Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, SUVs
2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Toyota continues the hybrid assault with the new Highlander Hybrid. The Highlander uses the same setup as the Lexus RX 400h; a 3.3-liter V-6 mated to an electric engine with a combined horsepower rating of 268 and a 3500 lb towing capacity. The system sends the four-wheel drive SUV from 0-60 in 7.3 seconds and delivers the best fuel economy ratings in the mid-size 4x4 SUV segment at 31 mpg city / 27 mpg highway.
The Highlander Hybrid is also available in front-wheel drive configuration, delivering even higher fuel economy at 33 mpg city / 28 mpg highway. Both versions of the truck are classified as a Super-Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle.
The Highlander Hybrid Limited adds a host of standard features like heated, leather trimmed seats, automatic climate control, JBL six disk CD-changer and silver and burled maple wood-grain style interior trim.
No prices have been announced. The SUV should be available at dealers in June of this year. All hybrid related components, including the battery are covered for eight years/100,000 miles. The rest of the vehicle falls under Toyotas 36/36,000 new-vehicle limited warranty.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
avixe 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
Cool of Toyota to keep extending the technology, but won't this eat into RX hybrid sales? Seems like a weird move.
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Blake 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
Avixe, you realize that the Lexus is going to cost thousands more, right? Because it's a goddamn LEXUS. This is like saying building the Camry is a "weird move" because it eats into ES sales. Pfft.
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John Riley 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
How accurate are those fuel economy numbers going to be? IIRC the standard test tends to exagerate city mileage? What could one expect in terms of real world mileage?
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R Haung 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
Anyone know if they the hybrid has seating for 7 like its gasoline counterpart?
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Tony 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
I'd first guess that the stow-space for the hide-away third row bench was taken up by the battery packs, but maybe they're under the second row seats.
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Walter J Keegan Jr 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
Pictures in the press kit have the fold away third row seats there. So it will be available.
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Conan the Grammarian 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
3: yes, Toyota has advertised it as the first 7-passenger hybrid.
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Mark Allerton 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
So how long before Toyota have a hybrid Camry? That seems like the logical next step.
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DaveKCMO 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
I would expect a Camry Hybrid very soon:
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2004/11/hybrid_camry_in.html
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poulsbo 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
the highlander won't eat into RX400h sales because it won't be nearly as expensive. additionally, if the highlander hybrid wasn't announced at the same time it may have been announced before the RX 400h... i recall reading about them int he same breath; it may just be that the RX 400h made it to production first.
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Mike 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
Logical move on Toyota's part. Although that 7.3sec spring to 60 is extremely optimistic. I'd say ~8 seconds is the real-world figure.
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hallbrain 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
Anyone know if after the city gas mileage test, the Prius' battery is still fully charged or if the battery is used to "buy" city gas mileage. It doesn't make sense even with the argument that the battery gets charged during braking. That kinetic energy came from somewhere.
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Jeff 10:31PM (12/18/2005)
Had mine for three months. Average mileage is 28 with 70% city, 30% freeway. City mileage easily over 30 if you're gentle on the throttle.
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JoeN 10:57AM (12/30/2005)
The Highlander hybrid's battery is under the middle seats, there is seating for 7 however comfortably 5, 0-60 in 7.3 is not optimisitc the electric motor provides low RPM power the gas motor takes it after a point. The city mileage is not exaggerated at all.
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