10 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
Tops in safety and road handling
Date of Review: Mar 11, 2008
The Bottom Line: Strongly recommend this vehicle for loved ones who need the safety to lug and like to have a little luxury to boot without polluting the world too much.
I've driven the hybrid limited model in horrible weather and, unfortunately, also demolished the left front end at about 45 MPH. The airbags, steering wheel and knee, went off and I got out without a scratch. It felt like a puff of air had graced my nose ( Accident was completely driver error). Brakes are solid and have a feature to sense panic and clamp down faster than one could do on their own. There is very little slip on icy roads. It seems to almost grip the road.
It is extremely comfortable and the seats support driver and passengers well. Heating is excellent but the heated seat switch is in an awkward place and really does not need a dial. A simple push-on switch will do. The interior is very quiet, and is downright spooky when the electric motor kicks in. Not having to take out you keys to open the door and start it is a nice touch. It recognizes when you are close and the outside lights greet you. The fit and finish is quite good.
I do not recommend the navigation with the DVD as you can purchase the DVD separately for a lot less. Great for people who have 3 or 4 kids. I see the back seat as a non-issue as there is plenty of cabin room to put things in and still not be cramped. The middle seat is really for little kids.
I love the fact that it comes with almost every single feature of the Lexus Hybrid except for more room, the L in front, and the price tag!
My other choice would have been the new Lincoln MK series but it was not a hybrid and did not have the seating capability I required.