Are there any drawbacks to a hybrid SUV with third row seating?

[SiriusBlack]

The 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, for example. It gets around 30 mpg and can seat 7. You can buy one used for around $15k. And SUVs are safer than smaller cars, right? So, the gas milage is good, it seats a lot of people, and it is a larger car.

Are there any drawbacks?
25-30 mpg*

 

[RamonC]

What drawbacks? You mean the battery pack eventually having to be replaced at about $4,000? That is true and common to all hybrids. However, your assertion that SUVs are "safer" than smaller cars is 100% myth and 100% wrong. Any vehicle is not and cannot be safe. It is the driver that is behind the wheel making decisions that can be safe or unsafe. I considered this vehicle once but opted for a Mercury Mariner hybrid as the MPG is a bit better since it is a smaller vehicle but, being also an SUV AWD vehicle for carrying business related cargo. Otherwise a Toyota Highlander is a Highlander no matter what makes the vehicle move. Again, it is the driver, his approach to driving such as proper speed control, not tailgating, proper use of turn signals, being courteous and not being aggressive, etc. that determines safety factors. Most people do not stop at stop signs unless someone is coming, many run traffic lights and pay no attention to many proper signs, etc. and they are the ones crashing vehicles of all manufacturers, models, years, etc. Best wishes.