My tester was the Limited version, which means that it was well stocked with comfort and convenience amenities in addition to a third row seat - although squeezing adults into the third row would be an act of carpool desperation. Despite its constrained third row facility, I have always liked the Highlander for its modest size, enjoyable ride and all-weather practicality, not to mention Toyota quality. The addition of hybrid technology catapults the Highlander to the head of the class in the mid-sized, mid-priced SUV segment. Although there may be some extra
risk in buying a hybrid SUV due to the absence of hard data on long-term performance, which can only be generated by recording years of use, Toyota seems prepared to stand behind its product. The hybrid components, including the HV battery are warranted for 8-years or 160,000 kilometres.
As well as carefully weighing the pros and cons of hybrid technology, potential buyers ought to research whether such a purchase would entitle them to government-sponsored incentives. In my jurisdiction, the provincial government will waive up to $2,000 in sales tax on the purchase of a new hybrid vehicle; depending on driving patterns, that could easily equate to a couple of years worth of free gas.
While hybrid technology may not be the panacea for all our transportation ills, it will certainly reduce the symptoms. And in the case of the Highlander it will do so while continuing to provide families with all the benefits associated with owning a high quality, mid-size SUV, less some of the guilt that comes with owning a sport utility vehicle, I suppose. Call it a lighter shade of green, but green nonetheless.
Specifications:
Price Range: $44,205 - $53,145
Body Type: 5-door SUV, unibody
Layout: Front engine, FWD (optional 4WD)
Gasoline Engine: 208 hp, 212 lb-ft of torque, 3.3-L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
Electric Motor (FWD/AWD): two electric motors / three electric motors
Combined Gasoline-Electric Hybrid Horsepower: 268
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.3 seconds
Transmission: Electronically-Controlled Continuously Variable (ECVT)
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
Curb Weight: 2,018 kg (4,450 lb)
Seating Capacity: 7
Cargo Cap (estimated with seats folded flat): 2,305 L (81.4 cu ft)
Ground Clearance (estimated): 173 - 183 mm (6.8 - 7.2 in)
Towing Capacity (estimated): 680 - 1,588 kg (1,500 - 3,500 lb)
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 7.5 / 8.1 L/100 km
Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain - 96/160,000
Direct Competitors: Ford Escape Hybrid
Web Site: www.toyota.ca
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| My tester was the Limited version, which means that it was well stocked with comfort and convenience amenities. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
As well as carefully weighing the pros and cons of hybrid technology, potential buyers ought to research whether such a purchase would entitle them to government-sponsored incentives. In my jurisdiction, the provincial government will waive up to $2,000 in sales tax on the purchase of a new hybrid vehicle; depending on driving patterns, that could easily equate to a couple of years worth of free gas.
While hybrid technology may not be the panacea for all our transportation ills, it will certainly reduce the symptoms. And in the case of the Highlander it will do so while continuing to provide families with all the benefits associated with owning a high quality, mid-size SUV, less some of the guilt that comes with owning a sport utility vehicle, I suppose. Call it a lighter shade of green, but green nonetheless.
Specifications:
Price Range: $44,205 - $53,145
Body Type: 5-door SUV, unibody
Layout: Front engine, FWD (optional 4WD)
Gasoline Engine: 208 hp, 212 lb-ft of torque, 3.3-L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
Electric Motor (FWD/AWD): two electric motors / three electric motors
Combined Gasoline-Electric Hybrid Horsepower: 268
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.3 seconds
Transmission: Electronically-Controlled Continuously Variable (ECVT)
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
Curb Weight: 2,018 kg (4,450 lb)
Seating Capacity: 7
Cargo Cap (estimated with seats folded flat): 2,305 L (81.4 cu ft)
Ground Clearance (estimated): 173 - 183 mm (6.8 - 7.2 in)
Towing Capacity (estimated): 680 - 1,588 kg (1,500 - 3,500 lb)
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 7.5 / 8.1 L/100 km
Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain - 96/160,000
Direct Competitors: Ford Escape Hybrid
Web Site: www.toyota.ca
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