2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID

Welcome to a new vehicle category courtesy of Toyota. The Highlander Hybrid is the first Toyota SUV with a hybrid powertrain. This is no ordinary hybrid powertrain, the acceleration from this engine can give many V8 powered SUVs a run for their money in the acceleration department and it can actually achieve equal or better fuel economy numbers than Toyota’s own 4-cylinder Highlander. Can this engine be the best of both worlds? When Toyota first announced the Highlander Hybrid (named the Kluger Hybrid in Japan) at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, eyes were opened to possibilities of a hybrid powertrain producing better than average power along with excellent fuel economy. Now that the Highlander Hybrid is on the market and the power and fuel economy can be measured just as Toyota claimed in 2003, all that’s left to be said is WOW…it really is true!

 

Just as Toyota is still massaging the image of the Prius to be a fuel efficient and environmentally friendly small hybrid car to the car buying public around the world and trying to convince purchasers to consider a hybrid for their next vehicle purchase, along comes the Highlander Hybrid to confuse matters among prospective car buyers even more. How? Power is not the priority for the Prius; excellent fuel economy is the forte of the Prius. In contrast, the Highlander Hybrid’s forte is power and lots of it. Good fuel economy is also in the mix but don’t think that just because this is a hybrid vehicle that it may be lacking power, the Highlander Hybrid is an absolute powerhouse. As consumers are still warming up to the possibilities of owning a hybrid vehicle and trying their best to understand what a hybrid is all about. New car buying consumers not only have the options of choosing fuel-efficient hybrids but now powerful ones as well.

 

 Just step on the throttle pedal and hang on, you will find out very quickly that this SUV means business when it comes to acceleration. Toyota claims a 0-60 time of 7.3 seconds and this tester has no reason to doubt that claim. There is no torque curve associated with the two electric motors. Full torque is available instantly with just a push of the throttle pedal. It is unlike a turbocharged engine where you have to wait for the turbo to operate in its optimal zone for the power to peak. It is also unlike a supercharged engine which tends to produce loud whines and various clanging noises associated with the blower. In driving characteristics, it really is like a super quiet V8 with loads of torque delivered in a completely smooth and linear manner. For those who have been to Japan and ridden on the various subways, trains and bullet trains, there is also a similarity to those too, especially in the linear manner of the two electric motors that power this SUV. Remember that this powertrain is pretty much the same as the costlier Lexus RX 400h which hit showrooms last April. Since it is so quiet on the inside as well as outside, Highlander Hybrid drivers need to be extra careful when driving in parking lots or areas with lots of pedestrian traffic because it is so quiet, people walking across the street may not even realize there is a vehicle coming. There is even a warning about this in the owner’s manual.

 

The Highlander Hybrid Limited 4WD-i model that was used for this road test is propelled effortlessly by two hybrid electric motors, one motor for the two front wheels and one motor for the two rear wheels and don’t forget that there is a 3.3 Liter V6 to help thrust it forward too. Three motors? Yes, three motors! (The Highlander Hybrid 2WD models are equipped with only one electric motor). With Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system, these motors can all work together at one time for maximum power output when accelerating or climbing or they can work independently of each other For example, while the rear motor is not being utilized, the front motor could be used to propel this SUV from a standstill with a light throttle foot and the V6 engine off. Or it can assist the V6 to make a quicker start. When the hybrid battery is charged, it can turn off the V6 and run entirely on the front or rear electric motors or both electric motors at the same time. The driver cannot push a button and decide when to use the Electric motors or gas motors, the various computers in charge of the hybrid drivetrain will always make the correct decision based on driving conditions and the level of charge in the battery. In place of the tachometer normally found to the left of the speedometer on gasoline powered Highlanders, there is a power meter there on Hybrid models. This helpful meter shows total energy output for all motors combined as well as energy recovery generated during braking. The blue area on the power meter shows energy recovery.

 

The only thing the driver can control in the hybrid system is to learn the intricacies of owning a vehicle with a hybrid powertrain, such as having a light throttle foot after the battery is charged to make better use of the electric motors and save on fuel economy when the V6 is not operating. This is not always possible because all drivers need to be aware of who is behind them and around them and not hold up traffic while trying to learn the fuel saving possibilities of the hybrid system. After a few weeks of ownership, it will become clear to Highlander Hybrid owners who learn the patterns of the hybrid powertrain to reap the extra benefits of maximizing the hybrid powertrain for both performance and fuel economy in differing driving situations.

 

By comparison with Toyota’s other hybrid vehicle, the Prius, the Highlander uses a conventional Otto cycle engine which emphasizes performance whereas the Prius uses a low-compression Atkinson cycle engine which emphasizes fuel-economy. The high voltage battery pack in the Highlander Hybrid is stronger than the Prius too. It has 288 volts in comparison with the Prius which has only 206 volts. Other innovations on the Highlander Hybrid include the fact that the air conditioner is powered by an electric compressor so it does not depend on the engine to power it and steal a few horsepower from the engine. The V6 engine also uses two water pumps. One water pump is electric and is used when the V6 engine is off. The other water pump is mechanical and is used while the engine is running. Kudos to the Toyota engineers for the quietness and the seamless operation of the Hybrid Synergy Drive. When the V6 switches off and relies on one or two electric motors to propel it forward, there is never any jerkiness or harshness. Nothing but seamless acceleration or deceleration is to be found with the three motors powering this technology-filled SUV.

 

The Highlander has always been known for having one of the nicest SUV interiors on the market regardless of price or size and the new Hybrid is no exception to that. One area that is often overlooked in both cars and SUVs is the rear seat area. Some cars and SUVs have headrests that are so low they actually make sitting comfortably in the rear seat, totally impossible or they have backrests that are too short or too straight for larger adults. This is one area where the Highlander really shines, the backrests in the rear seating area are taller than normal for properly supporting an adult’s body. The backrests are also able to recline and the legroom is ample for even people with long legs and big feet to sit comfortably for long distances. The Highlander Hybrid would make an excellent vehicle for a cross-country trip or a weekend getaway in Las Vegas with its comfortable interior, excellent gas mileage, smooth ride and quiet interior, who could resist traveling in this vehicle? It’s so comfortable inside, there is less chance of your passengers asking you “Are we there yet?” The visibility is absolutely excellent, with no major blind spots to be found even with the darkly tinted windows aft of the front doors.

 

In the cargo area, there is a new folding third row seat that is best left folded down for more cargo room. However, it is convenient enough to use for seating small children in the third row for short trips. Toyota is trying a little too hard to inform Highlander Hybrid drivers about how the system works. For example in the Hybrid Limited 4WD-i model, when equipped with the optional DVD navigation system there are 2 displays that show how the hybrid power is being used. One is in the main center dash mounted display and one is located in the lower portion of the always visible Optitron gauge display. Having two monitors that display the same information is almost futile and seems to add just one more unnecessary distraction. Hopefully Toyota will simplify the driver information systems for the next generation Highlander Hybrid so drivers can keep the confusion level down and keep their eyes on the road.

 

The handling of the Highlander Hybrid seems much better than the normally aspirated 4 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder models. The suspension feels slightly firmer but never harsh in any way and it feels much more nimble when negotiating curves. It’s still no sports car but any improvements in the handling department are always welcome. Even the brakes feel different here, the feel and modulation of the braking system is very good for an SUV. Most cars, trucks and SUVs now have drive-by-wire throttle systems in place but on this Hybrid, Toyota even uses a brake-by-wire braking system.  Even though this is not an off road capable SUV, it will do just fine for light duty off-road use such as graded dirt roads and ice and snow driving. If your off road driving needs are greater than that, look to the 4Runner or Land Cruiser in Toyota’s line-up for a more serious four wheel drive SUV.

 

Safety is not compromised in this SUV, it comes standard with Toyota’s STAR safety system which includes things such as: front airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, front seat and second row roll-sensing side curtain airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and ABS brakes with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution). The exterior of the Highlander Hybrid is only mildly restyled with very attractive 17-inch alloy wheels exclusive to the Highlander Hybrid and a very tasteful chrome mesh grill along with newly styled front bumper cover design and newly styled LED taillights. Most people will not be able to tell a gasoline powered Highlander apart from a hybrid powered Highlander because the differences are so subtle. There is a Hybrid Synergy Drive Logo positioned on the rear door that is also very subtle. 

 

The Bluestone metallic paint on our tester Highlander Hybrid was extremely unique in the sense that you get 2 colors for the price of one. When the sun was out, the metallic blue sparkled like a diamond and when there were clouds overhead or at night time it turned into a rich metallic gray hue. Again this hybrid is very subtle and does not really scream “I’m driving a hybrid” like the Prius or the Honda Insight might tell others. The Highlander Hybrid is a class act that deserves a look if you are in the market for a premium mid-size SUV. There are many SUVs in that category but this one is totally unique for the moment. In a few years time, there are bound to be more manufacturers offering mid-size hybrids for sale. The only other SUV that is now on the market and close to it in characteristics is the Lexus RX 400h. That one costs more than $10,000 more while offering similar performance. When you are at the dealer and on your first test drive, don’t say that TORC didn’t warn you about the power to be had with this SUV.

 

If there are any Highlander Hybrid or Lexus RX 400h owners out there who would like to share any fuel saving tips for getting the most out a hybrid, please post your comments on the TORC forum.

 

 

Specifications:

 

Highlander Hybrid Limited 4WD-i

 

MSRP base price: $39,290

Engine: Hybrid Synergy Drive System

              Gas: 3.3 Liter VVT-i V6

              Front and rear Electric Motors: Permanent magnet motors

 

Transmission: Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)

 

Engine Code: 3MZ-FE

 

Horsepower/torque:  6 cylinder gas engine: 208 hp/212 lb-ft of torque

                                  Front electric motor: 167 hp/247 lb-ft of torque

                                  Rear electric motor: 68 hp/96 lb-ft or torque

                                  Hybrid System Net Power: 268 hp

 

Front Suspension:  Independent MacPherson Struts with stabilizer bar

Rear Suspension:   Independent MacPherson Struts with stabilizer bar

 

Steering:  Electronically assisted Rack-and-pinion 

Turning Circle:  37.4 feet

 

Brakes:  Electronically Controlled Braking System (ECB) with regenerative control, 

              Power-assisted ventilated front and rear disc brakes with Anti-lock brake system

              (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist and Vehicle

              Dynamics Integrated Management System

 

Front Tires: P225/65R17

Rear Tires:  P225/65R17

 

Wheels: 17 inch alloy

 

Curb Weight: 4,245 lbs.

 

Maximum Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs.

 

Required Fuel: 87 octane regular unleaded.

 

Fuel Tank: 17.2 Gallons

 

EPA Fuel Economy: 31 MPG city/27 MPG hwy

 

TORC Test actual MPG: 25.11 MPG Average

Lowest MPG: 19.57 MPG

Highest MPG: 27.89 MPG

TORC Test Evaluation (5 stars is top rating)

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