Underhood, the V6 powerplant is a different beast that powers the regular gas Highlander. The Hybrid's V6 engine uses an "Atkinson Cycle" that's purportedly 10% more efficient than a conventional four-stroke system. Mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) whose variable ratios adapt to keep the engine operating at peak efficiency, the new mill at 231 horsepower is 22 horses more powerful than its predecessor. Combined with the hybrid system's electric motors, the total output is 280 horsepower.
Throughout the winding Muskoka roadways that marked the start of our test-drive, the Highlander Hybrid felt planted and composed. Although it boasts four-wheel drive, the Highlander is based on a front-wheel drive platform, the four-wheel drive is governed by an electronic system with no drive shaft needed. The electric motor driving the rear wheels kicks in when front wheel slippage is detected.
There's no obvious body roll - and an abrupt braking manoeuvre to avoid an oblivious cell-phone-chatter who drifted into our lane produced little nose dive. Over various road surface conditions, the Highlander Hybrid displayed good road manners and let little disturbance or noise into the cabin. It's one of the most comfortable crossover vehicles on the market - smooth, quiet and completely unobtrusive. It's comfort at the cost of driver engagement though, there's little feedback from the rather numb steering and although powerful, the Highlander isn't exactly sporty. But that's a moot point for most people, to whom its lack of intrusiveness is its most desirable quality. Indeed, we noticed no weird noises from its hybrid powertrain, the only outward distinction between the Hybrid and more conventional Highlanders is some discreet blue badging.
Although the initial buy in is more expensive, when you factor in its standard four-wheel-drive, more power and impressive fuel rating (City/Highway 6.6/7.3 L/100 km) – the Highland Hybrid is a compelling choice.
Throughout the winding Muskoka roadways that marked the start of our test-drive, the Highlander Hybrid felt planted and composed. Although it boasts four-wheel drive, the Highlander is based on a front-wheel drive platform, the four-wheel drive is governed by an electronic system with no drive shaft needed. The electric motor driving the rear wheels kicks in when front wheel slippage is detected.
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| The Hybrid's V6 engine uses an "Atkinson Cycle" that's purportedly 10% more efficient than a conventional four-stroke system. (Photo: Toyota) |
There's no obvious body roll - and an abrupt braking manoeuvre to avoid an oblivious cell-phone-chatter who drifted into our lane produced little nose dive. Over various road surface conditions, the Highlander Hybrid displayed good road manners and let little disturbance or noise into the cabin. It's one of the most comfortable crossover vehicles on the market - smooth, quiet and completely unobtrusive. It's comfort at the cost of driver engagement though, there's little feedback from the rather numb steering and although powerful, the Highlander isn't exactly sporty. But that's a moot point for most people, to whom its lack of intrusiveness is its most desirable quality. Indeed, we noticed no weird noises from its hybrid powertrain, the only outward distinction between the Hybrid and more conventional Highlanders is some discreet blue badging.
Although the initial buy in is more expensive, when you factor in its standard four-wheel-drive, more power and impressive fuel rating (City/Highway 6.6/7.3 L/100 km) – the Highland Hybrid is a compelling choice.
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