Smooth ride
Although driving the Highlander Hybrid requires some adjustment, there is little, if anything, that needs to be changed when it comes to driving position and controls. Part of the Limited version's charm is attributable to the many possible adjustments for ensuring a good, comfortable driving position. Its power train takes some getting used to, though. When the vehicle is stopped, it's easy to think that the engine and electric motor are off, even if the ignition key or ignition light is on, because the Limited version is started with the push of a button (Push Button Start), not by the turn of a key. My cameraman innocently left the vehicle running a few times, thinking that the engine was off, and he was partly correct: The gasoline engine rarely runs when the vehicle is in park, except for the odd time that the battery needs to be recharged. Silence becomes a major a safety issue when the vehicle is moving. Pedestrians will not hear the vehicle coming up behind them, and the driver has to be twice as careful at intersections to protect pedestrians from themselves.
Another change lies in acceleration and gear shifting, with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) eliminating the latter. Quick accelerations draw on the power generated by the gasoline engine and electric motor: The 3.3-L V6 engine groans, striving to boost its electric counterpart to propel the 2,105-kg vehicle (not including our cargo) forward.
Apart from that, only wind noise at 110 km/hr and over disturbed our tranquil drive. The Highlander Hybrid is a smooth ride without any sporty pretensions. Its all-wheel drive system ensures good traction at all times, but you need to be mindful of the vehicle's weight when braking and driving on wet or slippery surfaces. The Highlander Hybrid is not one to be rushed, but then you don't feel the need to do so. Although Toyota claims the vehicle's fuel consumption is 8 L/100 km, we averaged 12.3 L/100 km, which neither surprises nor disappoints me, because it was quite windy on the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 417. Without our cargo load, we averaged close to 10 L/100 km.
Smoothness, all around
Maybe it's because our Highlander was a hybrid and maybe it's because the price of fuel was at $1.37/L, but I found that driving the Highlander Hybrid Limited appealed to calmness and serenity. I truly enjoyed driving in complete peace, listening to my iPod.
photo:Amyot Bachand
Although driving the Highlander Hybrid requires some adjustment, there is little, if anything, that needs to be changed when it comes to driving position and controls. Part of the Limited version's charm is attributable to the many possible adjustments for ensuring a good, comfortable driving position. Its power train takes some getting used to, though. When the vehicle is stopped, it's easy to think that the engine and electric motor are off, even if the ignition key or ignition light is on, because the Limited version is started with the push of a button (Push Button Start), not by the turn of a key. My cameraman innocently left the vehicle running a few times, thinking that the engine was off, and he was partly correct: The gasoline engine rarely runs when the vehicle is in park, except for the odd time that the battery needs to be recharged. Silence becomes a major a safety issue when the vehicle is moving. Pedestrians will not hear the vehicle coming up behind them, and the driver has to be twice as careful at intersections to protect pedestrians from themselves.
 |
| The 3.3-L V6 engine groans, striving to boost its electric counterpart to propel the 2,105-kg vehicle. |
Another change lies in acceleration and gear shifting, with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) eliminating the latter. Quick accelerations draw on the power generated by the gasoline engine and electric motor: The 3.3-L V6 engine groans, striving to boost its electric counterpart to propel the 2,105-kg vehicle (not including our cargo) forward.
Apart from that, only wind noise at 110 km/hr and over disturbed our tranquil drive. The Highlander Hybrid is a smooth ride without any sporty pretensions. Its all-wheel drive system ensures good traction at all times, but you need to be mindful of the vehicle's weight when braking and driving on wet or slippery surfaces. The Highlander Hybrid is not one to be rushed, but then you don't feel the need to do so. Although Toyota claims the vehicle's fuel consumption is 8 L/100 km, we averaged 12.3 L/100 km, which neither surprises nor disappoints me, because it was quite windy on the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 417. Without our cargo load, we averaged close to 10 L/100 km.
Smoothness, all around
Maybe it's because our Highlander was a hybrid and maybe it's because the price of fuel was at $1.37/L, but I found that driving the Highlander Hybrid Limited appealed to calmness and serenity. I truly enjoyed driving in complete peace, listening to my iPod.
 |
| The driving of the Highlander Hybrid Limited appealed to calmness and serenity. |
photo:Amyot Bachand
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