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Introduction
DETROIT, MI - Tree huggers of the world unite! Environmental do-gooders, worrywarts about our imbalanced reliance on foreign oil, and grumblers about rising gas prices in general have a new reason to rejoice. The 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will be the world's first seven-passenger hybrid SUV, offering a gas-sipping combined fuel economy rating of 27.6 miles to the gallon. What's more, the powerplant will output an impressive 270 peak horsepower, better than most fuel-quaffing mid-size SUVs.
How is this possible? Think in multiples. The 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will be powered by a second-generation version of the Hybrid Synergy Drive technology found in the Toyota Prius, but with all components multiplied. Compared to the Prius, the Highlander Hybrid's 3.3-liter V6 makes three times the petroleum-generated horsepower, augmented by a large battery delivering twice the juice, powering an electric motor that operates at twice the speed, which outputs more than twice the number of supplemental ponies. Power is meted out by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving either the front or all four wheels, resulting in a zero to 60 mph acceleration time of less than eight seconds. Not too shabby for a vehicle that will take you more than 600 miles on a single tank of gas, and is rated a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV).
But don't think that the Toyota Highlander Hybrid will only appeal to the granola-munching side of your personality. Like today's Toyota Prius, the Highlander Hybrid offers plenty of utility and versatility - you will not miss owning a traditionally powered SUV. For instance, the standard third row of seats tucks into the cargo bay, and the second-row seats are split folding, so that with all seats folded there is 80.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
Safety
Safety, of course, is a vital consideration for those who use their SUVs as family conveyances. The 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers a stability control system and a tire pressure monitoring system as standard equipment, while front seat-mounted side airbags as well as side curtain airbags for the second and third rows are optional. In fact, all of the options available for the regular Highlander will also be up for the taking on the Hybrid, including a navigation system.
The Toyota Highlander is an appealing package, combining the well-mannered driving characteristics of a Camry (upon which the Highlander is based) with the cargo-carrying functionality and high ride height of an SUV. Previously, hybrid technology had mostly been used in pod-shaped oddities like the Honda Insight and the first-generation Prius, both of which attracted attention but fell short in terms of functionality. With the melding of impressive fuel economy, near-zero tailpipe emissions, all-wheel-drive, space for seven occupants and the power of a V6 engine, the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid brings this technology to the masses. And if this isn't mainstream enough, Honda has announced that a hybrid-powered Honda Accord will arrive later this year. That's good news for everyone - except, maybe, OPEC. Don't worry about them, though. The Hummer H2 is still a big seller.
By Liz Kim
Photo credit: Toyota Motor Sales, USA
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