The all-new Toyota Highlander
Hybrid gas-electric mid-size sports-utility vehicle (SUV) made its
world premiere at the 2004 North American International Auto Show
(NAIAS) in Detroit in early January.
Like the popular four-cylinder Prius gas-electric hybrid, the 3.3-litre
V6-equipped Highlander Hybrid will be powered by a new version of
Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. The system was specifically
developed to meet the load-carrying requirements of a mid-size SUV.
The system features a larger-capacity battery that will deliver
nearly double the power of the battery in the Prius. An all-new
high-speed electric motor will operate at twice the speed and deliver
more than twice the power as the motor in the Prius. With total
peak-system power projected at approximately 270 horsepower, the
new system will improve upon the V6 Highlander's already impressive
less-than-eight-second zero-to-60 mph acceleration.
In addition to its impressive performance, the Highlander Hybrid
will also deliver the best fuel economy in the mid-size SUV segment.
Its combined city-highway fuel efficiency will be significantly
better than the current EPA average for a compact saloon, which
is 27.6 US miles per gallon – and, its estimated driving range
will be more than 600 miles on a tank of gas. The Highlander Hybrid
will also be rated as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV),
one of the most stringent emissions rating in the industry.
In addition to providing the fuel economy of a compact saloon, the
Highlander Hybrid will offer the versatility, refinement, and comfort
demanded in a mid-size SUV. Highlander Hybrid will come standard-equipped
with front-wheel drive and offer electric four-wheel drive with
intelligence (4WD-i). Models with 4WD-i are equipped with front
and rear electric motors that will deliver balanced power to all
four wheels, providing instantaneous acceleration.
To enhance safety and all-weather capability, the Highlander Hybrid
will feature a Vehicle Dynamic Management (VDM) system. Monitoring
a variety of sensors, the system is capable of anticipating pending
vehicle stability problems and then correcting the situation with
a combination of braking and throttle control. The new VDM system
is less obtrusive than conventional VSC but acts quicker and more
effectively.
Additional safety features include a tyre pressure warning system,
and optional front seat-mounted side airbags and front and second
row curtain side airbags.
Inside, the Highlander Hybrid will feature three rows of seats that
will include rear privacy glass, a rear heater system, and rear
seat cupholders. "Walk-in" steps and a second-row sliding
seat make it easy to enter and exit the third row. The third-row
seat also folds completely flat into the floor to create added cargo
space. The second-row 60/40 split-fold seat also reclines and folds
forward flat for added comfort and utility.
The exterior styling will be freshened with the addition of a new
front grille and bumper, and rear LED tail lamps. The Highlander
Hybrid will also ride on 17-inch alloy wheels.
The Highlander Hybrid will feature an array of amenities owners
have come to expect in their mid-size SUV, including standard air
conditioning, power windows, mirrors, and door locks, cruise control,
tilt steering wheel, and a deluxe 3-in-1 AM/FM/ETR cassette/CD sound
system with six speakers. A multi-function display, conveniently
located just beneath the speedometer, calculates and displays various
mechanical and performance information including instant and average
fuel economy, outside temperature, low tire pressure, and a Hybrid
Synergy Drive energy monitor. A navigation system will be available
on the Limited grade. Like the Prius, it will also monitor the electric-gas
power distribution of the Hybrid Synergy Drive on a seven-inch touch-panel
display monitor. All options currently found in the 2004 Highlander
will also be available in the 2005 Highlander Hybrid.
The Highlander Hybrid will join the Prius in early 2005, with the
Lexus RX hybrid arriving toward the end of this year.
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