Toyota Offers Powerful Toyota Highlander SUV Hybrid

By: Rob Adams
Published: Jun 10, 2009
Updated: Mar 13, 2010

Toyota Highlander is one of the best 2009 Hybrid SUVs on the market delivering maximal fuel efficiency.

Toyota is doing quite well with its 2009 Toyota Highlander this year. The Hybrid SUV delivers maximal fuel efficiency. The vehicle is also equipped with the latest Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which provides improved high torque conditions while running in electric drive.

Toyota Highlander raises the bar once again to offer consumers a mid-size SUV with more spacious room and runs quieter. Engineers enhanced measures to reduce the road and engine noise, as much as six decibels than its predecessor. The hybrid vehicles are also equipped with four-wheel drive.

The Toyota Hybrid SUV engine is known as the Hybrid Synergy Drive system's 3.3-liter V6, which offers a high-torque electric drive. The motor-generator has been extensively upgraded and refined for both power and economy. The power train is 270 net horsepower and maintains preliminary fuel efficiency.

Highlander is now equipped with a unique instrument panel which monitors energy to assist the driver in maximizing its fuel economy. This is an excellent feature which lets the driver to activate the SUV in EV mode directly from the center console. The Electric Mode can be turned on under certain driving conditions such as slower speeds or certain stop-and-go situations.

The Toyota SUV can reduce fuel consumption when operating in its EV mode. When activated, it begins to smooth out the throttle response in an effort to limit excessive acceleration, which can enhance fuel economy. Moreover, a new ECON indicator light will provide the driver with a guideline to reduce fuel consumption.

Toyota offer two automatic SUV Hybrid System Indicator modes: "normal" and "acceleration." The "normal mode" reveals three white LED dashes, located on the outer edge of the power meter, when driving at slower speeds. Keeping the power meter needle within the three white dashes allows the driver to maintain a constant speed and acceleration level that helps achieve maximum fuel economy.

The hybrid vehicle is the first to offer indicators for automatic switching for Toyota. As the driver slowly accelerates, the Hybrid System Indicator automatically switches to "acceleration mode." The "acceleration mode" encourages the driver to keep the power meter needle within five white dashes to help achieve maximum fuel economy.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid takes fuel economy seriously. Consumers are looking for SUV hybrid alternatives and learning that there are vehicles that do just that. Automakers are meeting higher demands for hybrid technologies as gas prices are on the rise.