Toyota Highlander Hybrid or Ford Escape Hybrid

I'm very partial to everything Ford. We've owned all Ford vehicles and haven't had any problems with them at all. The only downside, however, to ALL hybrid vehicles is when their batteries go bad, you're looking at SEVERAL $1,000 to replace them.

FORD all the way. I don't have the Escape, but I am in a Flex right now and love it! My husband just leased a Fusion 2 weeks ago and I cannot get over what a great car it is and I am NOT a car person. Ford is all about SAFETY. They have outstanding gas milage (a freind of mine has a Fiesta and gets 40 miles to the gallon on the express way!! WOW) on all of their cars and SUV's. I won't drive anything but a FORD!!

And don't forget...no government bailout for them :)

Hi S.,
Ooh! I test-drove a Highlander a couple months ago for fun: nice!

I would only guess the main down-side is there are rumors Toyota may have a parts-shortage for years to come since the tsunami. (ouch!) Maybe check with people who would know the facts on that :)
t

We have a Ford Escape Hybrid and love it. Ours is going to be 5 years old and we've never had any issues with it. The only downside I would think may be that it is on the smaller side for an SUV but not sure if the Toyota is any bigger. I like that it is American made car too - makes me feel good to support our local economy.

I don't have the hybrid, but really do like my Ford Escape.

I like that our large dog can ride in the trunk (hatch back) area.
I like that the back seat can fold down all the way or just 2/3 of the seat for more space when moving large items. (Nice so my son can still be in his carseat and I can still fit a table or large stools back there for transportation.)

I don't like that I can't fit the big stroller I have back there w/o taking up the WHOLE trunk area. I had a larger Graco stroller back there, but I had no room for that plus my groceries, so got rid of the super-huge stroller. Our umbrella stoller fits nicely along with the bags of groceries though.

hope this helps. I assume most Ford Escapes are made alike. Mine is a 2006 stick-shift.

I was just telling my husband how I will never buy a Toyota Highlander. Have you seen the latest commercials? They are all about how great it is that the kids can completely cut themselves off from everyone else in the car by putting on their headphones and watching their tv. The kid feels bad for someone else who has to "put up" with his parents in the car. Just my 2 cents.

FWIW - I had a Ford Escape (not hybrid) and loved it. I think I'll go back to Ford once my Hyundai dies...

My carpool driver has a Ford Escape Hybrid. Loved it! The biggest adjustment was getting used to it sounding like it turns off when it switches to battery. Also, in the winter, the heat pressure turns down when on battery. That happens with all hybrids tho.

When I was doing my research I found that the Highlander offers 280 hp and can tow 3500 lbs, while the Ford Escape offers 153 hp and can tow 1000 lbs (and gets an additional 10mpg). The escape is the more green option (and I love mine), but if need towing power and the ability to accelerate quickly, the Highlander is your best bet.

We've had two Toyota Highlander Hybrids and loved them! I drive one currently and it's great! It works great w/ two kids! We chose not to get the tv's in ours so that's not a problem. It very roomy! Fits large stroller and groceries in the back or stroller and a large dog. Very reliable! Great gas mileage! We've had no problems w/ ours at all!