All Highlander Hybrids are AWD, however there is no mechanical link between the front and rear wheels. The back axle has its own mode of propulsion in the form of a 68-hp permanent magnet electric motor. This explains why, under hard acceleration, torque creeps up in the steering wheel. Of course, this rather unpleasant symptom can be avoided by driving with a light right foot.
Smooth as a baby bottom
This vehicle is so legato and quiet that there could be a real danger of falling asleep at the wheel if you skip your morning dose of caffeine. If you don't, everyone aboard will seriously appreciate how civilized the ride is. The CVT's seamless operation can also put all to bed quite quickly as well.
Those that take green/eco driving on as a personal challenge will love the ECON mode. What it does, in plain words, is choke the throttle to a point where it is impossible to shoot off from a stop or to even promptly overtake a parked car. I found this mode to be particularly adept in urban areas. This way, it is virtually impossible to dismantle speed limits all the while lowering fuel consumption, maximizing EV mode and curbing CO2 emissions. I managed an average of 9.5 L/100 km during my test.
As expected, the Highlander ride's is comfortable and its suspension setup is aptly able to soak up reasonably-sized potholes. The electric power-assisted steering remains light in all situations which perturbs stability at highway speeds. In town, the easy action belies its fairly large turning radius and makes the vehicle feel more agile and nimble than it really is. Regenerative brakes are certainly standard and do little in the way of hampering brake feel, once you've gotten used to their effect on caliper pressure to the discs.
How much are you willing to pay?
If it's the Highlander that is tickling your fancy and the environment is important to you, you may want to consider the base FWD version as it consumes only marginally more than the Hybrid and retails for $10,000 less. Obviously, if you are interested in more kit and caboodle, a $55,000 Hybrid Limited will make all your dreams come true.
Smooth as a baby bottom
This vehicle is so legato and quiet that there could be a real danger of falling asleep at the wheel if you skip your morning dose of caffeine. If you don't, everyone aboard will seriously appreciate how civilized the ride is. The CVT's seamless operation can also put all to bed quite quickly as well.
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| If you are interested in more kit and caboodle, a $55,000 Hybrid Limited will make all your dreams come true. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com) |
Those that take green/eco driving on as a personal challenge will love the ECON mode. What it does, in plain words, is choke the throttle to a point where it is impossible to shoot off from a stop or to even promptly overtake a parked car. I found this mode to be particularly adept in urban areas. This way, it is virtually impossible to dismantle speed limits all the while lowering fuel consumption, maximizing EV mode and curbing CO2 emissions. I managed an average of 9.5 L/100 km during my test.
As expected, the Highlander ride's is comfortable and its suspension setup is aptly able to soak up reasonably-sized potholes. The electric power-assisted steering remains light in all situations which perturbs stability at highway speeds. In town, the easy action belies its fairly large turning radius and makes the vehicle feel more agile and nimble than it really is. Regenerative brakes are certainly standard and do little in the way of hampering brake feel, once you've gotten used to their effect on caliper pressure to the discs.
How much are you willing to pay?
If it's the Highlander that is tickling your fancy and the environment is important to you, you may want to consider the base FWD version as it consumes only marginally more than the Hybrid and retails for $10,000 less. Obviously, if you are interested in more kit and caboodle, a $55,000 Hybrid Limited will make all your dreams come true.
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