In early July I traded-in my 2002 Toyota Highlander for an H3. The Toyota had given 3 flawless years of service and had decent trade-in value. But it was boring, and I think I knew it the first week that I had it. (The dealer still has the car on its used car lot after 3 months.)

My MPG for the 2 vehicles (which are comparable under similar conditions):

Higlander 18 city/mixed and 21 highway on premium (as recommended in manual).
H3 15 city/mixed and 18 highway on regular.

I did the math and the cost difference per month was only about $25 more for H3 (taking into account premium costs more than regular). So fuel cost difference is insignificant. Insurance is up $90/year, probably due to the H3 being newer, again not significant.

The Highlander is a more practical vehicle, faster, easier to park, more space in back seat and cargo area. The H3 has real offroad capability, attitude/style, equivalent decent cornering and braking on the street. Both my wife and I like the H3 more than the Highlander.

That's my opinion and experience with the H3 for 3 months so far.

S.
H3/white/lux pkg./chrome pkg./chrome wheels/XM/sunroof/mudflaps/locking gas cap, etc.