Looking for some real-world feedback on 2006-2007 Toyota Highlander hybrids. Girlfriend wants something smaller to DD/ winter car and it will see some road trip action. Her commute is only about 6 miles of stop/go each way so a Hybrid would be ideal for something like this. We've kinda come up with a rough list of requirements;
-30 MPG average
-AWD
-Enough interior space to travel comfortably with two pitbulls occasionally.
Seems like the 06-07 Highlander hybrids fit all those requirements. I know a 30+ MPG requirement isn't hard to meet with pretty much any crossover now, but 10 years ago it seems like low 20's was pretty much the norm. She's looking to spend $5,000-$6,000 on it, which knocks out many of the newer and more efficient crossovers. Only other thing that falls into those requirements I've considered is the pre 2012 Ford Escape Hybrids. But I can't seem to find one of those that isn't rusty already, and they are considerably smaller than the highlander. I'd love to get an 08+ Highlander even if it was a bit more money because they're much better equipped, but, the economy seems to drop significantly per the EPA.
-30 MPG average
-AWD
-Enough interior space to travel comfortably with two pitbulls occasionally.
Seems like the 06-07 Highlander hybrids fit all those requirements. I know a 30+ MPG requirement isn't hard to meet with pretty much any crossover now, but 10 years ago it seems like low 20's was pretty much the norm. She's looking to spend $5,000-$6,000 on it, which knocks out many of the newer and more efficient crossovers. Only other thing that falls into those requirements I've considered is the pre 2012 Ford Escape Hybrids. But I can't seem to find one of those that isn't rusty already, and they are considerably smaller than the highlander. I'd love to get an 08+ Highlander even if it was a bit more money because they're much better equipped, but, the economy seems to drop significantly per the EPA.