The model is also recognizable by the 17-inch alloy wheels and colour-coordinated rocker panels. The doors are even adorned with a chrome inlay for extra bling. A bit of overkill, that.
Something new under the hood
The biggest news is tucked away under the hood. It’s a new hybrid powertrain consisting of a 3.5-litre, Atkinson-cycle V6 mated to two electric motors. The first is connected to the V6; it acts as a starter and can recharge the batteries or power other electric motors as needed. The second is a rear-mounted motor-generator that drives the rear wheels. The power generated by these two mills is dispatched to the drive wheels via a continuously variable transmission.
The new heat engine replaces a 3.3-litre V6. According to the manufacturer, it provides two tons of extra power, produces less harmful emissions and burns less fuel. In addition, thanks to the new exhaust heat recovery system it starts better in cold weather. An obvious advantage that any Canadian can appreciate!
So compared to the 2010 model, fuel consumption is down 13%, from 7.7 to 6.8 litres per 100 km, while the combined power of all three engines is up 10%, from 268 to 295 hp. This extra grunt doesn’t affect the Highlander Hybrid’s towing capacity, however, which it still set at 1,587 kg (3,500 lbs) like the 4-cylinder Highlander.
More for your money
Inside, the dash is quite similar to that of the 2010 edition. The stereo now boasts a USB port, however, as well as XM satellite radio and a hands-free system to sync up to your cell phone.
As for the rest, you get pretty much the same layout and equipment as the other two models in the 2010 catalogue, i.e. Base and Limited. Their features and passive safety devices (airbags and curtains) are comprehensive, which is only logical, as the entry-level hybrid model costs as much as a “normal” Highlander Limited.
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| The list of standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
Something new under the hood
The biggest news is tucked away under the hood. It’s a new hybrid powertrain consisting of a 3.5-litre, Atkinson-cycle V6 mated to two electric motors. The first is connected to the V6; it acts as a starter and can recharge the batteries or power other electric motors as needed. The second is a rear-mounted motor-generator that drives the rear wheels. The power generated by these two mills is dispatched to the drive wheels via a continuously variable transmission.
The new heat engine replaces a 3.3-litre V6. According to the manufacturer, it provides two tons of extra power, produces less harmful emissions and burns less fuel. In addition, thanks to the new exhaust heat recovery system it starts better in cold weather. An obvious advantage that any Canadian can appreciate!
So compared to the 2010 model, fuel consumption is down 13%, from 7.7 to 6.8 litres per 100 km, while the combined power of all three engines is up 10%, from 268 to 295 hp. This extra grunt doesn’t affect the Highlander Hybrid’s towing capacity, however, which it still set at 1,587 kg (3,500 lbs) like the 4-cylinder Highlander.
More for your money
Inside, the dash is quite similar to that of the 2010 edition. The stereo now boasts a USB port, however, as well as XM satellite radio and a hands-free system to sync up to your cell phone.
As for the rest, you get pretty much the same layout and equipment as the other two models in the 2010 catalogue, i.e. Base and Limited. Their features and passive safety devices (airbags and curtains) are comprehensive, which is only logical, as the entry-level hybrid model costs as much as a “normal” Highlander Limited.
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| The dash hasn’t changed radically from the 2010 model and still benefits from an efficient layout. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |