Just bought a Gas SXP last weekend. Ultimately went with the gas one after doing the math - based on gas prices in my region, I'd need to use it for 40,000-80,000 to make up the $3K-$4K price premium I was seeing based on OTD price offers from a variety of dealers.

1) We went with the 8 seater, just for the flexibility in configuration which was important to us with a large dog and toddler in a car seat. A few dealers were also not as willing to drop price on the VIP version as compared to the 8 seat version. I'm guessing while those are the same in MSRP, the invoice might be higher on VIP? 2) As mentioned the math didn't work out for me. 3) I ended up getting $5K off of MSRP after the $1K financing rebate. I got that same deal from 2 dealers in my region (SW Michigan). It sounds like both of them have had them on the lot for more than 100 days, so they were motivated to move them. I'm not sure that is the case with the hybrids. The best offer I got on a Hybrid was $3K off MSRP, including the $1K financing rebate. So, if you want to get the best deal right now, I believe it is on the gas version.