Technical

The Hybrid, as the name suggests, is powered by a combination gas/electric powertrain. The conventional internal combustion engine is the same DOHC 3.3L V6 from the regular Highlander, the Lexus RX330 and Camry SE-V6. There are actually two permanent magnet type electric motors that assist the V6. One is attached to the engine and transmission and the other drives the rear wheels. The hybrid system itself develops a combined net 268 hp. Torque output fluctuates with battery charge and driver demand. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) sends power to the wheels. The Highlander has an intelligent 4WD system. The truck basically runs as a FWD vehicle until slip is detected and the rear electric motor kicks into action. 4-wheel disc brakes are standard as is a fully independent suspension.

On the road

The Highlander is two-faced. If the throttle pedal is feathered, the electric motor will motivate the vehicle up to about 30 km/h. If the hammer goes down, the truck suddenly comes to life and shears a path for itself. This is the moment when things get hairy: torque steer and wheel spin rear their ugly heads. At this point, it is clear that the 4WD-i system is slow on the up-take. This is an excessive example of the new found muscles of the Highlander. On the other hand, I was able to steadily cruise up to 45 km/h in electric mode and hold it for nearly a minute. With both extremes having been visited, the Hybrid returned 10 L per 100 km as average fuel consumption. The last Highlander V6 that I tested consumed less than 12L per 100 km.

The fact that the Highlander shares a platform with the Camry is, in my opinion, a plus. As it has been said many times over, 95% or so of SUV owners never travel off the beaten path. Because the underpinnings are from an automobile, the ride is more comfortable and pliable. Crossing the ravines that litter the streets of Montreal does little to disturb the refined drive of the Toyota. On top of that, the CVT is dreamily velvety.

The transfer between modes of propulsion is seamless. From electric to gas or vice-versa, the driver will only really know what is going on by glancing down at the power source indicator. Only when braking is it noticeable that something different is going on. The Highlander recharges its batteries in part by regenerative braking. When this occurs, some slight pedal modulation is required to keep total control. In reality, it does not help that pedal travel is very long and braking power is on the short side.

Safety

The Highlander has standard dual front air bags (front side and side curtain air bags with Limited), ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the truck 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for both frontal and lateral impact for all occupants. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated it "Good" in its category.