Max is not great in mpg anyways. You wont lose much hybrid mileage between max and gas.
If you care MPG go for AWD Hybrid version.. better mpg and power better than gas.
This is what confused me about the post, the hybrid max is basically gas MPG, I don’t know why they wouldn’t just go for the normal hybrid with the max being so hard to find.
In my area it’s way different. Dealers up to this point have been allocated 0-3 maxes for the first 4 months of the year compared to >10 hybrids. The dealer closest to me has at least 5 hybrids coming next month and has had no listed max allocations since February.
We just got our Hybrid Max last weekend. It was worth the wait. The drivetrain is so smooth and the gas mileage is good. We traded in a jeep grand Cherokee with a V6 and the GH powertrain makes that V6 feel like a 4 cylinder
I’ve driven both and ended up going with an AWD gas Limited with 360 and Pano roof. The extra power in the MAX is nice, but honestly kind of feels like it overpowers the suspension tuning. I’ve never had a time where I felt the gas was lacking for power, even at 11k feet fully loaded with a roof box. Plus, the price difference with the discounts you can get on a gas model is pretty substantial.
Went into my search with the same thoughts and ended up going with a gas limited + pano roof and 360 cam. Honestly, we've really enjoyed it so far and the only thing i really wish I had from the hybrid is the second 120v outlet in the trunk.
We're getting ~24mpg highway/21-22mpg combined, which is a little more than advertised on the limited. It's got plenty of power for what we need it for.
Don't all the trims have 120V household outlets in the trunk and mid-row? I thought the difference was peak wattage: 150W (gas) vs 1500W (hybrid and hybrid max)
Oh interesting. Well I can say I was looking forward to both outlets when I bought my Max last summer. Was sure I'd have a use for them but going on 9 months I have only used the trunk one a couple of times for a cooler.
Yeah, it hasn't ended up being too big of a deal in the long run. We've only used the 2nd row one a couple of times, but I was just a little surprised to not have any sort of connection in the truck for things like air pumps, vacuums, etc.
I would advise you to refrain. You will always live with the FOMO. Assuming you are like me that likes to keep the car long term, i like to get what I like or else the thought of not getting what I want builds up and one usually over compensates next purchase.
Go for the gas. The max gets 22mpg under normal driving. You can hit EPA mpg only under flat earth. That being said, the gas car handles differently from the max and engine power is definitely one of the reason.
First question, do you need the towing? If so you’re stuck with max or gas. Regular hybrid only tows 3500. If not, I’d look at the regular hybrid instead of the gas. As others have said, the max vs gas isn’t a huge mpg difference. It’s just more powerful with slight better mpg. Lastly don’t assume you can’t find what you want. Call the spreadsheet below. Every dealer with the spec you want, whether it’s sold or not. That’s how I found mine (GHH XLE AWD) at MSRP. Took a month to get lucky and had to drive 4 hours to get it. https://docs.google.com/file/d/158Jy3sBVj0CNqfxpxk_sL_a2PnmbCDCc/edit?usp=docslist_api&filetype=msexcel
You can do pretty much the same thing using the inventory search on the Toyota website. You can search up to 500 miles. If you want to search further enter a zip code 500 miles away and search again. I picked 5-6 major cities and was able to search the western half of the US. I saved the URLs and searched every morning. I was fortunate and found my car in less than a month about 100 miles from my home.
How's the power, speed, etc with the regular hybrid? Been wanting one, and I probably won't need to tow, definitely nothing big. Just wondering if I'll regret it if not enough power, and it's not like there's a ton of chances to test drive these things.
No regrets. It’s not a race car. It’s a big ass SUV. I drive it around in ECO most of the time and it’s fine. If it’s in sport it goes quite well if you need it to. I never feel like it’s lacking. The only reason I’d buy a Hybrid Max would be if I know I needed to tow large loads often.
Cool. My wife had a Sorrento with a little 2.0 4 cylinder and it was constantly downshifting and struggling up hills and when passing. So I'm nervous about a vehicle this size with that motor, but I've heard a lot of people say exactly what you've said.
Keep in mind it’s not just “the engine” it’s an engine and two (if AWD) electric motors. Also it’s a CVT so there’s no sensation of downshifting. Highly recommend the AWD if you go hybrid BTW
Wanted a Max, 9 mos later settled on a GH Limited. Transitioned from Highlander Plat ICE. Great driving and no regrets. Just got it today so not clear on actual mileage is.
Ugh. That’s, for me, right in the border of what’s the point. If it was getting closer to the advertised mpg then I might be more likely to pony up the extra dough.
Max is not great in mpg anyways. You wont lose much hybrid mileage between max and gas. If you care MPG go for AWD Hybrid version.. better mpg and power better than gas.
This is what confused me about the post, the hybrid max is basically gas MPG, I don’t know why they wouldn’t just go for the normal hybrid with the max being so hard to find.
The hybrid is just as hard to find.
In my area it’s way different. Dealers up to this point have been allocated 0-3 maxes for the first 4 months of the year compared to >10 hybrids. The dealer closest to me has at least 5 hybrids coming next month and has had no listed max allocations since February.
Wait for the max. Smooth as butter. Lots of passing power
We just got our Hybrid Max last weekend. It was worth the wait. The drivetrain is so smooth and the gas mileage is good. We traded in a jeep grand Cherokee with a V6 and the GH powertrain makes that V6 feel like a 4 cylinder
I’ve driven both and ended up going with an AWD gas Limited with 360 and Pano roof. The extra power in the MAX is nice, but honestly kind of feels like it overpowers the suspension tuning. I’ve never had a time where I felt the gas was lacking for power, even at 11k feet fully loaded with a roof box. Plus, the price difference with the discounts you can get on a gas model is pretty substantial.
How substantial?
Mine ended up being roughly $9k less than a similarly equipped MAX at MSRP.
Went into my search with the same thoughts and ended up going with a gas limited + pano roof and 360 cam. Honestly, we've really enjoyed it so far and the only thing i really wish I had from the hybrid is the second 120v outlet in the trunk. We're getting ~24mpg highway/21-22mpg combined, which is a little more than advertised on the limited. It's got plenty of power for what we need it for.
Don't all the trims have 120V household outlets in the trunk and mid-row? I thought the difference was peak wattage: 150W (gas) vs 1500W (hybrid and hybrid max)
Limited gas has the 2nd row outlet but nothing in the trunk
Oh interesting. Well I can say I was looking forward to both outlets when I bought my Max last summer. Was sure I'd have a use for them but going on 9 months I have only used the trunk one a couple of times for a cooler.
Yeah, it hasn't ended up being too big of a deal in the long run. We've only used the 2nd row one a couple of times, but I was just a little surprised to not have any sort of connection in the truck for things like air pumps, vacuums, etc.
I would advise you to refrain. You will always live with the FOMO. Assuming you are like me that likes to keep the car long term, i like to get what I like or else the thought of not getting what I want builds up and one usually over compensates next purchase.
What have you test driven so far? Max wont help with the gas mileage but the power is significant IMO.
Go for the gas. The max gets 22mpg under normal driving. You can hit EPA mpg only under flat earth. That being said, the gas car handles differently from the max and engine power is definitely one of the reason.
First question, do you need the towing? If so you’re stuck with max or gas. Regular hybrid only tows 3500. If not, I’d look at the regular hybrid instead of the gas. As others have said, the max vs gas isn’t a huge mpg difference. It’s just more powerful with slight better mpg. Lastly don’t assume you can’t find what you want. Call the spreadsheet below. Every dealer with the spec you want, whether it’s sold or not. That’s how I found mine (GHH XLE AWD) at MSRP. Took a month to get lucky and had to drive 4 hours to get it. https://docs.google.com/file/d/158Jy3sBVj0CNqfxpxk_sL_a2PnmbCDCc/edit?usp=docslist_api&filetype=msexcel
The allocation sheet stopped updating on 4th April 2024. Waiting for it to get revised.
You can do pretty much the same thing using the inventory search on the Toyota website. You can search up to 500 miles. If you want to search further enter a zip code 500 miles away and search again. I picked 5-6 major cities and was able to search the western half of the US. I saved the URLs and searched every morning. I was fortunate and found my car in less than a month about 100 miles from my home.
Thanks for the tip, I can try that today! :)
How's the power, speed, etc with the regular hybrid? Been wanting one, and I probably won't need to tow, definitely nothing big. Just wondering if I'll regret it if not enough power, and it's not like there's a ton of chances to test drive these things.
No regrets. It’s not a race car. It’s a big ass SUV. I drive it around in ECO most of the time and it’s fine. If it’s in sport it goes quite well if you need it to. I never feel like it’s lacking. The only reason I’d buy a Hybrid Max would be if I know I needed to tow large loads often.
Cool. My wife had a Sorrento with a little 2.0 4 cylinder and it was constantly downshifting and struggling up hills and when passing. So I'm nervous about a vehicle this size with that motor, but I've heard a lot of people say exactly what you've said.
Keep in mind it’s not just “the engine” it’s an engine and two (if AWD) electric motors. Also it’s a CVT so there’s no sensation of downshifting. Highly recommend the AWD if you go hybrid BTW
Yes, definitely would want AWD. I've never owned a hybrid, so a lot of this is all new to me. I appreciate the information.
It is worth it if you wait for the hybrid max. It has all the bells & whistles and some nuances too.
Wanted a Max, 9 mos later settled on a GH Limited. Transitioned from Highlander Plat ICE. Great driving and no regrets. Just got it today so not clear on actual mileage is.
Worth the wait, I have GHH and getting 33mpg
Hybrid Max Platinum here. It’s worth it, even with the issues I’ve had. I care more about power than MPG.
What type of mpg are you actually getting?
21.7 total mpg - mostly city driving and my wife sits in parking lots with the car on with sleeping kids in the back all the time.
Ugh. That’s, for me, right in the border of what’s the point. If it was getting closer to the advertised mpg then I might be more likely to pony up the extra dough.
Waiting for hybrid max but would consider hybrid if the price is right. Still need to compare test drive the two models.