CARBLOGGING: So I drove a new Toyota Highlander Hybrid yesterday, and in comparison to my 2006 Highlander Hybrid I was . . . underwhelmed. Oh, it’s a fine vehicle, noticeably quieter and smoother. But the first-gen Highlander Hybrids were marketed as sporty (due to the electric motors’ additional torque) and while that may not have been the right marketing approach, my Highlander feels noticeably quicker and more responsive than the newer generation. Throttle response is very quick, while on the newer ones it feels like they’ve retarded it a bit in the interest of economy, making things feel more sluggish, probably, than they actually are. The steering on the new ones seems vaguer, and the suspension a bit softer, too.

On the upside, the inside is roomier, more luxurious, and prettier — the interior on mine is fine, but has that trademark Toyota busy-ness, while the new Highlander’s interior is a bit more Lexus-like. The new version’s a fine car, but I got back in mine with no desire to replace it, and with a renewed appreciation for its good qualities. Still, with mine approaching 100K miles — how did that happen? — I’m beginning to think about a replacement. Any thoughts?