Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Model-year 2012 marks the seventh year that Toyota’s Highlander mid-size SUV has been available as a hybrid. In 2008, Toyota completely redesigned the Highlander Hybrid, giving it more refinement and a larger body while still maintaining the same gas mileage as its predecessor. In 2011, the Highlander Hybrid received what the auto industry calls a “mid-cycle refresh.” The update included new front-end styling, additional standard features and, surprisingly, a new powertrain that returns better fuel economy. For 2012, the Highlander Hybrid has no significant changes. Still, with no competition in its class, the automaker is poised for continued dominance of the “large families who love hybrids” market.

Under The Hood

The gas-electric Highlander was outfitted last year with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, replacing the 3.3-liter six of its predecessors. The dual-overhead cam Atkinson-cycle engine (a more fuel-efficient version of the traditional four-stroke Otto-cycle engine) is rated at 231-horsepower. In addition, two electric motors join this powertrain, one in the front and one in the rear, boosting the overall horsepower to a very respectable 280. There is a third electric motor that operates solely as an engine starter. The whole system is connected to a continuously variable transmission, which is engineered to manage the various sources of power in a way that maximizes the Highlander Hybrid’s efficiency.

For even greater emphasis on efficiency, Toyota has outfitted the Highlander Hybrid with both “EV” and “Econ” driving modes. In EV, this hybrid functions solely on electric power, but only at low speeds and distances up to one mile. The more practical “Econ” mode works to limit throttle response in order to promote greater fuel economy. In other words, it restrains the engine’s ability to operate at its full potential. The ideal time to use this function is during stop-and-go traffic.
The result of this electronic wizardry when combined with the V-6 is an EPA fuel mileage rating of 28/28 city/highway and 28 combined. That’s the best fuel economy of any seven-passenger SUV available.
Though the Highlander Hybrid is a four-wheel-drive vehicle, it is not suited for off-road driving. The 4-WD system does not have a mechanical driveshaft from the front to the rear, and doesn’t require power-transfer gearing. Instead, it simply demands more torque from the rear electric motor as conditions demand.