When hybrids first hit the market, they were accompanied by promises of superb fuel economy and lower emissions. However, it soon became apparent that with these anti-OPEC rides came some sacrifices, like power, utility, ride comfort, and other considerations. Then came models like the redesigned Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, and the Ford Escape Hybrid, all offering more in the areas of comfort and utility, though, in some cases, less fuel economy. The most recent arrival was the Honda Accord Hybrid, with its 255-horsepower gas/electric powertrain offering gobs of giddy-up topped off with a shot of improved mpg. If the Accord used a pencil to draw the line between true fuel-sipping hybrids, like the Prius, and performance-oriented hybrid wannabes, the 268-horsepower 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid does so with a big, black, permanent marker.

According to EPA estimates, our four-wheel-drive Highlander Hybrid should’ve gotten as much as 31 mpg in the city and 29 mpg in mixed driving. That’s compared with EPA ratings of 18 mpg in the city and 21 mpg in mixed driving for the non-hybrid Highlander V6. So, we were surprised by our tester’s pathetic mixed rating of only 19.8 mpg. No, we didn’t hammer on the throttle or drain a whole tank pushing 100 mph on the freeway. What we did was drive it like we would any other car – keeping up with traffic (when it was actually moving) on the expressway and moving at a moderate pace in town. Based on unrealistic EPA figures, lots of people look forward to getting more than 500 miles per tank in hybridized Highlanders. We rolled into the gas station with the odometer reading 284 miles, and that was about 20 miles after the low-fuel warning light first came on. As it turns out, there were still about three gallons in our 17.2-gallon tank – not enough to get to the 400-mile mark, let alone 500.

Better mileage can be had by driving the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid like there’s an eggshell behind the accelerator. Provided you don’t mind infuriating any drivers on your rear bumper, you can crawl away from stoplights at a turtle’s pace and run solely on electric power to maximize fuel economy. On a slight downhill (with no one behind to annoy), we got up to 25 mph before the gas engine kicked in. Drive normally, however, and the petrol starts burning a lot sooner. So much for enjoying 268 horsepower and over 30 mpg. Toyota claims four-wheel-drive models will reach 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. That’s impressive, but would be even more so if done efficiently, which, based on our experience, it’s not. And lest you serious off-roaders start envisioning running battery packs over the Rubicon Trail, realize that this four-wheel-drive hybrid is designed more for foul-weather traction than mud-slinging and rock-crawlin’. We put in a few miles playing on Pismo Beach, but the fun ended when the front tires got a little buried in the sand (and by a little, we mean very little). With the electric motor lacking the grunt to get things going and no low gear to lock into, we ended up planting the throttle until the engine kicked in and the tires starting spinning. After a minute or so, both the Highlander Hybrid and our passengers were back on hard-packed sand, and stayed there for the rest of the day.

The Highlander Hybrid does have its strengths. First is that SULEV emissions rating, which means the Highlander Hybrid burns cleaner and spews out fewer pollutants than the regular Highlander, and also most other SUVs. So, while this hybrid consumes more fossil fuels than expected, it does prove to be eco-friendly in terms of air quality.

Visibility is good, too, thanks to large rearview mirrors and an expansive greenhouse, while interior noise levels are generally low, with the exception of some wind noise at speed and too much buffeting when either of the front windows is open. The continuously variable automatic transmission offers quicker response than those in other vehicles, making this hybrid feel downright powerful off the line. Also, regenerative braking, often felt as a slight pulsing sensation in other hybrids, is almost undetectable while driving. Overall, the Highland Hybrid provides a smooth, refined powertrain, even under full throttle.

That’s it for the good news. Those new electric braking and steering systems, designed to offer better feel and response, mostly failed in both respects. The brakes, while extremely effective, featured a sensitive pedal that went straight to full braking with very little pressure, turning modulation into a fine art. And that more responsive steering? It felt numb under all driving conditions, and had a significant dead spot on center. Finally, draining any remaining fun from the driving experience was the Highlander Hybrid’s affinity for body roll and the tires’ total lack of grip.