All-New 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Hits a Grand Slam - GreenHybrid

Jason · #1 (**permalink**) 03-29-2005, 11:50 AM

Quote:

The Highlander Hybrid will be powered by a new version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain specifically developed to meet the load-carrying requirements and performance expectations of mid-size SUV buyers. Its all-new high-speed electric motor operates at twice the speed and delivers more than twice the power as the motor used in the four-cylinder Prius, producing 268 peak combined horsepower with a standard towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Highlander Hybrid provides rapid acceleration with a 0-60 miles per hour time of just 7.3 seconds for the electric four-wheel-drive with intelligence (4WD-i) and delivers the best fuel economy ratings in the mid-size SUV segment.

The Highlander Hybrid 4x2 carries an estimated EPA fuel efficiency rating of 33 mpg in city driving, 28 mpg on the highway. Its combined city/highway estimated EPA fuel efficiency rating of 30 mpg exceeds most V8 powered SUV’s by more than 100 percent and is better than the current EPA average – 27.1 mpg - for a four-cylinder compact sedan. The estimated EPA city/highway average for all 4WD-i models is an impressive 31/27 with a combined rating of 29 mpg. In addition, Highlander Hybrid will be rated as a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV). One of the most stringent emissions ratings in the industry, SULEV-rated vehicles emit 80 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than conventionally-powered SUV’s.

- http://pressroom.toyota.com/photo_li...ml?id=20050328

davidb · #2 (**permalink**) 04-18-2005, 06:54 AM

The FE figures seem quite amazing. They suggest that the Highlander hybrid will do almost as well as the Escape which is much smaller and has not much more than half the horsepower. Can the high speed electric motor do all of this on its own?

I am a prospective HAH purchaser who is now wondering whether to hold off until Toyota puts their V6 hybrid in more vehicles (see my comments posted yesterday in the HAH forum -- "Honda Accord vs Toyota Highlander").

blueskies · #3 (**permalink**) 04-18-2005, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidb

The FE figures seem quite amazing. They suggest that the Highlander hybrid will do almost as well as the Escape which is much smaller and has not much more than half the horsepower. Can the high speed electric motor do all of this on its own?

I am a prospective HAH purchaser who is now wondering whether to hold off until Toyota puts their V6 hybrid in more vehicles (see my comments posted yesterday in the HAH forum -- "Honda Accord vs Toyota Highlander").

Also consider the Lexus Rx400h and the Lexus GS hybrid coming out...

PrimeRisk · #4 (**permalink**) 05-14-2005, 02:35 PM

Does anyone have the street date for the Highlander?

Jason · #5 (**permalink**) 05-14-2005, 02:45 PM

"June 2005" is all I've been able to gather.

Shiloh · #6 (**permalink**) 05-14-2005, 06:53 PM

I sent internet inquiries to 2 dealers in Denver. One said "it won't be available until 2007" the other contacted me by email and phone and when I finally reached them they claimed to have a 12 - 18 month waiting list. When I asked about a test drive, I was told that since all of their cars have been "spoken for" that most likely the best they could do would be to allow me to sit in the car and turn it on but not drive it. This dealership (I believe) said they'd only be getting about 2 per month. Finally, I made a call to a 3rd dealership and just asked about availability for a test drive. I was told "next month" and when I asked about true availability this dealership told me that they did have a waiting list but it "wasn't long" and that they expect to receive 50 vehicles by December.

Bottom line, at least for me, I guess I'll have to call all the dealerships around and see what each says about true availability.

Jason · #7 (**permalink**) 05-14-2005, 06:55 PM

I think the bottom line is that the Toyota dealerships haven't learned a thing since the Prius first came out. I think the bottom line is: shame on Toyota for not being able to do it better the second time around.

PrimeRisk · #8 (**permalink**) 05-16-2005, 05:11 PM

Shiloh,
I live in Denver, but I didn't buy my Prius here because of the runaround from the dealers. Both John Elway and Stevenson gave the same BS song and dance about availability and the waiting list. They seem to have quite the attitude about vehicles that are in high demand. (Ask about a Land Cruiser and they'll trip over themselves trying to get you to take the thing home overnight.) I ended up dealing with the Spradley Toyota dealership in Cheyenne, WY. It was completely worth the drive. They were very nice and I got my car in only 6 weeks. Give them a call, they're more likely to give you straight answers.

Shiloh · #9 (**permalink**) 05-16-2005, 09:10 PM

Thanks, PrimeRisk - I'll definitely do that!

I want a hybrid SUV before the snow flies again since I'll now have another driver in the house. I would prefer the HH to the FEH but if availability is an issue, I may have to "settle" for the FEH.