2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Trims and Specs

Toyota and Lexus have been pioneers in the SUV market. First came the crossover SUVs: the Highlander, RAV4, and RX 300. These unique car-based utes were once referred to as "hybrids," in a time time when that term could mean nothing else. For 2006, the Highlander will follow the lead of the Lexus RX 400h, as Toyota incorporates the revolutionary Hybrid Synergy Drive into this popular SUV.

The Highlander Hybrids are available with two-wheel or four-wheel drive. The 4x2 is powered by a 3.3 liter DOHC V-6, working in tandem with two electric motors. The V-6 makes 208 horsepower and provides 212 pound-feet of torque on its own, while the first electric motor starts the engine and charges the battery, and the second helps drive the front wheels. Total output is 268 horsepower. The Hybrid Synergy Drive power plant is paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.

The base hybrid comes standard with ful power accessories, keyless entry, a six speaker CD audio system, air conditioning and cruise control. Options include leather, a rear seat DVD entertainment system, and a third row of seating. It gets the same set of standard equipment as the regular base model Highlander, but the hybrid technology hikes the price up by about $8000.

The base trim Highlander Hybrid will cost $8000 to $10,000 more than its gas-powered counterpart. Aside from the Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, 17-inch wheels, and Optitron gauges, the hybrid gets the same equipment. Standard features include air conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, keyless entry, and a six-speaker CD audio system.

The hybrid power plant is centered around in a 3.3 liter DOHC V-6, which generates 208 horsepower and 212 pound-feet of torque alone. The AWD models include a third electric motor. The first electric motor starts the engine and recharges the battery pack. The second motor power the front wheels, and a third is added to power the back wheels with all wheel drive. However, no gas power can be sent to the rear wheels, so this Highlander may best be described as a quasi-4x4. Toyota calls it "4WD-i."

The addition of the electric motors bumps up horsepower by 60, for a cumulative output of 268, and sending this SUV from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 7.2 seconds. The engine is mated to the ECVT electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, where regular toothed gears are replaced by a system of transistors. The hybrid's fuel economy is 31/27 with the 4WD-i system.

The Highlander Hybrid is an all-new green variation of Toyota's top-selling crossover SUV, introduced in the summer of 2005 for the 2006 model year. The difference in price between the Highland Hybrid's base and Limited trims is marginal, but both cost nearly $10,000 than their petrol-consuming counterparts.

The Highlander Hybrid's power is centered around the 3.3 liter DOHC V-6 engine, similar to the power plant in the regular Highlander. Two electric motors have been added, now producing a total output of 268 horsepower. The first electric motor starts the engine and recharges the battery, and the second sends additional power to the front wheels. The Hybrid system is teamed with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. Toyota has geared this Highlander more towards performance, which is why the EPA estimate of 32/27 mpg may seem so low for a hybrid.

Exclusive features on the Highlander Hybrid Limited include leather seats, wood trim, automatic headlights, a JBL audio upgrade with an in-dash CD changer, automatic climate control, third row seating and heated mirrors. A rear seat DVD entertainment system and a touch screen DVD navigation system are also only offered with this trim.

Toyota's Highlander Hyrid is brand new for 2006. The Hybrid Synergy Drive has been employed, but Toyota has geared this vehicle more towards performance than fuel economy. One result is very brisk acceleration, but another is EPA marks that are less than Prius-like. Yet, the Highlander Hybrid still offers exceptional fuel efficiency for an SUV, at 31/27 mpg.

The Sport trim is not available with the hybrid, but the upscale Limited trim is offered. Hybrid models get a few additional standard features, like seventeen inch wheels, a special towing package, and Optitron gauges. All Highlanders get full power accessories, keyless entry, and a six speaker CD audio system. A rear seat DVD entertainment system and a touch screen DVD navigation system are optional on the Limited.

On the Highlander, the Hybrid Synergy Drive system is built upon a 3.3 liter V-6, similar to that of the gas-powered Highlander. On the AWD models, this 208 horsepower engine is aided by three electric motors. The first motor is used to recharge the battery and start the gas engine, while the other two provide additional power to the front and rear wheels. The combined output is 268 horsepower, sending this SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds.

The Highlander's 4WD-i system does not offer the same off-roading capabilities as a true 4x4, because the third electric motor only distributes a reserve of power to the rear wheels when a slip is detected.