Built in the United States, Toyota’s third-generation Highlander looks more rugged than its forbearers, and I doubt that’s unintended. SUVs are expected to portray a person’s proclivity for enjoying the wilds where shopping malls exist only in Google Maps. According to ad agencies, that’s how we like to perceive ourselves behind the wheel of these off-road machines as we compete for parking spots in paved paradise. Styling had better perpetuate the myth or expect the suppressed outdoorsman/woman to give the vehicle a pass. That said, no need to overlook the Highlander; its styling is just as muscular now as the rest.
The clean, modern cabin of the new Highlander Hybrid is a quiet relaxing place to be while offering a full-suite of safety and occupant protection installations.
Rob Rothwell, Driving
Pushes the economy envelope, but at a price
This week’s first steer will focus on the hybrid version of the venerable Highlander. It’s reputed to be the segment’s most fuel-efficient SUV. Given the dismal fuel efficiency of these “minivans with attitude,” securing an
EnerGuide fuel-economy rating of 6.8L/100km and 7.2L/100km city and highway respectively is no small feat.
My week behind the wheel netted me a return as low as 7.8L/100km, which I was thrilled with. Normal driving with the vehicle at its optimal operating temperature had me hovering in the eight to nine litre range; which is still excellent given the Highlander’s size. If fewer trips to the pumps heavily influence one’s decision-making, the Highlander Hybrid may well be their silver bullet to SUV efficiency.
Of course, dividends bred through a reduction in fuel consumption pose their own set of financial challenges, which are not to be overlooked. The entry ticket to hybrid-economy Highlander style begins at $43,720.
This week’s Limited version tallied to an alarming $54,518, including $1,690 in freight and PDI charges. But in its defence, the sophisticated Highlander Hybrid is an upscale ride conveying more Lexus personality than Toyota persona.
The Highlanders powerful hybrid power plant demonstrates just how refined and efficient this technology has become.
Rob Rothwell, Driving
Some technical details
The Highlander Hybrid relies upon full-hybrid technology, which means it can operate solely on battery power, or a combination of battery and gas-sourced propulsion in order to achieve optimal fuel-economy given the immediate needs of the driver blended with environmental factors such as topography.
With judicious use of the vehicle’s EV-mode, drivers can opt to run silent using only electrical propulsion for short distances at low speeds. For best overall economy though, Toyota recommends driving the vehicle in its normal state, allowing the on-board computer to decide when the 3.5L V6 Atkinson-cycle gas engine should contribute its clout to co-produce 280 horsepower and 215 lbs.-ft of torque.
A continuously-variable transmission links output to the Highlander’s front wheels. The vehicle’s all-wheel-drive configuration is dependent upon an electric motor to drive the rear wheels when slip is detected up front. The system is referred to by Toyota as all-wheel drive with intelligence (AWD-i). When the motor is not engaged with the rear wheels, the Highlander Hybrid is essentially a front-wheel-drive vehicle. This produces discernible torque-steer when accelerating aggressively out of a corner or on uneven pavement. A conventional all-wheel-drive setup is less likely to generate this unwelcome malady.
The 2014 Highlander Hybrid is an exceptionally smooth riding mid-size SUV.
Rob Rothwell, Driving
On the road
Overall, the Highlander Hybrid motoring experience is notable for its absence of notability, but in a pleasing way. The vehicle is exceptionally quiet, though its gas engine can be heard a tad more than I’d prefer when tackling hills and on-ramps. Once underway, occupants are treated to a smooth, absorbent ride that could rival many pricey sedans for comfort.
Transitions between electric power and gas/electric power are cleanly executed with little disruption of the Highlander’s tranquil ambience. Hybrids have come a long way in this regard, and the Highlander is an example of the progress.
For those intent on reducing their carbon footprint while still handling eight occupants in an all-wheel-drive SUV, the Highlander Hybrid is an ideal choice, but only if the cost of entry is within the buyers realm of acceptability.
rgrothwell@telus.net
Specs
Type of vehicle: Highly efficient hybrid-powered SUV with 3rd row seating and AWD
Engine: Hybrid power plant with 3.5L V6 gas engine
Power: 280 hp & 215 lb.-ft. of torque
Transmission: Continuously-variable automatic
Fuel economy: 6.8 / 7.2 L/100km city / highway
MSRP: Base $43,720; as tested $54,518 inc. PDI
