Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2012

Model year 2012 marks the seventh year that Toyota Highlander mid-size SUV is available as a hybrid. In 2008, Toyota completely redesigned the Highlander hybrid, so that there is more sophistication and a greater whole, while maintaining the same gas mileage than its predecessor. In 2011, the Highlander Hybrid has received what the auto industry calls a "mid-cycle refresh." The new update front-end design, more standard features and, surprisingly, a new powertrain, lower fuel consumption.
For 2012, the Highlander hybrid no significant changes. However, without competition in its class, the car manufacturer for the continued dominance of the "great families, the hybrids' market ready for love.The gas-electric Highlander has in the past year with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine replaces the 3.3-liter six-cylinder of its predecessor. The dual-overhead cam, Atkinson-cycle engine (a cheaper version of the traditional four-stroke gasoline engine) is at 231 hp. In addition, two electric motors that drive train, one in the front and rear axles to the total power in a very respectable 280th A third electric motor operates only as a starter. The entire system is equipped with a continuously variable transmission that is designed to ensure that the different power management maximizes Highlander hybrid is connected.For even more emphasis on efficiency, equipped Toyota Highlander hybrid comes with both "EV" and "Econ" driving modes. In EV, this hybrid features only on electric power, but only at low speeds and distances of a mile. The more practical "Econ" mode to reduce the throttle so as to promote the fuel consumption. In other words, with which the motor with its full potential. The ideal time to use this function in stop-and-go traffic.
The result of this electronic wizardry with the V-6 combines an EPA fuel economy rating of 28/28 city / highway and 28 combined. This is the best economy of an SUV with seven seats available.

While the Highlander Hybrid is a four-wheeled vehicle, it is not suitable for off-road. The 4-WD system has no mechanical drive shaft from front to back, and no energy transfer gearbox. Instead, it simply requires more torque from the rear electric motor, as conditions require.
Outside
The hybrid model is made from the gasoline model with its own unique grille and bumper design. She shares the fender and the hood with the gas Highlander but features color-keyed side skirts with chrome accents, plus vertically stacked fog lamps. The newly designed headlights and rear lights with blue lens covers.The hybrid version has an inch less ground clearance than the standard four-wheel drive SUV Highlander, so getting in and out more like a minivan. Base models come with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Limited trim brings 19-inch alloy wheels and a power tailgate.
The Highlander is not a lot of heads, but again, it is not. But it has a strong attraction that is popular with families traveling, weekend trippers, and inveterate city dwellers.
Interior
Interior design is sophisticated and intelligent, is the issue of a comfortable cabin with lots of useful features. Interior materials, as expected, are of high quality.
The big plus interior is standard third row. The wide range divided 50/50, fit so that four people in the vehicle folded half of the second and third locations are long objects. Access to the third row of seats can be easily with a walk-in lever is placed in a suitable location on the floor of the passenger side to reach the second series made.The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers a beautiful 40/20/40-split second row bench. Adjustable sliding towards the front and rear and the middle portion are removed and stored open at a central aisle. This configuration results in a few seats in the second row captain's with folding armrests, as found in many minivans.

With respect to the loading space SUV offers 10.3 cubic feet of space when the third row is in use, than 42 cubic meters of space behind the second row as the third row of the folded. With all rear seats stowed, the Highlander Hybrid offers a spacious 94 cubic meters of storage space.
The Highlander Hybrid is available in base and Limited trim levels. Base models come with seven-passenger seating, rear air conditioning with automatic climate control, provided a tilt / telescoping steering wheel, eight-way driver's seat. Includes the standard CD audio system, XM radio, MP3/WMA capability, along with iPod connection and Bluetooth wireless technology. There is also a center screen in the dashboard to various pieces of the vehicle information display and the image that you have backup car to give camera. A navigation system is optional.The Limited model adds leather seat interior with a 10-way power driver's seat and four-way power adjustable passenger seat, both heated, electric sunroof and three-zone automatic climate control. DVD entertainment and navigation systems are options.

There is a wealth of electronic active safety features: electronic stability control, traction control and four-wheel drive Anti-lock disc brakes with brake force distribution and brake assist. Occupant safety is provided by seven airbags including dual front, front, side, curtain, and on the knees of the driver available.
On The Road
Both the Highlander hybrid and standard on the basis of his car - or crossover - Midsize SUV in the Toyota Camry-based sedan. Although not exactly duplicate the Camry, the Highlander Hybrid four-wheel independent suspension provides a ride that is remarkably superior to the truck SUVs. Car and Driver had this to say: "Despite the electrical bits, the Hybrid drives much like a conventional Highlander This means a high level of equipment, a comfortable ride, great interior versatility is, good performance, spacious and passengers." The Orlando Sentinel reviewer was impressed: "On the road, the ride is comfortable and quiet, the electric power steering has an above average sense, and while the Highlander is no sports car, the treatment is better than you might expect ..."On the implementation of electric drive for the gasoline engine, Car and Driver says: "The transition between electric and combustion engine power is almost seamless, usually a Glance require the dash-mounted power meter / trip computer, to see what the V is -6 (or not) to do. "Economy
Without prejudice to other reports, the 28 miles per gallon city rating, hands down, the vehicle reward.
The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a base price of $ 38,140 for the base model to $ 43,795 for the Limited. That's about $ 3,000 to $ 7,700 more than conventional gas-powered Highlander, depending on model comparison. But for the premium cost of the Highlander offers 10 hp and 11 more miles per gallon in the city and six on the highway. Plus, cleaner exhaust emissions.
A comparison of the popular Highlander, and will soon be discontinued Ford Escape Hybrid, there is a similar difference in price. The Highlander is about $ 5,800 expensive. The main difference in the path of the shear strength, and strength between the two vehicles. The Highlander Hybrid has 280 hp and can win up to £ 3,500, while the Ford Escape hybrid rates to a much less useful, 177 hp, with a towing capacity of only 1,000 pounds. The Escape Hybrid Well, the edge of the Highlander in fuel consumption by about five to 10 percent, depending on the model equations. You need to decide whether the extra mpg and $ 5,800 bonus trump the Toyota name as a market leader in hybrid technology.Compared with its corporate cousin, the Lexus RX 450h, the Highlander is about $ 6,000 less. But that is expected regardless of the fact that the two vehicles of the same hybrid system with almost the same power, same performance and nearly the same fuel consumption. At the end of the Lexus is a real status symbol, and so commands a much higher price. The affordability of the Highlanders has also allowed the buyers money by covering certain features, such as upholstery, stereo and other conveniences are standard features of the Lexus are. Note that the apparent advantage over the Highlander RX450h availability of seven passengers.
Consumers who do not need to seventh place would probably be better served to look at the Ford Escape Hybrid, which offers a fuel economy of 34/31/32. But for eco-minded consumers looking for a practical people-mover, which can charge for something more than the seven most economical car on the market?