Sure, but there's a difference between what the car is capable of and what an "average" driver will see. I assume that the Honda testers drove the HCH-II and the Prius-II with the same driving style (enough to make a hypermiler cringe) so the test would be apples to apples. Maybe their point was that if you throw the average driver with no hybrid experience and no knowledge of how to drive for best FE into both cars, the HCH-II wins out, even in deep city conditions.

The fact that the Prius has a higher potential in deep city than the HCH only matters to people willing to change their driving habits, which I fear is a small minority

Maybe if there are two crowns, "Best FE for Average Driver" and "Best FE for Hypermiler Driver", the HCH can at least win one of them

 

I'm sure it would be, and they wouldn't even need to drive the Prius any differently than the HCH. I'd guess that in 'average' driving (the way most people drive), the HCH would win, while with 'careful' driving (in both cars), the Prius would win.

The question then is, are we ready as a nation to change the way we drive so that we can take full advantage of the new technology?

 

Hi NASAgineer:
___I couldn’t have said that any better myself

___Maybe more of a mindset of who purchases the Prius II vs. who purchases the HCH-II? I do not see many RXh or HH members here really pushing the envelope like I know they could. I see a ton of Escape HEV pilots doing so and the results speak for themselves. I have a sneaky suspicion that the average Prius II driver is a bit less in tune with their car (average Prius II driver, not the technical fringe like most of us here), then the average HCH-I or II driver? Toyota sells more Camry’s but the Accord is a better handling and better overall automobile imho as well as the opinions of C&D, MT, AW, A, CR’s, Edmunds, … Toyota sells many more Prius II’s at a much higher premium with nicer attributes in some regards but in the twisties, I would take the HCH any day of the week. Just maybe the average HCH’er is more in tune with his/or her car then the average Prius II driver and because of this, receives better FE no matter where it is driven? Just a small conspiracy theory of mine
___As stated previously, definitely a fact!

___The Insight 5-speed would probably win both Between the HCH-I /II and Prius II, the Prius II would get my vote for inner city champ and the HCH-I/II would get my vote for highway champ irregardless if a hypermiler owned it or not! Give Honda just one more iteration of IMA and look out … Give Toyota just one more iteration of HSD and look out! We have a lot to look forward too, don’t we …

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes

 

Man I just (Really-Hate-It) when I have made a Big Mistake, so I think that when one does they just need to Revamp and move on.

I think I may just (Cancel) the 2006 HCH ll after reading this Thread and what xcel has "Thankfully" pointed out about the two Hybrids here and go with the (As-Xcel-Has-Pointed-Out) (TOYOTA PRIUS ll).

It must be the "Much-Superior" Hybrid and I trust his judgement in this matter.

Thank-Goodness I still have time to make this "Change" before it's too Late.

This was Too Close:

Terry

 

Hi Tigerhonaker:

___You did not make a mistake in the least! As active and as interested in multiple topics as you are here at GH, the HCH-II will be the perfect automobile for you! I will try and put it anther way … The HCH is a drivers hybrid; the Prius II is an everyman’s hybrid. I think you belong to the first group

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes

 

I don't think anyone pointed this out yet, but right now in the greencarjournal database, the HCH II and Prius II are tied at 48 mpg real-world driving data (with the MT HCH I). Granted, there's only 10 cars contributing to the HCH II data, but there you have it.

Not enough of an incentive for me to give up my '04 HCH MT for either, not when it still only has 15k on it.

 

Is it just me, or does having Honda be the judge seem completely biased?

I mean, that's like asking Coca-Cola inc. whether they like Coke or Pepsi better.

Second, the rivalry between the two is kind of silly.. we hybrid drivers are supposed to be united right? Whether you drive an HCH or a Prius you are doing the right thing for the environment.

 

the ev mode works even at 65 mph, i can attest to that

 

Now that throws a spin on things. Forget lean burn when you can go into ev at 65!

 

As for honda doing their own testing, I think we all agree that the results are presented in such a way that would make honda come out on top. Toyota would have done the same. This reminds me of the "pepsi challange" of yesteryear. I think during that time pepsi actualy sold more than coke. I think it will be enough to get people looking at the civic now. I suspect Honda is going to sell a bunch this year with all the press about them.