Toyota Introduced Highlander Hybrid 2008

Toyota has been the undisputed industry leader in pioneering hybrid vehicle technology worldwide.  Their flagship hybrid has always been, and remains today - the Prius, which recently celebrated its 10th year in the U.S.  In June 2005, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV was released for the 2006 model year, and during it’s first full year of U.S. sales, more than 31,000 were sold (second only to which other hybrid?…the Prius).

The new Highlander drives a little more like an SUV and less like a car. Using the electronic power steering, you just need less effort and there's less feedback from the front tires when you bending this vehicle through the trouble place. But the upside is that the low-effort steering keeps the new Highlander from feeling cumbersome in parking lots. Even with its increased dimensions, the Highlander has not become a Chevrolet Tahoe that will make moms fearful of crowded parking lots.

The features about this hybrid car is <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href="http://www.hybrids-tech.com">Hybrids</a> System Indicator consists of two automatic modes that is "Normal" and "Acceleration." When the display show for Normal mode, three white LED dashes along the outer edge of the power meter, a gauge that replaces the gas-powered Highlander's tachometer. If you keep the needle of the power meter within the three white dashes of Normal mode at lower speeds, you're maintaining a constant level of speed that helps achieve maximum fuel economy. When you squeeze the gas pedal, the Hybrid System Indicator automatically switches to Acceleration mode, and then you need to keep the power meter needle within five white dashes to optimize the instant economy, carmakerspeak for the amount of fuel being used at that moment.

Some entertainment for the first part of the trip watching the small LCD show us information about the hybrid system. The battery level, the energy flow, and the occasional electric vehicle mode indicator, a big "EV" in the center of the screen. At the freeway, using 101 on the way down to Los Angeles, most of the energy flow was from the engine to the wheels. When accelerated to pass or when climbing a hill, the electric motor add its effort, and when we braked energy flowed back into the battery. Going over the winding path of 101, up and down hills along the coast at about 70 mph, the Highlander Hybrid got about 24 mpg, a little shy of its 25 mpg EPA highway rate.

The 2008 Highlander Hybrid is sleeker than its predecessor and features smooth sides. It retains the upright D-pillar of the prior model and a power liftgate is available. Standard wheels measure 19 inches in diameter. Styling differences between the gas-only Highlander and the Highlander Hybrid are minimal; the hybrid has different grille and taillight styling and unique hybrid badges. The Highlander Hybrid has 7.3 inches of ground clearance.

Antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats, a knee airbag for the driver, active head restraints and an electronic stability system are standard. A rearview camera is optional.

Another major change for this 2008 Toyota hybrid <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href="http://www.hybrids-tech.com">Toyota hybrid</a>suv is that it won’t be available in a front wheel drive version.  Both the Base and Limited trim levels will feature an all wheel drive (AWD) powertrain.  And, while the new Base model Highlander hybrid is about $200 less than what it cost in ‘07, the Limited version increases by more than $3,000.  In addition, the new hybrid Highlander has been built on the latest Toyota Camry chassis, making it 4 inches longer and 3 inches wider that previous model years.