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Featured Hybrid Car:

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The hybrid for full-sized families

The 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid at the North American International Auto Show. The Highlander hybrid is a performance hybrid and the only hybrid vehicle, or hybrid suv that offers a 3rd row of seating.

Highlander Hybrid     -->>Hybrid Buyers Club

When the Highlander hybrid was first set to go on sale, interest was so high that the release date of the hybrid Highlander had to be delayed several months.  Since then, interest in the Highlander hybrid has cooled, especially the 2WD version.

Why?

Ultimately, some have been disappointed with the fuel economy of the hybrid Highlander. (Read more Highlander hybrid testimonials.)

Toyota has admitted that the Highlander hybrid was not designed exclusively for fuel economy. Call Toyota foolish, but if fuel economy was a buyer's main motivation, Toyota assumed a Prius or a Camry hybrid was a better choice.

Of course, Toyota might have underestimated the importance of the third-row of seating for larger, fuel economy-focused families, the only hybrid option for many years for such families (Both the GMC Yukon hybrid and the Chevy Tahoe hybrid will soon offer the Highlander hybrid competition.)

Nonetheless, Toyota has added some new features to help control the fuel economy of the 2008 Highlander hybrid, which is now available. 

EV Mode allows Highlander hybrid drivers to operate in purely electric mode at low speeds and in stop-and-go traffic. An ECON Mode helps helps control excessive acceleration via a throttle-control system. Finally, Toyota also added a Hybrid System Indicator that helps drivers optimize the hybrid powertrain and, therefore, fuel economy.

Unfortunately, Toyota has not provided any updates on improvements in fuel economy for the 2008 Highlander hybrid.

Back to the Highlander hybrid basics

The 3.3 liter V6, 270 horsepower will only come in two 4WD-i versions, base and Limited. Additionally, the new hybrid Highlander will be bigger than previous versions of Toyota's first hybrid SUV - almost 4 inches longer and 3 inches wider.

In addition, as with all Toyota SUVs, the Highlander hybrid will include Toyota's STAR(TM) Safety system, which includes Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management, Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist - in addition to seven air bags, a driver's knee air bag, and roll-sensing side curtain air bags.

Both the base and limited versions of the hybrid Highlander also offer stand-alone backup cameras, Push Button Start, and the Smart Key System.

The Limited Version has also been upgraded with leather seats, multi-stage heated front seats, rear glass-hatch, power rear door, AM/FM/six-disc in-dash CD changer, nineteen-inch alloy wheels, puddle lamps on outside mirrors, fog lamps and a third-row bench seat with foldable headrests for a flat rear cargo area.

The 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid will begin at $33,700, while the Limited edition will start at $39,950. 

Back to today's Highlander hybrid

Lately, the Highlander hybrid is as available as ever, thanks to the fact that Toyota has met its quota of hybrid tax credits and increased hybrid production - sadly that also means that the clean vehicle tax credit available for the Highlander hybrid has been significantly reduced.

In many markets, this has pushed Toyota to offer interest rates as low as 2.9 percent for up to 2 years on the Highlander hybrid.

I was recently out shopping for a Highlander hybrid, and I found the selection to be very good. 

In addition, for the month of June, Toyota is offering an additional $2000.00 incentive on Highlander hybrids - probably in preparation for the 2008 Highlander hybrid.

All Highlander hybrids are powered by a second-generation version of the Hybrid Synergy Drive technology found in the Toyota Prius. The Highlander Hybrid offers a 3.3-liter V6 while achieving a gas-sipping combined fuel economy rating of 27.6 miles to the gallon.

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).

All of the options available for the regular Highlander will also be available for the Hybrid, including a navigation system.

Also, unlike the Toyota Prius hybrid, the Highlander hybrid can be outfitted with a sunroof - one of my favorite features.

 

If you would like to receive future information on the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, please Click here.

Read about the Ford Escape Hybrid, the Highlander hybrid's closest competitor.

 

--> Read more on the Highlander hybrid on Hybridcarblog.com

 

Highlander Hybrid News

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> Pricing announced for 2008 Highlander hybrid

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> Shopping for Toyota hybrids in Pasadena

> Toyota posts record May hybrid sales

> Kelly picks Highlander for fuel efficiency

> Toyota's lithium battery hybrid ready

> Highlander hybrid an Intellichoice Best Deal

> Highlander hybrid tax credit to be cut again

> Toyota hybrid sales soar in February

> Consumer Reports picks Highlander hybrid

> What to expect from the 2008 Highlander hybrid

> Highlander hybrid sales for January

> 2008 hybrid Highlander to debut in Chicago

> Hybrid Highlander sales drop in October

> Highlander hybrid interest surges 32% in Q3

> Toyota hybrid technology 50% cheaper in 3 years

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> Highlander hybrid, Lexus RX400 part of huge Toyota recall

> Toyota hybrid vehicle tax credits running out

> Prius picked by Consumer Reports as Top 10 for 2006

> What happens when Highlander hybrid tax deductions run out?

> 2006 Tax Deduction for the Highlander hybrid

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> My Toyota Highlander hybrid test drive

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> Toyota Prius price increase for 2006

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> Highlander hybrid hot

> Will tax credits quickly run out for Toyota hybrids, such as the Highlander?

> Toyota Highlander hybrid will not qualify for California carpool lane exemption

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> Highlander hybrid to Highlander Fuel-Cell-Electric hybrid

> Toyota Highlander hybrid hitting market earlier than expected?

> Toyota Highlander Hybrid More Popular the Prius?

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Toyota Highlander Hybrid Testimonials

"We have a 2006 Toyota Highlander 2 Wheel Drive. We live at 3,500 foot  
elevation on the slopes of Haleakala, on Maui. Anytime we go anywhere, we almost always have to drive down to sea level and back.  By far, most of our driving is highway driving and we are averaging just over 24 mpg."

(More Highlander Hybrid Testimonials)

 
Hybrid Car Buyer's Guide

> Not sure if the Highlander hybrid is the best for you? Use our hybrid buyer's guide. (more)

Hybrid Tax Credits

2006 Tax Deduction for the Highlander hybrid

EPA Fuel Efficiency Estimates & Hybrids
Don't buy into the negative press (More)
Hybrid Car Buyer's Club

Interested in buying a Highlander hybrid, or another hybrid?

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