V6 engine (270 hp), but the extra cost may not be worth it for some buyers.
• 😀 The Toyota Highlander Hybrid gets about 27 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway, which is decent for its size but not extraordinary.
• 😀 Non-hybrid versions of the Toyota Highlander provide better fuel efficiency on the highway, reaching around 26 mpg, making the hybrid advantage less significant for long-distance driving.
• 😀 The high cost of hybrid technology, especially for repairs or replacement parts like the hybrid battery, can make owning a used hybrid SUV a financial risk in the long term.
• 😀 Replacement hybrid batteries for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid can cost up to $6,800 for a brand-new unit, or around $1,949 for a remanufactured one, though remanufactured batteries don't last as long.
• 😀 Hybrid vehicles, including the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, can experience expensive and complex repairs when parts like the electric motor or hybrid drive system fail, potentially costing thousands of dollars.
• 😀 Purchasing a new hybrid SUV may be beneficial if you're planning to trade it in before reaching high mileage, as the hybrid system tends to deteriorate with time and mileage.
• 😀 Used high-mileage hybrid SUVs, such as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, are not recommended due to the high repair and maintenance costs associated with the hybrid technology.
• 😀 If you're considering a hybrid SUV for fuel savings, the Toyota Prius or similar small, efficient hybrids may be a better choice, as larger SUVs can't achieve the same high fuel economy due to their size and weight.

Q & A

What are the main differences between a hybrid and a non-hybrid Toyota Highlander?

The main difference lies in the powertrain. The hybrid Toyota Highlander uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor, whereas the non-hybrid model only has a gasoline engine. The hybrid has more horsepower, but the gas mileage advantage is not dramatic, especially considering the hybrid’s higher initial cost.

Is it worth paying extra for a hybrid SUV like the Toyota Highlander?

While the hybrid version offers a slight improvement in gas mileage, it’s not significant enough to justify the extra cost for most people. The savings in fuel might not fully compensate for the higher upfront price, especially in a large vehicle like the Highlander.

How does the Toyota Highlander Hybrid compare to the Prius in terms of fuel efficiency?

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is much less fuel-efficient than the Prius. The Prius is a smaller, more aerodynamic vehicle designed for high fuel efficiency, while the Highlander is a larger SUV, and its size and weight limit its efficiency. The Highlander Hybrid only offers marginal improvements in fuel economy.

What are the potential repair costs for a used Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

Repair costs for a used Toyota Highlander Hybrid can be very high due to the complexity of its hybrid system. For example, replacing the hybrid differential or power unit can cost thousands of dollars, with labor and parts being expensive. These systems are often difficult to repair or rebuild.

How long do hybrid batteries last in the Toyota Highlander?

Hybrid batteries in the Toyota Highlander can last around 8-10 years, depending on use. However, when they fail, they can be very expensive to replace. A remanufactured battery can cost around $1,949, while a new battery can cost over $6,800.

Are remanufactured hybrid batteries reliable?

Remanufactured hybrid batteries are less reliable than new ones. They often include older cells, which may fail prematurely. Although they are cheaper than new batteries, remanufactured ones generally do not last as long and may need replacement sooner.

What is the risk of buying a high-mileage Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

Buying a high-mileage Toyota Highlander Hybrid can be risky due to the high potential repair costs associated with the hybrid systems. As these systems age, they become more prone to failure, and repair costs for components like the hybrid drive or battery can be substantial.

What is the advantage of the hybrid system in the Toyota Highlander?

The hybrid system in the Toyota Highlander provides a slight increase in horsepower, but its main advantage is improved fuel efficiency in city driving. However, the difference in fuel economy compared to the non-hybrid model is not significant enough to justify the higher cost for most buyers.

What is the general lifespan of a Toyota Highlander Hybrid before major issues arise?

A Toyota Highlander Hybrid can last well over 150,000 miles without major issues, but the hybrid components may start to fail after that. Issues like the differential or the hybrid battery can become costly to repair or replace as the vehicle ages.

How do hybrid and traditional transmissions compare in terms of reliability?

Hybrid transmissions can be more complex due to the combination of electric and gasoline powertrains, but they are generally reliable if maintained properly. Traditional automatic transmissions, such as those in non-hybrid models, are simpler and have fewer components that could fail, but they may need more regular maintenance.