I'd feel comfortable doing most of that in my 400h. I think Toyota is concerned about getting the bottom of the vehicle dinged or punctured, which I wouldn't even mess with anyhow. At the speeds you went on the video, I would feel just fine following (or leading ) in my 400h. Fun to get off the beaten path though. We've talked about getting a FEH for camping, but we like to sleep in the back (lay the seats down and throw an inflatable mattress down) but I don't think the Escape has enough space for that.

Huh? Used HiHy and 400h are often selling for the about same price as new when they're a year old - effectively zero depreciation (or darn close). (Sort of common for newer Japanese desireable models, happened with the CR-V for a year or two when they were new way back when) FEH and the elusive MMH aren't doing too badly on the used market yet, but domestic depreciation will catch up with them too. Bottom line - HiHy and 400h are on everybody's "best buy" list. FEH is only listed on any list because it's EPA number is a little better.

I haven't even filled up yet! I just bought my 400h a week ago!