2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Published 11/10/2005

When the gasoline crisis hit back in the 80's, big Detroit iron sat idle on dealer lots while hot imports were in short supply. If you wanted economy, you had to pay for it. Imports like Toyota, Honda and Nissan were selling for full MSRP because they offered high quality vehicles with excellent fuel economy. When gas was in short supply people were willing to pay for economy. Are we once again ready to pay to save?

This week I drove the technological marvel known as the 2006 Toyota Highlander LTD 4WD Hybrid. This was a vehicle without compromise. It was four-wheel drive and loaded with all of the creature comforts the moniker "Limited" implies. But it came at a price. With a Manufactures Suggested Retail Price of $42,679 my hybrid version cost over $7,000 more than a comparable non-hybrid Highlander. Of course if you purchase the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid by December 31, 2005 your fellow taxpayers will pony up $2,000 for a one-time Federal Income Tax Deduction.

For that amount, I need more than economy and the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid delivered. But it's an even steeper price when you consider that the standard two-wheel drive, 4-cylinder, gasoline only Highlander base model starts at $24,530. That's over $18,000 difference between two vehicles that look similar.

I remember the days of smog. In big cities like Los Angeles and even my home outside of St. Louis, I remember daily "smog alerts". Thanks to government regulations and industry cooperation smog alerts are mere memories. So it is important to understand that hybrid vehicles are not just economical, they drastically reduce the pollution caused by standard engines. What price can you place on a healthy environment?

Yet I am a realist. I realize that most people won't spend their hard earned dollars for a clean environment. When given a choice, most will not even order extra cost safety options. They certainly won't spend money to save money. In spite of what they say, what consumers really want is power. Red blooded, meat eating, American SUV buyers want horsepower along with their status, luxury, comfort and utility. If they can save the environment and get better fuel economy at the same time then hybrid technology becomes attractive.

The 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid does just that. It is good for the environment and saves fuel but for many people it's the extra juice the Hybrid Synergy Drive System delivers that is the real motivation. At 215 horsepower, the gasoline only 3.3 liter V-6 produces more than adequate power. But the Hybrid Synergy Drive System adds boost from electrical motors. Toyota claims that effective power is boosted to 268 horsepower enabling the Highlander to rocket from zero to sixty miles an hour in the sub seven-second range. Hybrid vehicles use regular gasoline and recapturing lost energy from braking recharges the long life batteries.

While no one expects the Highlander to compete in off road events, many want the security of four-wheel drive when the weather is bad. The 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid uses a very unique approach to driving the rear wheels. There is no driveshaft as all power driving the rear wheels is provided by an electric motor. Each of these hybrid components works together in a synergy driven computerized system.

Greatest hybrid advantage is experienced in city driving rather than highway speeds. The 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is rated at 31 MPG in the city, compared to 18 MPG for the all gasoline Highlander. The 27 MPG Highway mileage however is only 3 MPG better than the gasoline version rated at 24 MPG. Be aware that many drivers do not experience the rated hybrid mileage estimates.

Admittedly the hybrid Highlander fills a niche in the Toyota SUV market along side the Land Cruiser, Sequoia, 4 Runner, RAV 4 and soon to debut, FJ Cruiser. With at least six Toyota sport utility models, the Highlander Hybrid fills the need for a technologically advanced, environmentally friendly, seven passenger, mid size, luxury, sport utility vehicle with exceptional fuel economy in the city.

Sure, you will have to pay for economy like this, but in the end the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid might be the right vehicle for you.

2006 Toyota Highlander LTD Hybrid 4WD

3.3 Liter V-6 with Hybrid Drive
Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission

$42,697 MSRP as driven
($2,000 Tax Incentive Available)

31 City / 27 Highway Estimated MPG

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