One factor not usually taken into account in analyzing the TCH vs the 4c version ( XLE ) is how much is the V6 power & handling worth? $2000?

This vehicle is unique in that it can appeal to a V6-only buyer ( think Taurus/Intrepid/Malibu drivers ) or the upscale 4c buyer ( XLE 4c drivers ) or the frugal 4c buyer ( LE 4c drivers ).

It has an immediate 'payback' for the V6-only buyer.
It has a very near term 'payback' for the XLE 4c buyer.
It has a somewhat longer ( 5+ yrs ) 'payback' for the LE 4c buyer.

Or some people just like it and the idea of a 'payback period' is of no consequence for just the same reason that a Lexus buyer opts not to buy a Toyota in favor of a Lexus.

Lifetime fuel usage: 2.1 GPC ( 1.99 recent )