The Highlander Hybrid will only be offered in a three row, seven passenger seating configuration, added Toyota spokesman Mike Michaels. The third row seats fold flat into the floor to create additional cargo space, and the second 60/40 split-folding row of seats also reclines and folds forward for comfort or added utility.
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| The one thing Toyota is being tight lipped about is price and production levels. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
The green Highlander will also include a tire pressure warning system, optional front seat-mounted side airbags and front and second row curtain side airbags, deluxe AM/FM/cassette/CD sound system with six speakers, and a navigation system on the "Limited" model.
As expected, Toyota wasn't about to release any prices for the Highlander Hybrid, nor is the company saying publicly what its production targets are.
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| Due to the complex technologies that go into Toyota's hybrid drive systems, prices are set accordingly. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
"We think the demand (for the Highlander Hybrid) will be strong," noted Michaels.
Yet, the prices for hybrid vehicles are substantially more expensive than conventionally equipped vehicles--about USD $4,000-$6,000, according to analyst David Cole, president, Center for Automotive Research of Ann Arbor, Mich.
"There are two issues that hybrids face as you look at trying to get higher volume production and achieve economies of scale," Cole said. "First, there is duality in the system--you still have an internal combustion engine, but then you have the electric drivetrain too. There are more parts in hybrid vehicles; more sophisticated parts in terms of the electronics and the hardware."