Toyota has significantly revised its popular Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid crossover sport utility vehicles for 2011, giving them enhanced styling, additional standard amenities and new user technology.
Toyota’s solution to the common conundrum is the 28 mpg Highlander Hybrid, a full-size crossover with seating for seven, 4-wheel drive, and the ability to tow 3,500 pounds.
The gasoline/electric Highlander is powered by a version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, best known for its use in the groundbreaking Prius. A continuously variable transmission transmits power from the hybrid powerplant to the front wheels.
EPA mileage estimates for both city and highway driving are 28 mpg. City matches highway mileage because of the capture of regenerative braking energy during urban driving. The Highlander Hybrid is available in two trim levels — base and Limited. An electric power steering system is employed for efficiency, but it tends to numb some of the feedback provided by traditional systems.
The 2011 Highlander is available in Base, SE and Limited grades in both two-wheel (2WD) and full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD). All Toyota Highlander Hybrid models are equipped with four-wheel-drive with intelligence and available in Base and Limited grades.
The Limited Grade offers stylish 19-inch wheels and also features silver roof rails. The SE grade gains a power liftgate.
Daytime running lamps are now standard on all Toyota Highlander models.
A standard 50/50 split third-row seat and manual rear climate control have been made standard for all 2011 models.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid base grade offers a new Leather Package that includes leather-trimmed front seats with front seat heaters, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, power moonroof, HomeLink®, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, plus an engine immobilizer with security alarm. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid Base grade gains standard easy-clean fabric seating, along with an eight-way power driver's seat, the Tech Audio, the third-row seat and manual rear climate control.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid model's Hybrid Synergy Drive features a new, more powerful 3.5-liter V6 for 2011, replacing the previous 3.3-liter V6.
The system electronically varies front and rear torque distribution depending on traction conditions.
Base and SE Highlander models are equipped with standard 17-inch alloy wheels with 245/65 R17 tires; the Limited features standard 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/55 R19 tires.
All Toyota Highlander models are equipped with four-wheel disc brakes. On conventional Highlander 4WD models, full-time four-wheel drive is available on all V6 grades.
Toyota Highlander comes standard with Toyota's Star Safety System™.
This system integrates operation of enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electric Power Steering (EPS) and the anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA).
Gasoline Toyota Highlander models are also equipped with a straight-line steering feature. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid employs the advanced Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. All Toyota Highlander models incorporate a corner-braking feature. Toyota Highlander comes standard with seven airbags. Additionally, all Highlander models are standard equipped with front active headrests.
The Highlander SE and Limited grades feature a standard backup camera with a 3.5-inch multi-information display; this feature is available for Base grade models for 2011 as part of the optional Tech Package.
No comments:
Post a Comment