The Greening of Suburbia - the Lexus Hybrid (Article)

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The Greening of Suburbia
By JAMES G. COBB

Published: November 30, 2003


TOYOTA, which did not become big by thinking small, has grander plans for its Lexus RX sport utility wagon. The RX, already a generation ahead of the competition, will take another leap next fall with a hybrid gasoline-electric version that will test the willingness of the upper-middle class to vote for greener vehicles with their monthly payments.

While Ford is planning to introduce a hybrid version of its Escape next year, offering an environmentally friendlier alternative to conventional S.U.V.'s, the hybrid RX will be the nation's first green luxury vehicle. How it is received will help to determine whether hybrids have broad appeal beyond environmental pioneers and Hollywood celebrities who have embraced hybrids like the Toyota Prius.

The enthusiasm that greeted the redesigned 2004 Prius, which is larger, more powerful and more practical than its predecessor, suggests that a market exists; dealers in some regions have six-month waiting lists.

Toyota is likely to market the hybrid RX as a good-for-you pill with sugar coating. Supplemented by electric motors in front and rear, the internal-combustion V-6 engine will have "the power and torque of a V-8," Toyota's president, Fujio Cho, has promised.

If its bet is successful, Toyota will further establish its image as an industry leader on environmental matters, given that its Detroit competitors have delayed or postponed their own hybrid cars and trucks. General Motors, for instance, is promoting its research on hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. G.M. and others have questioned the logic behind dual powertrains with added potential for failure - and with unproven long-term durability.

There is also growing awareness that hybrids get lower mileage on the streets than in the government ratings. The Prius is rated at 60 m.p.g. in the city and 51 on the highway, but many owners report actual combined mileage in the low to mid 40 m.p.g. range. That is not significantly better than some highly efficient gasoline-only or diesel cars.

 

I am personally a Toyota junkie. I was the first person in my family to buy a Toyota (Paseo) and I loved that thing - drove 168,000 miles on it without any major maintenence done to it before it was totalled.

Then my brother bought a Camry, then my mom bought a Camry, and now my father bought a Tundra last year. I got my MR2 Spyder last October. 65,000 miles on it already (it's a 2001).