When someone mentions the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, I frequently remember to post this information: (last posted at:
http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f...19/index2.html)

Originally Posted by Billyk
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD and Lexus RX400 AWD use this type of setup in which a second electric motor is utilized to power the rear wheels only. The second rear electric motor is rated at 50kw (68HP).

This is from an autochannel review of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...14/051904.html

• #%&!! traction control … Unfortunately, there is no way to disable the standard electronic traction control. When photographing the Highlander for this story, we found a road down to the beach. Our goal was to put a sand dune behind the truck to make a nice photo. Even though our Highlander Hybrid featured four-wheel drive (the internal combustion engine and transmission/motor combo drives the front wheels while another electric motor powers the rear wheels), in very shallow sand while still on the access road to the beach, the Highlander stranded itself immediately. With the wheels spinning in the sand, the traction control thought we were “slipping” on dangerous ice or snow and decided for us that we should just be parked. Without being able to spin the wheels to gain some traction, we could not extricate ourselves from the sand, and needed several beachgoers to push us out. For this otherwise capable SUV to essentially strand itself seemed entirely out of character. And very frustrating to the driver. It’s a helpless feeling to know the vehicle could easily drive itself out of the situation if it would only let itself. While Toyota corrected this oversight on gasoline powered Highlanders for 2008, on 08 Highlander Hybrids, there is still no “off” switch for the traction control.

I remember reading an "expert" from Consumer Report on their forums stating we have overheated the electric motor on this vehicle. I copied this from the CR forum site: ... From our experience with the Lexus 400h and Highlander hybrid, there is no traction problem in snowy conditions. Tecnically, when the rear mounted electric motor overheats in continious use, such as crossing a sand dune, it'll shut off. Ford, mind ... [ 7265.5]

Hope this helps.


Traction control issue and the experts from Consumer Report state the rear electric motor overheats in continuous use! Why would anyone go with Toyota after reading this?

2005 AWD Escape Hybrid
Best tank trip MPG 39.02 (scangauge II) for 402 miles on I-70, 10.3 gallons used over mostly flat terrain.

Best tank trip MPG 34.6 for E30 for 271 miles along I-80 in Indiana and Ohio.