Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system put to the test in a mid sized SUV
The Toyota Highlander is a mid sized SUV with any of the same features you'd likely find in a competing product. There's an automatic transmission, automatic 4x4 system, front and side airbags and a capable V6 engine under the hood. It's got an interesting piece of optional equipment though- Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system.
The potential fuel savings versus non-hybrid models are even greater in an SUV than in a sedan, and the larger platforms form an ideal base to carry the added componentry with ease.
Interior
It's a typical Toyota SUV in here- roomy and spacious, reasonably comfortable, and with great visibility in any direction. There is plenty of storage, and the dials and switches are all placed intuitively. It's quiet and peaceful during highway drives inside, though the interior does feel and look dated in some areas- mainly the controls and materials. I found the seats too stiff and unsupportive to be very comfortable on long trips.
A fitting road trip
The plan was a voyage from Barrie to Elmira to take in a famous Maple Syrup Festival which is said to remind visitors of a simpler, more down to earth lifestyle. Of course, the 40+ food vendors are a definite plus.
It was a Friday afternoon, the start of March Break, and due to poor planning I'd found myself stuck in miles of motionless traffic in the middle of central Ontario's notorious rush hour.
It's the sort of stop-and-go driving that takes place here where hybrid vehicles tend to shine. Using an electric only drive, they're able to slowly cruise along while using very minimal amounts of fuel.
Here's how it works.
The guts of the system
A 3.3 litre V6 engine is fitted up front. There are also battery packs which power an electric drive system used exclusively to propel the vehicle during low-speed, or light-throttle conditions. It can add boost to the gasoline engines output during passing or heavy-throttle application too.
The Toyota Highlander is a mid sized SUV with any of the same features you'd likely find in a competing product. There's an automatic transmission, automatic 4x4 system, front and side airbags and a capable V6 engine under the hood. It's got an interesting piece of optional equipment though- Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system.
 |
| The Highlander Hybrid is visually indistinguishable from the regular Highlander. |
The potential fuel savings versus non-hybrid models are even greater in an SUV than in a sedan, and the larger platforms form an ideal base to carry the added componentry with ease.
Interior
It's a typical Toyota SUV in here- roomy and spacious, reasonably comfortable, and with great visibility in any direction. There is plenty of storage, and the dials and switches are all placed intuitively. It's quiet and peaceful during highway drives inside, though the interior does feel and look dated in some areas- mainly the controls and materials. I found the seats too stiff and unsupportive to be very comfortable on long trips.
A fitting road trip
The plan was a voyage from Barrie to Elmira to take in a famous Maple Syrup Festival which is said to remind visitors of a simpler, more down to earth lifestyle. Of course, the 40+ food vendors are a definite plus.
It was a Friday afternoon, the start of March Break, and due to poor planning I'd found myself stuck in miles of motionless traffic in the middle of central Ontario's notorious rush hour.
It's the sort of stop-and-go driving that takes place here where hybrid vehicles tend to shine. Using an electric only drive, they're able to slowly cruise along while using very minimal amounts of fuel.
Here's how it works.
The guts of the system
A 3.3 litre V6 engine is fitted up front. There are also battery packs which power an electric drive system used exclusively to propel the vehicle during low-speed, or light-throttle conditions. It can add boost to the gasoline engines output during passing or heavy-throttle application too.
 |
| The Highlander's Hybrid Synergy Drive develops a combined 269 hp. |