I don't have time to address the rest, but essentially the same???? That's fourteen percent difference! The Highlander's numbers are great for an SUV, but not essentially the same. 14% is approximately $5 per tank more - $500 per year for me.

Now, is it worth that much more? Maybe. Depends on what you want. I obviously could have driven a Civic or Prius and gotten better FE, but the ride, power and amenities were worth the return.

Which technology is better? I think it's more appropriate to ask which one fits your driving conditions better. The Toyota seems better in town, while the Honda seems better on the highway. I'm a 70% highway driver. I drove the best Toyota hybrid available and compared it to the Honda. If I'm not mistaken, the Civic beats the Prius on the HWY, but overall the Prius beats the Civic (by 2 mpg).

But since the extra offered by the Accord offset the deminished mileage for me, that was my choice.

But one of the most important numbers is the % amount getting over EPA in this database. For Prius: 8%. For Civic: North of 30%.

All that said, if the Highlander had been availaible and I like it 14% more , I would have bought it.

'05 Accord Hybrid
'05 Odyssey EX-L
'03 1800 Goldwing
'98 Civic EX (16 yr. old daughter's)