All-New 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Hits a Grand Slam

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Old 03-29-2005, 11:50 AM
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Default All-New 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Hits a Grand Slam (copy)

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 MPH 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
 

Last edited by Jason; 04-01-2005 at 04:07 PM.
  #2  
Old 04-18-2005, 06:54 AM
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Default Re: All-New 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Hits a Grand Slam (copy)

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").
 
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Old 04-18-2005, 12:33 PM
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Default Re: All-New 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Hits a Grand Slam (copy)

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...
 
  #4  
Old 05-14-2005, 02:35 PM
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Default Re: All-New 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Hits a Grand Slam

Does anyone have the street date for the Highlander?
 
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Old 05-14-2005, 02:45 PM
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Default Re: All-New 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Hits a Grand Slam

"June 2005" is all I've been able to gather.
 
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Old 05-14-2005, 06:53 PM
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Default Re: All-New 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Hits a Grand Slam

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.
 

Last edited by Shiloh; 05-14-2005 at 06:54 PM. Reason: typo
  #7  
Old 05-14-2005, 06:55 PM
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Default Re: All-New 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Hits a Grand Slam

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.
 
  #8  
Old 05-16-2005, 05:11 PM
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Default Re: All-New 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Hits a Grand Slam

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.
 
  #9  
Old 05-16-2005, 09:10 PM
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Default Re: All-New 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Hits a Grand Slam

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.
 
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