Toyota Improves Highlander Hybrid SUV

by Ron Cogan

10/01/2007

The hybrid momentum at Toyota continues with the coming 2005 Highlander Hybrid, which will become the second Toyota branded hybrid electric vehicle in this automaker’s U.S. portfolio when it comes to new car showrooms early in 2005.

Like the 2005 Lexus RX 400h on sale at Toyota showrooms in April 2005, the Highlander Hybrid will feature a substantial 270 horsepower, providing acceleration better than that of the standard V-6 powered Highlander’s 0-60 mph time of less than 8 seconds.

This is accomplished with a scaled-up version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD), which integrates a 3.3-liter V-6 engine with a sophisticated electric drive system designed to provide the levels of power and performance expected of a mid-size SUV. In the Highlander, this HSD variant incorporates a new higher-speed electric motor and a battery with double the capacity than that found in the latest Prius to help achieve these performance goals.

The Highlander Hybrid comes standard with front-wheel drive and optionally with four-wheel drive. The electric four-wheel drive with intelligence (4WD-i) variant adds a second electric motor, allowing electric drive front and rear for delivering balanced power to all four wheels. The addition of this second electric motor enhances performance and acceleration further because of the near-instantaneous torque provided by electric drive motors.

Moving inside, this seven-passenger hybrid features three rows of seats, with the third row capable of folding flat when additional cargo carrying capacity is needed. The 60/40 split/fold second row seat also reclines and folds flat for further versatility.

Up front, a driver is provided system information through a multi-function display located beneath the speedometer. This display calculates and displays information including instant and average fuel economy, outside temperature, and low tire pressure. It also offers additional hybrid system information with a Hybrid Synergy Drive energy monitor. A seven-inch touch-panel navigation system like that found in the Prius will be optionally-available to monitor electric-gasoline power distribution of the hybrid system.

SPECIFICATIONS
2005 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

GENERAL
-Seating	7 passengers
-Capacity Class Rating	Mid-size SUV

POWERTRAIN
-Gas Engine	3.3-liter DOHC 24 Valve VVT-i V-6
-Electric Motor	Permanent Magnet
-Combined Peak Output	270 hp (est.)
-Expected EPA Rating	Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV)
-Transmission	Electronically Controlled CVT
-EPA Fuel Economy	TBD

DIMENSIONS
-Wheelbase	106.9 in.
-Length	184.6 in.
-Width	71.9 in.
-Height, 2WD/4WD	67.9/68.3 in.
Headroom
-Front Seat	40.0 in.
-Middle Seat	39.3 in.
-Third Seat	32.3 in.
EPA Cargo Volume
-Behind Third Seat	10.5 cu. ft.
-Middle/Rear Seat Folded	80.6 cu. ft.

Safety is well-accommodated with a Vehicle Dynamic Management system designed to anticipate and correct potential vehicle stability problems through braking and throttle control. The Highlander Hybrid also features a tire pressure warning system and optional front seat-mounted side airbags with front and second row curtain side airbags.

All this function and performance is accompanied by substantial environmental attributes. The Highlander Hybrid will be rated as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) and, according to Toyota, offer best-in-class fuel economy significantly higher than the current 27.6 mile per gallon EPA average for compact sedans, quite an accomplishment for a mid-size SUV. This fuel efficiency also leads to a pretty impressive estimated driving range of more than 600 miles, sure to be welcomed by SUV drivers accustomed to far less range in their more conventional and far-less-efficient sport utility vehicles.

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