The all-new Toyota Highlander Hybrid gasoline-electric mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) first introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, will have its Canadian debut today at the 2005 Montreal Auto Show.
"Highlander Hybrid is the world's first mid-size hybrid SUV available with seven-passenger seating marking the introduction of a second all-new hybrid vehicle from Toyota before most manufacturers have shown their first," said Tony Wearing, Managing Director of Toyota Canada Inc. "The addition of a hybrid system to this popular SUV provides further evidence that Toyota's commitment to hybrid technology will continue to spread."
Like the popular four-cylinder Prius gasoline/electric hybrid, the 3.3-litre V6-equipped Highlander Hybrid will be powered by another new version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. The system was specifically developed to meet the load-carrying requirements of a mid-size SUV.
The new system features a larger-capacity battery and all-new high-speed electric motor that will deliver more power than Toyota's current generation Prius hybrid-electric automobile. With total peak-system power projected at approximately 270 horsepower, the new system will improve upon the V6 Highlander's already impressive less-than-eight-second zero-to-100 km/h acceleration.
The Highlander Hybrid uses a regenerative braking system to further boost system efficiency. When the vehicle is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric motor functions as a generator, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes and converting it into useable electricity to recharge the batteries.
In addition to its impressive performance, the Highlander Hybrid will also deliver the best fuel economy in the mid-size SUV segment. Highlander Hybrid's combined fuel efficiency will be comparable to that of a compact sedan. Equally important, Highlander Hybrid will be certified by the California Air Resources Board as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV).
In addition to providing the fuel economy of a compact sedan, the Highlander Hybrid will offer the versatility, refinement, and comfort demanded in a mid-size SUV. Highlander Hybrid will come standard-equipped with electric four-wheel-drive with intelligence (4WD-i), and front and rear electric motors that will deliver balanced power to all four wheels, providing instantaneous acceleration.
To enhance safety and all-weather capability, the Highlander Hybrid will feature a Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) system. Monitoring a variety of sensors, the system is capable of anticipating vehicle stability problems and correcting them with a combination of braking, and throttle control. The new VDIM system is less obtrusive than conventional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system and ultimately more effective. It permits for more spirited driving while acting quicker and more effectively to assist when the driver needs to help.
Other safety features include, a tire pressure warning system, and optional front seat-mounted side airbags and front and second row curtain side airbags.
On the seven-passenger version of the hybrid SUV, Highlander Hybrid will feature three rows of seats as well as rear privacy glass, a rear heater system, and rear seat cupholders. "Walk-in" steps and a second-row sliding seat ease entry to, and exit from the third row. The third-row seat also folds completely flat into the floor to create added cargo space. The second-row 60/40 split-fold seat also reclines and folds forward flat for added comfort and utility.
The exterior styling will be freshened with the addition of a new front grille, bumper, rear LED tail lamps, and will ride on 17-inch alloy wheels unique to Highlander Hybrid.
"Highlander Hybrid is the world's first mid-size hybrid SUV available with seven-passenger seating marking the introduction of a second all-new hybrid vehicle from Toyota before most manufacturers have shown their first," said Tony Wearing, Managing Director of Toyota Canada Inc. "The addition of a hybrid system to this popular SUV provides further evidence that Toyota's commitment to hybrid technology will continue to spread."
Like the popular four-cylinder Prius gasoline/electric hybrid, the 3.3-litre V6-equipped Highlander Hybrid will be powered by another new version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. The system was specifically developed to meet the load-carrying requirements of a mid-size SUV.
The new system features a larger-capacity battery and all-new high-speed electric motor that will deliver more power than Toyota's current generation Prius hybrid-electric automobile. With total peak-system power projected at approximately 270 horsepower, the new system will improve upon the V6 Highlander's already impressive less-than-eight-second zero-to-100 km/h acceleration.
The Highlander Hybrid uses a regenerative braking system to further boost system efficiency. When the vehicle is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric motor functions as a generator, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes and converting it into useable electricity to recharge the batteries.
In addition to its impressive performance, the Highlander Hybrid will also deliver the best fuel economy in the mid-size SUV segment. Highlander Hybrid's combined fuel efficiency will be comparable to that of a compact sedan. Equally important, Highlander Hybrid will be certified by the California Air Resources Board as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV).
In addition to providing the fuel economy of a compact sedan, the Highlander Hybrid will offer the versatility, refinement, and comfort demanded in a mid-size SUV. Highlander Hybrid will come standard-equipped with electric four-wheel-drive with intelligence (4WD-i), and front and rear electric motors that will deliver balanced power to all four wheels, providing instantaneous acceleration.
To enhance safety and all-weather capability, the Highlander Hybrid will feature a Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) system. Monitoring a variety of sensors, the system is capable of anticipating vehicle stability problems and correcting them with a combination of braking, and throttle control. The new VDIM system is less obtrusive than conventional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system and ultimately more effective. It permits for more spirited driving while acting quicker and more effectively to assist when the driver needs to help.
Other safety features include, a tire pressure warning system, and optional front seat-mounted side airbags and front and second row curtain side airbags.
On the seven-passenger version of the hybrid SUV, Highlander Hybrid will feature three rows of seats as well as rear privacy glass, a rear heater system, and rear seat cupholders. "Walk-in" steps and a second-row sliding seat ease entry to, and exit from the third row. The third-row seat also folds completely flat into the floor to create added cargo space. The second-row 60/40 split-fold seat also reclines and folds forward flat for added comfort and utility.
The exterior styling will be freshened with the addition of a new front grille, bumper, rear LED tail lamps, and will ride on 17-inch alloy wheels unique to Highlander Hybrid.