PRICEY HIGHLANDER HYBRID CAN SEAT UP TO 8
As gas prices hover close to $4 a gallon, hybrid vehicles continue appealing to buyers. Most buyers usually settle for the hot-seller Toyota Prius. But if there is a need to haul more than five passengers, then the 2014 Highlander hybrid should be your vehicle of choice.
A 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 engine, coupled to three electric motors, develops a total of 280 horsepower and 217 pounds-feet of torque @ 4800 rpm. The crossover SUV is fitted with a 288-volt nickel-metal hydride battery, which are recharged by energy captured as the driver applies the brakes or coasts. Also, the Continuous Variable Transmission-equipped car gets a regenerative braking system. When the car is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric power functions as a generator, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes. Instead, it converts the energy into useable electricity for recharging the batteries.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, driver knee airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, vehicle stability and traction control systems, front active headrests, front/rear crumple zones, push-button start, rear parking sensor and camera, hill start assist, blind spot and cross-traffic alert systems, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.
This year’s Highlander length has been boosted by 3 inches and width by half an inch, allowing for 13.6 cubic feet of space behind the 60/40 third row, 42 cubic feet behind the two second-row captain’s chairs (which go aft and forth by 3 inches for easy access to third row as well as get a collapsible side tray with cup holders in center) and 83.2 cubes with both seats folded. Truly, the SUV offers cavernous cargo and passenger capacity. The in-dash shelf is handy for small personal belongings. Also, the roll-top center console can comfortably swallow big items out of sight. Other amenities include a tri-zone auto climate control, eight-way driver and four-way power heated/cooled front-passenger seats, wood and silver-painted satin and chrome accents, and power lift gate and moon roof.
We test drove the Highlander hybrid on neighborhood streets and the highway to Orlando. We earned a disappointing 24.6 mpg in city and an impressive 30 mg on highway (EPA estimates are 27/28). Another minus factor is the price, which is astronomical at $49,790. However, the practical midsize crossover can accommodate up to eight passengers while seated in comfort. Besides, the vehicle comes with Toyota’s solid reputation for reliability and durability.
HIGHLANDER (LIMITED AWD)
- Tires: P245/55R19
- Wheelbase: 109.8 inches
- Length: 191.1 inches
- Suspension: MacPherson strut front; double wishbone rear
- Steering: electric power
- Tow capacity: 3,500 pounds
- Weight: 4,861 pounds
- Fuel capacity: 17.2 gallons
- Web site: www.toyotausa.com
HYUNDAI REDESIGNS GENESIS FOR 2015
Within just five years of its debut, the Hyundai Genesis has rocked the luxury sport sedan world. And it will continue to do so in 2015 when the redesigned rear-wheel-drive full-size car hits dealer showrooms with a 5.0-liter DOHC V-8 powertrain cranking out 420 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 383 pounds-feet of torque @ 5000 rpm. Pitch in an 8-speed auto gearbox and the eco, normal or sport drive modes to the mix, and you have the option of substantial savings in fuel.
An independent five-link front and rear suspension system handles sudden turns and corners with ease. The rack-mounted electric power steering is perfectly weighted and provides good feedback.
For next year’s model, Hyundai has boosted the Genesis wheelbase by 3 inches from its predecessor, which translates into 123 cubic feet of interior space and a trunk volume of 15.3 cubic feet. The long hood meets up with a single-frame hexagonal grille while flanked by HID auto headlights, LED accents and fog lamps. Step inside and you will discover a revamped center stack and a larger 8-inch touchscreen navigation display. Also noticeable are four-spoke leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic steering column and shifter knob; power tilt-and-slide sunroof; electro-luminescent display for speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature, fuel level, odometer and trip computer gauges; 12-way power driver seat; matte finish wood on center console, dash, doors; heated and cooled front seats; Lexicon sound system with 14 speakers; manual rear side sunshade and power rear sunshade; and much more.
Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, driver knee airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, electronic stability and traction control system, front/rear parking sensors and crumple zones, rearview camera, blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are standard.
By no means is the base-priced $51,500 Genesis an economical ride. But for all that this luxury car is equipped with – powerful 5.0-liter engine, abundant safety features, and a well-appointed and upscale interior – it is a bargain compared to European rivals.
GENESIS (5.0)
- Tires: P245/40R19 front; P275/35R19 rear
- Wheelbase: 118.5 inches
- Length: 196.5 inches
- Width: 74.4 inches
- Weight: 4,541 pounds
- Brakes: 14.2-inch ventilated front/rear
- Fuel capacity: 20.3 gallons
- City: 15 mpg
- Highway: 23 mpg
- Web site: www.hyundaiusa.com
F SPORT ADDS MORE PIZZAZZ TO LEXUS IS 350
Some months back, we test drove the third-generation Lexus IS 350. Under the hood of the redesigned compact sport sedan is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine blasting 306 horsepower @ 6400 rpm and 277 pounds-feet of torque @ 4800 rpm and mated to an eight-speed auto gearbox with paddle shifters. It also comes with rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive systems.
But recently when Lexus dispatched over an IS 350 with F Sport, it changed the equation altogether. The performance package replaces the standard double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension with a forceful F Sport-tuned adaptive variable suspension offering sport + driving mode while the electric power rack-and-pinion is traded for the variable gear rear steering. High-friction brake pads help to keep the speedy brute under check.
Visible changes include twin-projector LED headlights with a massive front fascia and mesh grille, F Sport front fender badges and 18-inch five-spoke wheels. LFA-inspired instrument panel hosts a moving center ring for a digital speedometer, tachometer, and daytime running lights. Also, the driver gets a 10-way and the front passenger eight-way power heated seats with contrast stitching, as well as perforated leather steering wheel with F sport logo and shifter knob. Other niceties include aluminum sport pedals, silver trim, stainless steel scuff plates with Lexus logo and a black headliner. A mouse-like, easy-to-use Remote Touch enables the driver to toggle navigation, climate, audio and phone controls, which are displayed on a 7-inch screen.
Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, vehicle stability and traction controls, front/rear crumple zones, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system are standard.
It all comes down to choice. If you like a slightly more aggressive ride than the base IS has to offer, we recommend opting for the F Sport. It will deliver a punch or two as you ride in style and safety to your destination.
IS 350 F SPORT
- Wheelbase: 110.2 inches
- Length: 183.7 inches
- Fuel capacity: 17.4 gallons
- City: 19 mpg
- Highway: 28 mpg
- Base price: $39,465 (add $3,620 for F Sport)
- Web site: www.lexus.com