When the
Highlander hybrid was first set to go on sale, interest was so
high that the release date of the hybrid Highlander had
to be delayed several months. Since then,
interest in the Highlander hybrid has cooled, especially
the 2WD version.
Why?
Ultimately,
some have been disappointed with the fuel economy of the
hybrid Highlander. (Read more Highlander
hybrid testimonials.)
Toyota has
admitted that the Highlander hybrid was not designed
exclusively for fuel economy. Call Toyota foolish, but
if fuel economy was a buyer's main motivation, Toyota
assumed a Prius or
a Camry hybrid
was a better choice.
Of course, Toyota might have
underestimated the importance of the third-row of
seating for larger, fuel economy-focused families, the
only hybrid option for many years for such families
(Both the GMC Yukon
hybrid and the Chevy
Tahoe hybrid will soon offer the Highlander hybrid
competition.)
Nonetheless,
Toyota has added some new features to help control the
fuel economy of the current Highlander hybrid.
EV Mode
allows Highlander hybrid drivers to operate in purely
electric mode at low speeds and in stop-and-go traffic.
An ECON Mode helps helps control excessive acceleration
via a throttle-control system. Finally, Toyota also
added a Hybrid System Indicator that helps drivers
optimize the hybrid powertrain and, therefore, fuel
economy.
Unfortunately,
Toyota has not provided any updates on improvements in
fuel economy for the 2008 Highlander hybrid.
Back to
the Highlander hybrid basics
The 3.3
liter V6, 270 horsepower will only come in two 4WD-i
versions, base and Limited. Additionally, the new hybrid
Highlander will be bigger than previous versions of
Toyota's first hybrid SUV - almost 4 inches longer and 3
inches wider.
In
addition, as with all Toyota SUVs, the Highlander hybrid
will include Toyota's STAR(TM) Safety system, which
includes Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management, Vehicle
Stability Control, traction control, electronic
brake-force distribution, and brake assist - in addition
to seven air bags, a driver's knee air bag, and
roll-sensing side curtain air bags.
Both the
base and limited versions of the hybrid Highlander also
offer stand-alone backup cameras, Push Button Start, and
the Smart Key System.
The
Limited Version has also been upgraded with leather
seats, multi-stage heated front seats, rear glass-hatch,
power rear door, AM/FM/six-disc in-dash CD changer,
nineteen-inch alloy wheels, puddle lamps on outside
mirrors, fog lamps and a third-row bench seat with
foldable headrests for a flat rear cargo area.
The 2008
Toyota Highlander hybrid will begin at $33,700, while
the Limited edition will start at $39,950.
Back to
today's Highlander hybrid
Lately,
the Highlander hybrid is as available as ever, thanks to
the fact that Toyota has met its quota of hybrid
tax credits and increased hybrid production - sadly
that also means that the clean vehicle tax
credit available for the Highlander hybrid has been
significantly reduced.
In many
markets, this has pushed Toyota to offer interest rates
as low as 2.9 percent for up to 2 years on the
Highlander hybrid.
I was
recently out shopping for a Highlander hybrid, and I
found the selection to be very good.
In
addition, for the month of June, Toyota is offering an
additional $2000.00 incentive on Highlander hybrids -
probably in preparation for the 2008 Highlander hybrid.
All Highlander hybrids are
powered by a second-generation version of the Hybrid Synergy Drive technology found in the Toyota
Prius. The Highlander Hybrid offers a 3.3-liter V6
while achieving a gas-sipping combined fuel economy rating of 27.6 miles to the
gallon.
Not too shabby for a vehicle that will take you more than 600 miles on a single tank of gas, and is rated a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
(SULEV).
All of the options available for the regular Highlander will also be
available for the Hybrid, including a navigation system.
Also,
unlike the Toyota Prius hybrid, the Highlander hybrid
can be outfitted with a sunroof - one of my favorite
features.
