CONSUMER REPORTS RATES TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID, LEXUS RX400h BEST IN TESTS OF MIDSIZED SUVs

Both new hybrids earn “Excellent” overall scores in CR’s battery of tests

November 2005 Issue

YONKERS, NY — Two new hybrids, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Lexus RX400h, are now Consumer Reports’ top-rated midsized SUVs following tests for the November issue. The sport-utility vehicle earned “Excellent” overall scores—the only midsized SUVs tested by Consumer Reports to earn that distinction.

Four other SUVs in this monthly test group, the Mercedes-Benz ML350, Subaru B9 Tribeca, Nissan Pathfinder, and Land Rover LR3, earned “Very Good” overall scores. The Jeep Grand Cherokee earned a “Good” rating.

Like the Honda Accord Hybrid, the Highlander Hybrid and RX400h are examples of a new wave of hybrid vehicles that use their gas/electric powertrain to boost engine performance as well as fuel economy. The result is significantly quicker acceleration coupled with cleaner emissions and a moderate increase in gas mileage compared with conventional versions of those models.

Full tests and ratings of the midsized SUVs appear in the November issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale October 4. The complete report is also available to subscribers at www.ConsumerReports.org. (In the November issue, reviews of the Highlander Hybrid and RX400h appear in a special Auto-Test Extra report that follows a story on five conventional, midsize SUVs.)

Consumer Reports recommends four of the vehicles in this test group—the Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX400h, Subaru B9 Tribeca, and Nissan Pathfinder. CR has insufficient reliability data on the Mercedes-Benz ML350. The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Land Rover LR3 could not be recommended because of poor reliability. Consumer Reports will only recommend vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on the magazine’s subscriber surveys and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

The Highlander Hybrid and RX400h are excellent overall packages, providing an inviting blend of performance, fuel economy, comfort, and features for those who don’t mind paying extra. The 22-mpg overall for the Highlander Limited ($39,885 as tested) and 23 mpg-overall for the RX400h ($49,883 as tested) are the best Consumer Reports has measured in a midsized SUV.

But for drivers considering a hybrid to save money, it’s hard to build a dollars-and-cents case for either of these SUVs based on fuel-savings at the gas pump. Both vehicles cost thousands of dollars more than the conventionally-powered versions of these vehicles. It could take 10 years or more to recoup that cost through savings at the pump—assuming that you’re driving about 15,000 miles a year and that gas costs about $3 a gallon.

Both vehicles use a 3.3-liter V6 coupled with three electric motors to produce 268-hp. Acceleration is strong. The standard continuously variable transmission is very smooth and responsive. Braking was very good, though not as strong as that in the conventionally-powered models.

The redesigned Mercedes M-Class, which now uses a carlike unibody construction, is a big improvement over its predecessor, which used a trucklike body-on-frame design. The ML 350 ($48,880 as tested) is powered by a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V6 that is smooth and responsive. Its 16-mpg overall fuel economy on premium fuel is average for this class of vehicles. The new seven-speed transmission helped performance, but it would often shift abruptly or with a slight delay. Braking performance is very good.

The B9 Tribeca, Subaru’s first midsized SUV, is a comfortable, quiet vehicle. The cabin is quiet and well-finished. But its score was hurt by cramped second- and third-row seats and a powertrain that struggles to keep the Tribeca moving. The B9 Tribeca Limited ($36,550 as tested) is equipped with a 250-hp, 3.0-liter V6 engine that provided the slowest acceleration of the group and has to work hard to maintain speed. The five-speed automatic transmission is smooth but it’s slow to respond and has to shift often. Overall braking performance is very good.

Nissan redesigned the Pathfinder for 2005, giving it a third-row seat and fully-independent suspension. It has the same impressive powertrain as the Frontier pickup and Xterra SUV recently tested by Consumer Reports. But the Pathfinder has a stiff, trucklike ride; its third-row seat is suited strictly for children. The Pathfinder LE ($36,160 as tested) is propelled by a 270-hp, 4.0-liter V6 that is strong and quick. The five-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive. The Pathfinder’s braking is good overall; its score was hurt by long stopping distances on a wet test track.

Land Rover’s LR3 is a major improvement over its predecessor, the Discovery. But it still falls short of today’s class leaders. Its heavy 5,700-pound weight takes a toll on both acceleration and fuel economy—delivering just 13 mpg overall on premium fuel. But the LR3 is the only SUV in this group that can comfortably fit adults in both the second- and third-row seats. It also aced Consumer Reports’ off-road and rock-hill courses. The LR3 SE ($50,150 as tested) is powered by a 300-hp, 4.4-liter V8 that delivers adequate performance but feels sluggish. The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth. Braking performance is very good overall.

The redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee is an improvement over its predecessor, but it still scored lower than most other current midsized SUVs tested by Consumer Reports. Steering and handling are markedly better, but the Jeep isn’t particularly agile by today’s standards. Even average-height drivers complained about the lack of headroom. A low rear seat and unimpressive fit and finish count against it. The Grand Cherokee Laredo ($35,300 as tested) is equipped by a 235-hp, 4.7-liter V8 that delivers adequate performance but is slower than other midsized SUVs propelled by V6 engines. The five-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Braking was good overall.

Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Website; the magazine’s auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To subscribe to Consumer Reports, call 1-800-234-1645. Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at www.ConsumerReports.org.