Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The concept of ecology-friendly cars has been espoused for such a long time that people are still skeptical if it can be achieved, even given the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Admittedly, the electric power-only car that compares with the contemporary gas-powered ones are still some way off, but in the present technology of combining electricity and gas to power a vehicle, that point is closer than ever. The 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid shows that the idea is, after all, feasible and attainable, given some more advances in technology.

In 2003, the Union of Concerned Scientists posted on their website the ‘ideal’ Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) characteristics. One criterion was a 35 mpg consumption capability, then the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) target. Although this figure was contested hotly by car

manufacturers as impractical, the US Congress passed in 2007 a 40 mpg fuel consumption standard by 2020, and the scramble to produce the eco-friendly vehicle heated up.

By all standards, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is nearing the development milestone. At 28 mpg rating for city and highway driving, it surpasses even some regular cars on fuel economy which can save up to 200 gallons a year. That is not a mean accomplishment considering that the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a vehicle resembling a station wagon but constructed on a light truck frame. It means it is a lot heavier than an ordinary car, so if it has a higher fuel efficiency rating, that is nothing to sneeze at. It can save the owner about $800 per annum if not more.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid attains this by its twin-power configuration: a 3.5-liter V6 that packs 231 horsepower, and an electric motor-cum-generator capable of producing 280 hp. It is sold in either Base or Limited trims, the main difference being several luxury features in the Limited such as leather upholstery, 10-way seat for the driver with adjustable supports, moonroof, climate control and push-button starting. Power tailgate, wiper de-icer, rearview mirror and compass, transmitter, 19" wheels, shiny roof rails are added to the Limited. But both have the on-demand four-wheel drive and high synergy powertrain.

However, the automatic with snow mode transmission system is listed as not available for gasoline six-speed or five-speed models with ECT-I (Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence). It is standard in non-hybrid Highlander models only. Furthermore, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is not designed and recommended for off-road driving, although it was purposely tough enough for short stints in the grass and woods, so perhaps the designers deemed the snow mode transmission as not necessary anyway.

But the Toyota Highlander Hybrid models have the ECVT (electronically controlled continuously variable transmission with ECON mode), the last feature controlling throttle responsiveness when accelerating, thus increasing fuel economy. No burning of rubber for these models. It likewise features the EV mode, activated via a switch, with which it can run silent over short distances at speeds below 30 mph, vital if you do not wish to trouble the neighbors when going home rather late in the evening.

The downsides for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid include, topmost, cost. At better than $47,000 for the Limited and $38,000+ for the Base version, the prices can hurt the pocketbook any way you look at them, even if substantial savings in fuel expenses may be generated over time. But for people who can afford it, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid would be the excellent choice.

Some reviews also mention the unchallenging drive given by the electrically-powered steering system which does not give the driver some feel for the road. On the other hand, it can be a boon to drivers of less capability such as the elderly and physically impaired. Also, the suspension is rather soft, but this may be because the vehicle is intended for road driving, not off it. And, the roomy, luxurious interior appointments can compensate for the apparent shortcomings in terms of driving.

The unique upsides for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, however, include the roomier interior. This vehicle is the only 7-seater midsize family car today. This was achieved by adding two additional third-row seats, which may also be folded to open up some cargo space. The fold-down middle seat in the second row greatly eases access to the third-row seats.

Also this car has been awarded the ‘Top Safety Pick’ citation by the IIHS, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The award means the car provides top-notch protection for its riders in offset front, side, and roll-over accidents. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid Star Safety System that incorporates all-around airbags in addition to the traction control, stability control, antilock braking system and brakes assists are major factors for this superlative safety rating granted by the IIHS.

So, for anyone who wants a comfortable ride for him and his family in a vehicle that sips, not guzzle, gas, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid would be the perfect choice. Now, if only the Toyota Tacoma accessories can be add-ons to this SUV, it would be perhaps a perfect multiple-purpose SUV in the original sense of the acronym.