Hybrid Car Review

The 2008 Highlander Hybrid will arrive on lots in October, rather than in September as was promised. The base price of the 4WD-i model will have an MSRP of $33,700 and the Limited will come in at $39,950. The base model price is a slight decrease of $190, while the Limited price has increased by $3,400 from 2007.

TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS),
U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today
for the all-new 2008 Highlander Hybrid.
A best-in-class fuel economy and emissions leader, Highlander Hybrid
with Hybrid Synergy Drive(TM) has been enhanced for power, roominess and
economy in 2008. It is noticeably quieter, larger and smarter, with
significantly improved versatility and ride comfort. The 2008 Highlander
Hybrid will have one of the most comprehensive lists of standard safety
features in the mid-size SUV class where safety is at the top of purchase
considerations.
Highlander Hybrid will be offered in Base and Limited grades, powered
by a 3.3-liter V6 with four-wheel drive with intelligence (4WD-i) that
delivers an impressive 270 horsepower. Newly-added, technological
innovation features such as an EV Mode, ECON Mode and Hybrid System
Indicator assist the driver to enhance fuel economy and driving experience.
EV Mode allows the driver to operate the Highlander Hybrid in electric
mode for a limited distance at low speeds, or in stop-and-go driving
conditions. ECON Mode activates a throttle-control program that smoothes
out throttle response; thereby, limiting excessive acceleration. A Hybrid
System Indicator provides the driver with a visual guideline for optimizing
fuel economy.
Highlander Hybrid has an impressive list of standard safety features.
It features seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and
roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three rows in addition to active
headrests for the driver and front passenger and Direct Tire Pressure
Monitor System.
As with all Toyota SUVs for the last three years, Highlander Hybrid
will provide Toyota's STAR(TM) Safety system with Vehicle Dynamic
Integrated Management, Vehicle Stability Control, traction control,
electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist as standard
equipment.
Highlander Hybrid rides on an all-new chassis derived from the current
Camry and Avalon. It is nearly four inches longer, three inches wider, and
has three inches of additional wheelbase than the Highlander it replaces.
Key standard equipment includes AM/FM/CD with six speakers, two rows of
fabric-trimmed seats, and a leather-trimmed tilt and telescopic steering
wheel with audio controls.
Highlander Hybrid's flexible second-row seating features captain's
chairs with armrests that can be converted to a bench seat for three
passengers. A "Center Stow(TM)" seat, when not in use, is hidden in a
compartment under the front center console. In its place, passengers can
easily put in the Center Stow(TM) console or choose to leave the area open
as a walk-through to the third row. The second row also slides forward and
back 4.7 inches and reclines.
Key standard equipment on the Limited model includes: three rows of
leather-trimmed seats, multi-stage heated front seats, rear glass hatch,
power rear door, AM/FM/six-disc in-dash CD changer, nineteen-inch alloy
wheels, puddle lamps on outside mirrors, fog lamps and a third-row bench
seat with foldable headrests for a flat rear cargo area.
A stand-alone backup camera with a 3.5-inch LCD multi-information
screen, not tied to a navigation system, along with Smart Key System with
Push Button Start are standard equipment on both grades.
With new standard equipment and convenience features, the 2008
Highlander Hybrid base grade 4WD-i model will carry an MSRP of $33,700, a
decrease of $190, or 0.6 percent over the previous generation
comparably-equipped Highlander Hybrid.
The well-equipped Limited grade 4WD i-model will carry a base MSRP of
$39,950, an increase of $3,400 or 9.3 percent.
The Highlander Hybrid will arrive in dealerships in early October.