New Highlander

Toyota unveiled the redesigned 2008 Toyota Highlander at the Chicago Auto Show Wednesday.

The new design has softer edges and corners making it look more like a larger version of Toyota's popular Rav4 small SUV.

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"The new design has softer edges and corners making it look more like a larger version of Toyota's popular Rav4 small SUV."

That's great, but what about the things that matter, like MUCH BETTER milage? A lighter weight vehicle maybe? I think the Highlander has been a big failure as far as being a fuel saving vehicle.

end of rant.

This article says it will have an EV switch!

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...028/1048/SPORTS

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(fuelsipper @ Feb 8 2007, 12:31 PM) [snapback]386993[/snapback]</div>

They did give it a 1 mile EV mode... which can hurt economy as much as help it...

But no 4 Cylinder Hybrid Highlander.. I don't think we're going to see one anytime soon either. And the Hybird is now 4WD only.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Feb 8 2007, 12:36 PM) [snapback]387045[/snapback]</div>

:-( This is not the direction I was hoping for. My family will need a station wagon in a couple of years when we become 2 adults, 2 large dogs and a kid. The highlander is def on the list (even if it still looks like to SUVish for me). I was hoping the would launch a 4 cylinder hynbrid station wagon!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SomervillePrius @ Feb 8 2007, 01:32 PM) [snapback]387077[/snapback]</div>

My family will be growing too. Eventually. This will be on our short list. So will a hybrid minivan, if one is available.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Feb 8 2007, 07:33 PM) [snapback]387079[/snapback]</div>

one thing I noticed is that despite HH being 15% heavier than before, and despite using 2008 EPA regulations, that were roumoured to hit hybrids really hard, 2008 HH will have same mileage as 2007 version.

That means it is using newer hybrid system and that they managed to get extra 15% MPG from it, at least...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Feb 8 2007, 01:36 PM) [snapback]387045[/snapback]</div>

Besides our Prius, we have the 400h Lexus, which is pretty much the same drive train as the hihi. It's not 4WD ... as there is no drive line to the rear axle. Only an electric motor runs the rear power, and by watching the MFD, it doesn't run all that often.

Well, they have a 3rd row of seats option which will make it 7 people. That is about as good as a mini-van I think. Too bad they do not offer a FWD over the 4WD to increase fuel economy. We only want one for the increased passenger capacity and towing capability over the Prius.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(spwolf @ Feb 11 2007, 12:33 AM) [snapback]388303[/snapback]</div>

When I read the Toyota news release I was kind of ticked that fuel economy was not better and at the top of the list. Now I see that this vehicle must compete in the SUV market where rough tough, high HP, and prestige symbols rule saddly. People are looking for better fuel economy and the Highlander should be a real pleasure to drive with the CVT/Hybrid system providing thrust on demand, without waiting for a downshift or the engine to wind up in a gear. There have been strides in economy as you have stated.
Perhaps the next generation of Highlander will be lighter and more focused on fuel economy, after buyers try the water and know how good it is.

Dan Neil of the LA Times tells me he thinks the BMW 3 series turbo diesel wagon is coming to the US in fall of 2008. It does 0-60 in about 6.5 sec and 40 mpg. I have a prius, but I'm wating for this.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RICHIE1 @ Jul 14 2007, 11:18 AM) [snapback]478662[/snapback]</div>

And what are the emissions going to be? Are you going to be able to buy it in California? (Like the MB E class diesel that can't be bought in California)

And since when does the 07 prius have a pkg #9?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Feb 9 2007, 06:33 AM) [snapback]387079[/snapback]</div>

Hey Tideland, in what you've read is there any indication whether the HyHi will be officially sanctioned as tow-capable (will it pull a trailer)? B)

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Jul 25 2007, 01:23 PM) [snapback]484444[/snapback]</div>

I guy am on the other side of the world from you. :lol:

I've found some hybrid Klugers (JDM) here but cant find out whether they are approved for towing a load.
I know the Highlander is, but wondering whether the HSD comes with a do not tow admonition the way the Prius does...


Here's a link to what I'm seeing down here...
(hope the link works)
Kluger