Test drive: 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

I was curious to get my hands on the new 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid for two reaons: First, naturally, because I wanted to see if hybrid technology really works for an SUV. (It does.) Second, because rather than use the hybrid system to lend a hand to a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, the Highlander uses it to supplement an already-powerful V6. Honda did the same thing with the Accord hybrid, and About Cars writer Jason Fogelson found that it didn't work particularly well. The Highlander, featuring Toyota's technically superior Hybrid Synergy Drive, did better... but you're still going to have to do a lot of driving -- and I mean a lot of driving -- before you save enough fuel to cover the extra cost of the hybrid system. -- Aaron Gold