PHOENIX - If you've devoted any of your attention to the automotive world in the last few years, you're well aware of the buzz surrounding hybrid technology. Some of the hype has stemmed from the public's demand for conservation-oriented, fuel-efficient vehicles, but much of the excitement has resulted from the industry's self-promotion. For years, Ford has championed its "world's-first" hybrid SUV, the Escape; GM eagerly exposed its joint effort with DaimlerChrysler to create an advanced hybrid system; and Honda quietly, yet conspicuously, revealed the Accord Hybrid, an automobile for those consumers who want to let others know they're not making a statement. Or something like that. To Toyota, however, this is an old game. The widely-popular - and widely-practical - Prius has been around since the 2000 model year, and is already in its second skin. Sure, Honda has offered the Insight hybrid for just as long, but its two-seat configuration, flat rear deck with no enclosure for luggage, and odd-ball styling have stifled sales. And, the Honda Civic Hybrid, first delivered to U.S. customers in 2003, has neither made the type of impact, nor commanded the respect that the Prius enjoys. Full Article
it includes a screen with information about three data fields, making it a veritable science-fair program hmmm... hadnt realized how much of a classroom that display was
I guess they're never going to figure out what the engine braking mode is all about. Too bad they opted for more power. All that room and upper thirties would have been nice. Maybe we'll see that when they hybridize the Sienna.
How do the towing capacity and/or payload capacity compare? Or is the extra hp really for marketing only?
