The Highlander Hybrid offers exceptional fuel economy, revolutionary technology, strong safety ratings, surprising performance, and Toyota's exceptional build quality. However, the price hike over the regular Highlander is considerable: The base price jumps by $10,000 with the addition of hybrid technology. The hybrid is not available in a Sport trim, but Base and Limited versions are offered. Both are available with 2WD or AWD. The standard features list is longer for hybrids: 17-inch wheels, a special towing package, and Optitron gauges are included. Also standard are power windows and locks, keyless entry, and a six-speaker CD audio system. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system is optional for both models, and a touch-screen DVD navigation system can be added to the Limited. The hybrid power plant has its foundation in a 3.3-liter DOHC V6, which generates 208 horsepower and 212 pound-feet of torque on its own. The 2WD models add two electric motors, and the AWD models include a third. The first electric motor starts the engine and recharges the battery pack. The second motor powers the front wheels, and a third is added to power the rear wheels with all-wheel drive. The addition of an electric power supply boosts horsepower by 60, bringing the total to 268. This is also a 50-hp improvement over the more powerful 3.3-liter V6 used by the Highlander. The hybrid speeds from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. The engine is mated to the electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT), in which regular toothed gears are replaced by a system of transistors. The hybrid's fuel economy is 32/27 mpg with 2WD and 31/27 with the 4WD system. One important caveat: This is not a real 4x4, and Toyota recommends keeping it on the pavement. The gas engine cannot provide power to the rear wheels, so this is not traditional all-wheel drive.