| Toyota Hybrids Add Fuel Economy Aids
Finally, the 2008 Toyota Highlander introduces an "Econ" driving mode. When this is switched on, the engine management system translates inputs to filter out rapid fluctuations and brief periods of full throttle. It's like driving in a higher gear, according to Williamsen. These features should help a driver achieve much the same fuel economy with the new, bigger, heavier and more powerful Highlander Hybrid as that of the former model. Posted EPA mileage will nevertheless be lower because of the differences between the tests for the 2007 and 2008 model years. What this means to you: More electro-gadgets to play with in future Toyota hybrids that have the added benefit of saving gas.
Safe harbor
Competing with vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Chrysler Pacifica and Ford Taurus X (formerly known as the Freestyle), GM's new models set the standard with exceptionally attractive styling and a spacious interior that combines a third seat fit for grown-ups and usable cargo space.GM's got a couple of clear winners on its hands, and based on the prices for the Outlook and Acadia, the folks in marketing know it. The stickers on both SUVs betray the confidence of a poker player holding a straight flush.The Outlook and Acadia are the first new GM vehicles I've tested in years that felt as if the company had built a premium into the manufacturer's suggested retail price, as if GM knows its offering is clearly superior to anything else on the market.The budget-minded Irishman in me recoils at the thought, but they're right.Even though the $32,799 Outlook I drove 700 miles lacked a few features that should be mandatory at that price, it's still a good buy, because it's a great vehicle.
2008 Toyota Highlander And Highlander Hybrid At The 2007 Chicago ...
Toyota unveiled the all-new next-generation Highlander and Highlander Hybrid mid-size sport utility vehicles (SUV) at a press conference today at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. "Toyota Highlander holds a unique distinction within the Toyota brand and within the industry," said Don Esmond, TMS senior vice president, automotive operations. "Along with the Toyota 4Runner and the Toyota FJ Cruiser, it anchors one of the industry's only three-vehicle, mid-size SUV line-ups. Equally important, along .
2007 Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Toyota Highlander—good and bad
My first impression of the all-new Toyota Highlander wasGREAT! This is a much better-looking vehicle than the current model!
My second reaction was far less positive... The car still has a 1-piece-folding all-or-nothing third-row rear seat! What gives? Toyota is using a 1980s rear-seat solution here. Not good...
If I were in the market for a a midsize SUV, not having a split-fold third-row rear seat flat out wipes it right off my short list of vehicle considerations...
2007 Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid
Toyota is taking aim at the booming large-crossover-SUV market with its all-new Highlander. Like the outgoing Highlander, this model is based on a car platform — this time the new Camry/Avalon platform — but what most people will notice first is the much more aggressive looks and decidedly upscale-looking interior. A 270-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine is a huge boost from the outgoing model and competes with other new offerings in the segment, like the Saturn Outlook, Hyundai Veracruz and Mazda CX-9. There are no mileage figures yet for the regular Highlander, but the company says it will be similar to the past model, even with the added power. The Highlander comes in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, though the Hybrid comes only with all-wheel drive.
Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Toyota Highlander revealed
Here in Chicago this morning Toyota unveiled the redesigned 2008 Highlander with the mantra Bigger! Wider! Safer! As you might imagine, the new crossover is larger in all dimensions, with a more powerful 3.5L V6 now cranking out 270 hp, 55hp more than the old one. It is still based on the Camry platform, although now it's the most recent edition, which is three inches longer and four inches wider. The ground clearance is also increased by and inch and the wheelbase gets three extra inches. As for the new styling, if you squint you can see a passing resemblance in the front end to the new 2007 Tundra. The biggest emphasis though was on safety. All Highlanders now have side curtain airbags for all three rows of seats as well as a knee bag for the driver. All will also get ABS, traction control, brake assist and stability control.
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Toyota Highlander Features |
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| Toyota Highlander Performance & Efficiency Standard Features |
-2,362 cc 2.4 liters in-line 4 front engine with 88.4 mm bore, 96 mm stroke, 9.6 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder 2AZ-FE
-Unleaded fuel 87
-Fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 25 and EPA city (mpg): 20
-Multi-point injection fuel system
-19.1 gallon main unleaded fuel tank
-Power: 116 kW , 155 HP SAE @ 5,700 rpm; 162 ft lb , 220 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
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| Toyota Highlander Handling, Ride & Braking Standard Features |
-Four-wheel ABS
-3.478:1 axle ratio
-Brake assist system
-Four disc brakes including two ventilated discs
-Electronic brake distribution
-Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
-Fullsize steel rim under body spare wheel
-Stability control
-Strut front and rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs
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| Toyota Highlander Exterior & Aerodynamics Standard Features |
-Body side molding
-Body color front and rear bumpers
-Driver and passenger power body color door mirrors
-External dimensions: overall length (inches): 184.6, overall width (inches): 71.9, overall height (inches): 68.3, ground clearance (inches): 7.3, wheelbase (inches): 106.9, front track (inches): 62, rear track (inches): 61.2 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 37.4
-Complex surface lens halogen bulb headlights
-Luxury trim alloy look on dashboard
-Pearl paint
-Fixed rear window with defogger and intermittent
-Roof rails
-Rear platform step
-Tinted glass on cabin, rear and side
-Underbody protection for fuel tank and for engine
-Weights: gross vehicle weight rating (lbs) 5,360, curb weight (lbs) 3,748, gross trailer weight braked (lbs) 1,500 and max payload (lbs) 1,612
-Windshield wipers with variable intermittent wipe
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| Toyota Highlander Interior Standard Features |
-12v power outlet: front and cargo and 1
-Air conditioning
-Fixed mast antenna
-Front and rear ashtray
-Manufacturer's own audio system with AM/FM, CD player and cassette
-Automatic drive indicator on dashboard
-Cargo area cover/rear parcel shelf
-Cargo area light
-Cargo capacity: rear seat down (cu ft): 80.6 and all seats in place (cu ft): 39.7
-Front seats cigar lighter
-Clock
-Full dashboard console , full floor console with covered storage box , partial overhead console with covered storage box
-Delayed/fade courtesy lights
-Cruise control
-Front seats cup holders fixed , rear seats cup holders pop out
-Door ajar warning
-Door pockets/bins for driver seat, passenger seat and rear seats
-Driver front airbag with multi-stage deployment , passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment
-Bucket driver seat with height adjustment and tilt adjustment , bucket passenger seat
-Height adjustable 3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners
-Front seat center armrest
-Two height adjustable head restraints on front seats , three height adjustable head restraints on rear seats
-Headlight control with auto off with ignition
-Illuminated entry system
-Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 40, rear headroom (inches): 39.8, front hip room (inches): 55.1, rear hip room (inches): 54.9, front leg room (inches): 40.7, rear leg room (inches): 36.4, front shoulder room (inches): 57.9, rear shoulder room (inches): 57 and interior volume (cu ft): 104.7
-Low tire pressure indicator
-Remote power locks includes trunk/hatch
-Power steering
-Front power windows with one one-touch , rear power windows
-Front reading lights
-3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side, passenger side and center side
-Rear seat center armrest
-Three asymmetrical split bench front facing reclining rear seats with fore/aft adjustment and zero adjustments
-Rear view mirror
-Remote fuel filler door release
-Front and rear roof airbag
-Front seat back storage
-Cloth seat upholstery with additional cloth
-Seating: five seats
-Service interval indicator
-Front side airbag
-Six speaker(s)
-Plastic steering wheel with tilt adjustment
-Tachometer
-Driver and passenger vanity mirror
-Ventilation system with micro filter
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