How have the Lexus RX 400h and the Highlander Hy performed in inclement weather (snow, ice, etc.?) How do they compare for safety?

My husband and I are shopping for a safe vehicle with AWD or 4WD to handle occasional snow and ice/sleet storms here in Maryland. Our current car does terribly in these conditions. We have a baby on the way and want to get a safe, reliable, kid-friendly vehicle with good gas mileage and low emmissions. We are looking at SUVs and wagons so we can transport larger items when needed (kid gear, home depot trips, etc.)

Other factors to consider - I like that I can get the HiHy without leather, however, compared to the Lexus, it has a lesser warranty, no power liftgate, no trailer hitch, 1 (versus4) power one-touch windows, single versus dual air conditioning zones, and no memorized seat settings

I think the HiHy has done slightly better in crash tests?? (HiHy 2006- all 5 stars) vs (Lexus 2004 - 4 stars for passenger) Also, with options added, the Lexus is 53k and the HiHy is 44k.

Thanks for your advice!

Hello fellow Marylander,



I have found the HiHy to be quite capable in every weather condition I have experienced with it, though I cannot remember driving on ice (frozen water vs Internal Combustion Engine ). I didn't vote in your poll because I have never driven the Lexus version.

From a practicality perspective, storage space is more ample in the HiHy than the Lexus and both have the same 'star safety system' which includes stability control.

Both are awesome, Good Luck

2008 TCH, Blue Ribbon Metallic, Toyota XM radio, Eclipse backup camera

I have driven my HiHy in light snow and very heavy rains. I am impressed with the Highlander's AWD system. Unfortunately I did not test drive the Lexus so I can't begin to compare the two.

Both are great, but I tipped my hand to the HH for two reasons

1. More room to carry things on a trip
2. the $10K difference

2005 Prius - White, Gray Interior, Option Package 6, Mud Flaps & Auto Door locks from Coastal


2006 Highlander Hybrid - Limited, White, Tan Interior, Nav, 4WD, Trailer Hitch

NOTE: On both the Prius and HH batteries are included with your purchase !

Have you considered the FEH? I won't argue that it is as nice as the Lexus or Toyota, but even fully loaded it comes in around $6k cheaper than the Toyota and gets about 4-5 mpg more.

At about the same size with side curtain airbags, it's rated well in crash testing, but not as well as the Toyota - except in the case of rear passenger side impact protection where the FEH scores slightly better. But then there is the rollover factor which favors the Toyota.

http://www.automotive.com/2005/12/to...ety/index.html
http://www.automotive.com/2005/12/ford/escape/safety/

So if frontal crash protection is #1, it's a no brainer to stay away from the Ford, however I could not find RX400 test data. But know that you are making the choice between you and your rear seat passenger's safety. Ok, that's probably an unfair guilt trip to lay out because changing the testing method slightly could skew results considerably. What else can I say, we've got the FEH.

Likewise, towing more than 1000lbs throws the FEH out of the running.

LiberalImage.com

from a traction during inclement weather stand point I don't think you can say one is better than the other. They both use the same AWD 4wdi system. As far as handling goes, I think the Lexus is a slight step up when I compared the two, but that was not under adverse weather conditions. the Lexus seemed to have slightly less body roll.

Thanks, Rodney - Glad to hear the HiHy does well in bad weather. They both are pretty nice. I suppose nothing drives well on ice - we do tend to get sleet around here though. I imagine the tires are probably really important...

Thanks, Dennis! Good to hear that about the HiHy AWD.

Kip - good points to consider - Thanks!

Bob - $$ saved and extra space are really good points. I'm not sure whether I will need the extra space of the HiHy - but I imagine it would come in handy occasionally. thanks!