Hi all FEH/MMH owners, need info and advice:

I read an article a week ago (I cant remember where I found it - but if I can find it again, I'll post the link) about a 2006 MMH review by a guy somewhere in mountainous/hilly region at high (2000ft + ?) elevation. He was somewhat disappointed because of the power of this SUV to climb. He wondered whether the one he's driving was "malfunctioning" in some way. He redline his RPM and couldnt get past 45Mph! His passengers were asking if there were anything wrong with the car.

I live in Southern California and go back and forth to SF all the time. I'm expecting to go slow (~55-60mph) over the Grapevine (north of Los Angeles) where there's a 5 mile grade at around 6-7% with any 4-cylinder car. But after reading that article, I wonder if the Hybrid's eCVT and extra added weight of FEH/MMH can take that kind of grade for that distant (5-6mi) without real stress?

Has any FEH/MMH owners had experience with this type of push with their cars? I'm wondering whether the "battery' assist can last that long? (would be more than 5-10 min constant power climb). Once the battery is depleted, wouldnt the climb be purely ICE (and worst, the ICE is using some power to charge).

This kinda concerns me...I might be making this trip in about a month. I wonder if I should rev high to go over this stretch in my new MMH (prob ~1200 on the odometer by then) with reasonable speed, or should I crawl and let all the Semi/buses/and trailers past me up! I'm not worry about gas mileage, but I am worry about stressing the new engine.

After I make this trip, I'll post some experience/perf/issues. This was something I forgot to take into account when chosing a 4-cyl Hybrid.

Oh, we would be 2 adults and a 2 toddlers and light luggage load.

Thanks in advance.