Then what would be the point of getting AWD in the first place?

Not knocking Toyo(that much)...but comparing a Hihy to an FEH is like comparing Apples to Oranges. Even though some people on GH seem to constantly compare the two as if they are in the same size/price class...

Nate

Both the Highlander Hybrid and the Camry Hybrid have electronic stability control.

Yes that is correct. I hope I was making myself clear in referring to:

"electronic stability control combined with the 4WD/AWD transfer case that splits up the source of torque between the front and rear in some ratio"-words taken from WaltPa.

Toyota as well as Ford have yet to "figure-out" this engineering feat. It is this reason that Toyota has placed a second electric motor on the Hilander Hybrid. There is a benefit--allows electronic stability and there is a negative effect (other than what the previous posters stated)--adds significantly to the cost of the vehicle. The Toyota Campy only comes in FWD and because of this, Ford has no excuse in not offerring electronic stability control in their FWD Escape models.

Stability control primarily uses a vehicle's brakes. Disproportionate braking is applied on an individual wheel basis to counter loss of traction. The incompatibility Ford cited was with the FEH's unique regenerative brake system.

I'm not sure what Toyota's rear electrics have to do with making it any easier to include stability control. I would think it would make it harder.

Ford cut every possible corner on this vehicle because they had to, in their current situation. As another poster stated, they could not justify a full redesign of the FEH brake system to integrate their existing RSC. The other choice would be to design a unique RSC program just for the FEH. Compounding that problem is a need for two systems, one for FWD and one for 4WD. I'm sure they tried and could not get it signed off. So we don't get it, for now.

Just picked up my 08 FEH and I totally love it! Thanks for everyone's replies and info. It answered a lot of my questions and helped manage my expectations. I ended up getting the nav system, premium package and moonroof. First impressions:

- Very smooth ride, power steering makes driving feel easy.
- Visibility is great.
- I've read reviews that said the FEH felt top-heavy when turning corners but I haven't felt this to be true.
- I haven't used the nav system yet but the fuel economy monitor is worth it. It's helping me learn how to be a greener driver. (The tachometer is actually the easiest way to tell if you're using ICE.)
- After starting the FEH, it takes a good 5-7 minutes before it can go to EV (stealth) mode. This kind of surprised me. Does outside temperature, altitude or engine break-in affect this?
- It's kind of hard staying in EV when accelerating from a stop. I've never considered myself a speed demon but you really have to go easy on the gas. I don't mind but I've already had a few annoyed drivers speed by (not necessarily the best way to get other drivers to consider buying a hybrid).
- Driving off the lot my mpg was 14.8. 60 miles later it's at 23.5 mpg. I assume this will increase a little more as break-in occurs.
- When coasting down hills, tapping on the brake can usually put the car in EV mode. I can stay in electric when going about 25-30 mph.

I am one happy customer!

Outside temperature can make it even worse. At about 5 deg, it is nearly impossible to get the ICE to turn off and stay off, even at a red light. This was the one thing that really surprised me since I buy any 4WD SUV for primarily winter driving.

Yea, you have to go really, really slow to accelerate and keep it in EV mode. Yea, that really pisses off every one behind you. Yea, there is one guy who will cross on a double yellow just to get in front of me, but I just roll up behind him at the upcoming red light and wave.

Best single LD trip: 35.3mpg

Mine increased like that too, but I think it had a LOT more to do with me learning how to squeeze every mpg out of the system, and not much to do with break-in.

If you are going by the NAV system for mpg, I have a feeling that it comes new from the factory loaded with "bad" data for the accumulation of average mpg, and you need to slowly clear that out by replacing it with "real" data. With more real data, you get a more real mpg average displayed.

Best single LD trip: 35.3mpg

I bought mine on March 22nd I have 1045 miles on it. I don't have the navigation system but I get about 32 miles per gallon People behind me sometimes honk. But I never was a fast driver. My 20 year old daughter and my 18 year old son are constantly yelling at me to go faster But I like getting 32 miles per gallon and not contributing pollution!

My 8 yo makes the same complaint, even though I am actually doing the speed limit. The difference, I think, is that he is use to me going from zero to the speed limit in under 3 seconds (w/Mustang). Whereas, I take a LOT longer to get up to the speed limit in the hybrid.

Best single LD trip: 35.3mpg

You can reset that count from a nav screen "button", I believe.