2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Not satisfied with just its Camry-based Lexus RX 300 luxury “crossover” utility (CUV) and its Corolla-based RAV4 compact CUV, Toyota upped its ante in this fast-growing segment by launching a (Camry based) mid-size Highlander CUV in 2001. Four years later came the Highlander Hybrid, the industry’s first hybrid CUV with available seating for seven. This all-new, much-improved Highlander arrived for 2008, along with two new hybrid models. The Gen II Highlander is the most versatile of Toyota’s trio of mid-size SUVs and CUVs (the others are the truck-based 4Runner and quirky FJ Cruiser), and the hybrid is Toyota’s third after the Prius and Camry hybrid. And while it is larger, roomier, more powerful and (as a result) heavier than the first-generation Highlander, its EPA fuel efficiency is actually better.

Styling

“Highlander moves away from traditional SUV styling cues with a statement of strength instead of ruggedness, of intelligence over toughness,” says Toyota—meaning less squared off truck-like, more rounded car-like (though it’s still a big two-box lump with rounded corners and swept-back fender lines). Riding on a new chassis derived (like the Lexus RX) from the Camry and Avalon sedans, it is nearly four inches longer and three inches wider, with an inch more ground clearance, on a three-inch-longer wheelbase.


Highlander Hybrids come in base and Limited models, both with “intelligent” four-wheel-drive that uses a separate electric motor to drive the rear wheels independently of the up-front Hybrid Synergy Drive gas/electric powertrain. The base hybrid wears a three-segment chrome grille with silver-painted fins, blue-tinted head- and taillight lenses, 17-inch aluminum wheels and a rear spoiler housing an LED stop lamp. The Limited adds 19-inch wheels, silver-painted roof rails and a rear glass in a power rear door.

Interior

Inside the quiet, commodious cabin are silver and faux birch interior trim with chrome accents. The blue graphics “Optitron” instruments include a power meter with a Hybrid System Indicator. Limited models add a 3.5-inch multi-information display that includes a digital clock, outside temperature, current and average fuel economy, average speed, distance to empty, a trip timer, warning messages and (without optional navigation) the standard backup camera image. With navigation, the backup camera image appears on the much larger nav screen.


The new interior is more than four inches longer and noticeably wider, with added legroom for the second and (standard) third seating rows. The steering column has tilt and telescopic adjustments, the standard driver's seat adjusts eight ways and the front passenger’s four ways, and most switches and knobs are large, well marked and easy to use.