Toyota announces all-new four-cylinder engine for '09 Highlander

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:21:00 EST

Click above for high-res pics of the 2008 Toyota Highlander from our review

When the 2009 Toyota Highlander hits dealerships in mid-to-late January, it will finally have an optional four-cylinder engine. The 2.7-liter four comes courtesy of the Venza and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain combination has been developed primarily for fuel efficiency and the EPA has given it a rating of 20/27 city and highway, with combined real-world mileage expected to hit about 22 miles per gallon. For comparison, the 3.5L V6, which will still be available, is rated at 18/24, and the hybrid model retains its 3.3L V6 and EPA ratings of 27 city and 25 highway.

Obviously, with 187 horsepower at a high 5,800 RPM and 186 lb-ft of torque, the engine is going to work hard for every mile per hour it gains. Recognizing this, Toyota has given it a preliminary 9.7-second 0-60 mph rating. That's not too bad considering its highway mileage rating actually bests that of the hybrid model. Maximum tow rating stands at 3,500 pounds, but it'll surely be breathing hard with a full load. No matter, as we expect the new base engine to account for a substantial chunk of Highlander sales.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota announces all-new four-cylinder engine for '09 Highlander

Toyota announces all-new four-cylinder engine for '09 Highlander originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota announces new 2.7L four-cylinder for Highlander

Chris Shunk — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Toyota

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Toyota Highlander

When the all-new Highlander launched last year, it came equipped with your choice of a 3.5L V6 or a 3.3L hybrid powerplant. Toyota is expanding the Highlander's powertrain lineup for 2009 by adding a more fuel efficient 2.7L four-cylinder engine. The new engine produces 187 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 186 lb-ft at 4,100 RPM, making it the most powerful four cylinder engine in Toyota's lineup. Assisting the new 2.7L engine is a six-speed automatic transmission that Toyota says together will provide smooth acceleration and V6-like performance. EPA figures will be announced closer to the engine/transmission's January 2009 launch date, and they should be a few mpg better than the 3.5L engine's 18/24 figures.

The addition of a four-pot to the Highlander lineup will give customers a less expensive and more fuel efficient option in this model lineup, which should prove mighty popular. What remains to be seen is whether a 187-hp engine can properly motivate a 4,000-lb vehicle. We're guessing that since many Highlander buyers aren't likely all that interested in driving dynamics, the most important stat for Toyota's CUV will be its EPA number. Hit the jump to for Toyota's press release if you're looking for nitty gritty details.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota announces new 2.7L four-cylinder for Highlander

Toyota announces new 2.7L four-cylinder for Highlander originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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