2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Officially On Sale in Canada

[Tideland Prius]

Toronto, Ontario - Toyota Canada Inc. has announced that the 2006 Highlander Hybrid is now officially on sale. The gasoline/electric hybrid is the new star of Toyota's popular intermediate SUV lineup. It is also the world's first intermediate hybrid SUV to offer third-row seating.

The Highlander Hybrid is powered by a new version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) powertrain, first used in the Prius. It features an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, and Toyota's first-ever application of on-demand, electronic four-wheel-drive. The 3.3-litre V6 gasoline engine works seamlessly with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator to develop a peak system output equivalent to 268 hp, and with zero to 100 km/h acceleration in 7.3 seconds. Fuel consumption is half that of conventionally-powered SUVs, with a combined average of 7.8 L/100km.

The MSRP for the five-passenger model, with standard air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry and power windows is $44,205. The seven-passenger model, with leather interior, automatic climate control, anti-theft system and premium audio is $53,145.

Source: CanadianDriver

so that's why I never see any on the lots.

[Robert Taylor]

An impressive capability on acceleration, combined with fuel savings. It will be interesting to see how many sell vs the gas only model, if there was a dealer with both types on a lot.

I am still in sticker shock over the price, though. The vehicle sells for the price of a condo! The price for the Prius itself is very reasonable, considering the quality of the vehicle and the features obtained with a BC package. I have 12,000 miles on my Prius and it is still the most enjoyable car I have ever owned.

Still, this is a ton of money, a person could end up with more car than house cost. This is the link to the condo I am making an offer on now:

http://www.realtor.com/FindHome/HomeListin...08&lnksrc=00002

[mfa-prius]

That 7.8 L/100km would be 30.2 MPG south of the border... not bad, but a colleague of mine claims 37MPG for her Ford Escape. Don't know how fast she can get to 100km/h, or even if you can do that down here, though.

mikey

[Tideland Prius]

Robert,
I'm sticker shock at the price of the condo lol. $47,000?!?! wow! You don't want to know the price of houses here =S.

mfa,
With the Escape, you can go up to 40km/h (25mph) on EV quite easily unlike the Prius where you have to have a light foot and patience. That might help get her the 37mpg.

[Frank Hudon]

Robert here in Vancouver $47k would make a nice downpayment on and entry level condo. The average for the region is probably about $160K for entry level. A base Prius is $30K approx. and 50% of what you make is taken in taxes. I have to admit your really hard done by

[Hybrid_Dave]

I would be more impressed with the HiHy if the price was a little lower. I didn't find the gas mileage all that impressive, considering the Honda CR-V and other comparable models in the line are seeing similar numbers using gas only. I suppose that's what you get though when you couple the weight of the Highlander along with the V6...don't get me wrong, I think it's great that Toyota is "moving forward" with the HiHy and Camry Hybrid, but neither are nearly as impressive as the Prius when it comes to price vs. mileage vs. standard features. The Prius really is the "coolest car" I've ever seen, but I guess that's just because I'm a big nerd when it comes to gadgets and computers. I would have bought the Escape Hybrid 4wd, had it not had the unfortunate Ford symbol attached to the grill :P The Civic Hybrid has yet to impress me as well. Hopefully, the 2006 is all it's cracked up to be, then maybe I can convince my wife to get one rather than a gas guzzling over priced Land Cruiser :cussing:

Dave.

[mfa-prius]

Tideland, I doubt that "light foot" applies to my friend, although I must admit I haven't ridden with her as driver. She owes me an Escape ride, though, so I'll report back...

BTW, has anyone ever done a "damn OPEC, full speed ahead" test of Prius mileage? What happens if we turn the display off and drive like maniacs?

[Hybrid_Dave]

Originally posted by mfa-prius
Tideland, I doubt that \"light foot\" applies to my friend, although I must admit I haven't ridden with her as driver.  She owes me an Escape ride, though, so I'll report back...

BTW, has anyone ever done a \"damn OPEC, full speed ahead\" test of Prius mileage?  What happens if we turn the display off and drive like maniacs?

The Prius would probably get the same mileage as the HiHy if you drove it like a maniac,

Dave.

[Mystery Squid]

The Highlander is one of the most LAME looking SUV's put on the road. I thought the gas mileage would be far more impressive, thus eclipse it's lame design. 30mpg??? BFD...

[IsrAmeriPrius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius\";p=\"99865)</div>

I'm sticker shock at the price of the condo lol. $47,000?!?! wow! You don't want to know the price of houses here =S.[/b]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Frank Hudon\";p=\"99867)</div>

Robert here in Vancouver $47k would make a nice downpayment on and entry level condo. The average for the region is probably about $160K for entry level.[/b]

It has been decades since one could buy a house or a condominium for $47,000 in California. The current median price is at least ten times that.

By the way, I assume the prices quoted for the Highlander are in Canadian dollars, are they not?