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Worlds First Entry-Level Midsize Hybrid SUV Hits Showrooms

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Makes V8 Power with Four-Cylinder Fuel Economy

Do you want a fuel conscious, clean burning gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle, but the reality of kids and an active lifestyle mean that a midsize sport utility is more ideal than the compact models now available?

Youre hardly alone, which is why Toyotas Lexus division brought its new RX 400h SUV to market, featuring a gasoline-powered 3.3-liter V6 and a high-torque electric drive motor-generator drivetrain that results in an overall output of 268-horsepower

Toyota integrates the Hybrid Synergy Drive system, currently found in the Lexus RX 400h, into the Highlander crossover SUV. (Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.)

for the performance of a V8 with the fuel economy of a 4-cylinder compact car.

But not everyone can afford a Lexus, which is why Toyota integrated the Hybrid Synergy Drive system into its Highlander crossover SUV, which shares its general architecture with the RX.

The Highlander Hybrid is the automakers first 7-occupant HEV, now that it is available, joining the Prius 5-door liftback under the Toyota nameplate,

The Highlander Hybrid is Toyotas first 7-occupant HEV. (Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.)

and in so doing give Toyota the distinction of the only brand to offer both car and SUV hybrids. The new model is priced at $33,595, including destination charges, which is $6,840 more than the standard V6 gasoline version with three rows of seats. All-wheel drive will be $34,995, including freight, which is $6,840 more than the AWD gasoline version.

While the Highlander Hybrid is available with front-wheel drive in base trim, a unique all-wheel drive system incorporates a separate 50 kw electric motor in the rear producing an additional 96 lb-ft of torque on demand.

Look for the Highlander Hybrid to increase Toyotas lead in hybrid-electric vehicles, with more Toyota and Lexus vehicles to follow shortly thereafter.

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