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Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is an automobile assembled by Toyota Motor Corp. using Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. It is called the Toyota Harrier Hybrid in Japan. It first debuted in Japan in March of 2005 and followed to American shores a few months afterwards. The Lexus RX 400h is an automobile assembled by Toyota Motor Corp. under the Lexus brand name using Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. Currently, Lexus is using the fourth generation of Hybrid Synergy Drive from Toyota. Each generation surpasses the previous, offering greater power and less cost. The hybrid powertrain adds a mere 300 pounds to the vehicle’s curb weight, an impressive engineering acheivement. The majority of this extra weight is mounted low in the vehicle. To manage the additional weight, Lexus made the chassis of the RX stronger. The Lexus RX, Lexus ES 350, Toyota Camry, and Toyota Highlander are all built on the same platform with slight modifications between the sedans and the SUVs.
After first being introduced in January 2004 at the North American International Auto Show, it would become the world's second mass-produced hybrid SUV, after the Ford Escape Hybrid. In November 2004, Toyota announced the American launch of hybrid Lexus/Toyota SUV will be delayed to the 2006 model year, with European and Asian launches to meet the same fate. The Toyota version of the same car debuted in Japan in March of 2005 as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
The gasoline-powered part of the engine system is a 3.3L 3MZ-FE V6, very similar to the one found in the RX 330. It produces 268 HP when aided by the two additional electric motors. Under normal driving conditions, only the front motor and gasoline engine will be used. The rear motor will only be used under full-throttle acceleration or when the front wheels lose traction (if so equipped). The gasoline engine will switch off automatically when the vehicle is either stationary, decelerating, or being driven at a slow speed and the electric motor will take over. A Ni-MH battery is responsible for powering the motors, and it is charged during deceleration and from the heat energy caused from braking.
The assistance of the electric motor increases the vehicle's performance, the RX 400h Hybrid can reach 60 mph (97km/h) in less than 8 seconds which is quicker than the normally aspirated RX 330. Despite the increased performance, the RX 400h consumes roughly the same amount of fuel as a compact four-cylinder sedan and it qualifies as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) in America.
See WikiCars' comprehensive Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review
Recent Changes
The Highlander Hybrid is new for the 2006 model year.
Styles and Major Options
Standard Equipment
- Fabric-trimmed interior
- Silver interior trim pieces
- Tilt steering wheel
- Power tilt-and-slide sunroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
- Remote keyless entry
- Hybrid Optitron IP gauges with kW power meter
- Roof rack with rails
- Air Conditioning with clean air filter
- Deluxe AM/FM/Casette/CD audio system with 6 speakers
- HomeLink® Universal Transceiver
Limited Package
- Leather trimmed interior w/power adjustable driver and front passenger heated seats
- Burled maple wood grain simulated wood trim
- JBL® 8-speaker Premium Audio System with in-dash, single-feed, six-disc CD changer
- Leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls
- Leather trimmed shift lever with chrome stalk
- Automatic on/off headlamps
- Anti-theft alarm and engine immobilizer
Dealer Accessories
- All-weather floor mats
- Car cover
- Cargo mat
- Cargo net
- Front-end mask
- Tow-hitch receiver
- Wheel locks
- Wireless headphones
Pricing
Today's actual prices for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid can be found at CarsDirect.
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Model Trims |
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FWD |
AWD |
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MSRP |
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$44,660 |
$46,060 |
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Invoice |
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$39,746 |
$40,992 |
Gas Mileage
As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
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Trim |
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2006 Highlander Hybrid |
2006 Highlander Hybird Limited |
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MPG |
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33/28 |
31/27 |
Reliablity
Safety
- Front seat-mounted side airbags (SRS)
- Driver's and front passenger's advanced airbag system (SRS) with crash-severity sensors
- Front and rear roll-sensing side curtainairbags
- Driver's knee airbag
- Star Safety System with (VDIM)
- ABS with Brake Assist
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Reinforced Body
- Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners seatbelts for all seats
- Lower Anchors, tether anchors for children (LATCH) in 2nd row seat
- Daytime Running Lights
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- Traction Control (TRAC)
- Theft-Deterrent System with engine immobilizer
- LED tailights
Photos
Colors
Super White
Millenium Silver Metallic
Sonora Gold Pearl
Salsa Red Pearl
Oasis Green Pearl
Indigo Ink Pearl
Black
Ivory Leather
Ivory Fabric
Ash Leather
Ash Fabric
Main Competitors
Unique Attributes
The available Four-Wheel Air Suspension controls vehicle height, depending on driving conditions and needs. At speeds higher than 62 mph, the vehicle lowers 0.3 inches automatically (Normal mode), providing increased control and lower drag coefficient. For additional control during sport driving, you can select Low mode, which lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches. For low-speed emergency driving on rough terrain, you're able to switch to High mode to raise the ground clearance to a full 8.3 inches. Or, for easy passenger access or loading, the vehicle will lower an additional 1.2 inches (Access mode). The RX 350 is a certified Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II) that everyone can feel good about.
Resale Values
Kelley Blue Book offers a range of resale value information, with mileage and equipment levels factored in.
Criticisms
Toyota Highlander Generations
Current Model (2004-present)
These North American-market cars were initially built in Japan and sold in Japan as the Kluger in 1997. Next production of the RX 330 started at Toyota's Cambridge, Ontario, Canada plant in September 2003 (some North American RX 330/RX 350 models are still made in Japan). The RX 330 is powered by a 3.3 L 3MZ-FE V6, producing 223 hp SAE and (238 ft·lb), and is available in either front or four wheel drive. "AIRS" air-suspension is again an option on the four wheel drive models, and interestingly, a Mark Levinson sound-system is available in place of the JBL system found in the Toyota Harrier.
For European and Asian markets, the second generation RX was launched in early 2003, where it continues to be a RX 300 and is made in Japan. Mechanical specification is more or less identical to the 3.0 L V6 Toyota Harrier, with only the four wheel drive version available. Once again, air-suspension and Mark Levinson audio can be specified.
The Harrier Hybrid went on sale in Japan on March 2005, and the hybrid Lexus RX 400h went on sale during the 2006 model year in North America. Europe and Asia will also receive the Hybrid RX during 2006.
Worldwide
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is sold in Australia and other Pacific rim counties as the Kluger.
Design quirks and oddities
- Unique Front Bumper for increased cooling
- Unique Grille
- Unique Fog Lamps
- New Tailights with LEDs instead of incandescent bulbs
- 18 inch wheels
- Performance tires
