Toyota Highlander 2009 Hybrid Brings Fuel Economy to Family Hauler

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Summary

For the 2009 Model year the Highlander adds the functionality and fuel economy of a Hybrid model. In a competitive segment it makes sense to add features that might set you apart from others, and the Hybrid certainly does that with its ample fuel economy for a family hauling SUV. With a versatile cabin and refined and family focused style, the 2009 Highlander is certainly worth a look as it makes a good case for itself in a very competitive segment. Add in Toyota's reliability and you have a winner.

Full Review 2009

The Toyota Highlander is a family hauler that's smooth and comfortable with generous space for passengers and cargo. The Hybrid model delivers excellent fuel economy with minimal emissions, while a new four-cylinder engine for 2009 offers decent fuel economy at a lower price point. An available V6 engine delivers smooth performance and respectable fuel economy.

The new four-cylinder is matched with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission, and is available only with two-wheel drive. Otherwise, the Highlander is unchanged for 2009.

A versatile cabin adds to the attractiveness of the Highlander as a family vehicle. The second row can slide forward and back, and the third-row seat is hospitable for children and capable of carrying adults. A 3.5-liter V6 delivers 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel-drive Highlanders with the 3.5-liter V6 are EPA-rated at 18/24 mpg City/Highway, while all-wheel drive models are rated slightly lower at 17/23 mpg.

The Highlander Hybrid has a 270-hp gas/electric powertrain that provides smooth, plentiful power. The gasoline engine is a 3.3-liter V6 that delivers 208 horsepower and 212 pound-feet of torque and is matched to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). In combination with the electric motors, the complete Hybrid powertrain can deliver 270 horsepower to the driving wheels. The Hybrid is rated at 27/25 mpg City/Highway.

Gasoline-only Highlanders come standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available for customers who want all-weather capability and enhanced safety. Hybrids come standard with all-wheel drive.

The Highlander is based on the architecture of the Toyota Camry midsize sedan. As a result, the Highlander offers a quiet cabin and a luxurious ride quality.

Body Styling and Trims 2009

The 2009 Toyota Highlander offers a choice of three powertrains, three trim levels and front or all-wheel drive. The base Highlander ($25,705) comes with the 2.7-liter four cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V6 ($27,600). The Highlander Sport ($30,000) and Limited ($33,070) come standard with the 3.5-liter V6. Highlander Hybrid models come standard with all-wheel drive and are available in base ($34,700) and Limited ($41,020) trim.

The Highlander comes standard with cloth upholstery; air conditioning; three-row seating for up to seven passengers; a 40/20/40 second-row seat with a removable center section that can be stowed under the first-row center console; a fold-flat third row; AM/FM/CD with six speakers and MP3; power windows, door locks, and mirrors; remote keyless entry; cruise control; variable intermittent wipers; rear defogger with variable intermittent wiper; rear spoiler; tilt/telescope steering wheel; two front and one cargo-area 12-volt power outlets; fog lights; and 245/65R17 tires on alloy wheels.

Hybrid models get Toyota's Smart Entry System that includes keyless entry and starting, a 3.5-inch multifunction display screen that includes a rear backup camera, a clock, tire-pressure display, air conditioning readout, and outside temperature and trip computer information, in addition to all the hybrid-related features. Also, base Hybrids come standard with two seating rows; the third row is optional.

Sport models add 245/55R19 tires, sport-tuned suspension, opening rear glass, a rear tonneau cover, cargo area levers to fold the second-row seats, and the multi-function display.

Limited models upgrade with leather upholstery, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat and four-way power front passenger's seat, front dual-zone automatic climate control, and Homelink universal transmitter, foldable power outside mirrors with puddle lamps. Limited models also come with opening rear glass, a rear tonneau cover, cargo area levers to fold the second-row seats, and the multi-function display. Limited models ride on the standard suspension, but they get the 245/55R19 tires and 19-inch wheels.

Limited Hybrid models come with the same features as the Limited.

Options include leather upholstery ($1,490 for two rows, $1,840 for three rows), a navigation system in combination with a JBL audio system ($2,530), front dual-zone climate control ($375), automatic rear air conditioning ($585), heated front seats ($440), upgraded JBL audio with nine speakers and a Bluetooth hands-free cell phone link ($630), sunroof ($850), power rear tailgate ($400), rear DVD entertainment ($1,700), several other options, and numerous packages that combine individual options.

Safety features on all models include dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags for thorax protection, head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows, a driver's knee airbag, active front headrests, tire-pressure monitor, antilock brakes, traction control, antiskid control, and hill-start assist. Hill descent control is standard on AWD models.

The Highlander fits in the middle of Toyota's four-pronged midsize SUV lineup. It features softer styling than the 4Runner midsize SUV and the retro-styled FJ Cruiser. Highlander's all-wheel-drive systems are designed for taming slippery pavement and wintry conditions, not for climbing rocks and traversing rough terrain. Likewise, the Toyota Venza is a mid-size vehicle that further blurs the line between wagon and SUV. Alloy wheels come standard, so every Highlander looks well-equipped. Hybrid models are differentiated by blue-tinted lighting, a special grille, and unique alloy wheels.

Styling and Interior Features

Climb into the driver's seat of the Highlander and you are greeted by a quality, upscale cabin. A 3.5-inch screen displays trip computer and climate control information on all but the base model. Hybrid models have some exclusive interior touches. Displayed either on the multifunction screen or the navigation screen are Consumption and Energy Monitor information. The Highlander's elevated ride height and upright seating position give it that desirable SUV trait but with easier step-in than what's found in older, truck-based SUVs.

The second-row captain's chairs are comfortable, and the Highlander has a handy removable center seat that can be replaced by a center console. Either the center console or the center seat can be stowed beneath the front seat center console.

The third-row seating is aided by second-row seats that can slide forward. Access to the third row is easy from the passenger's side, as the second row captain's chair flips and slides forward in one motion. For cargo space, the second- and third-row seats fold flat to open up a very useful 95.4 cubic feet.

First Drive 2009

The Toyota Highlander is a pleasant vehicle to drive. The suspension emphasizes a soft ride over taut handling. All models lean when cornering and braking. The all-wheel-drive system in the gas models provides a full-time 50/50 front/rear torque split. In Hybrid models, the AWD system is front-drive biased, but when it detects slippage, the rear-mounted electric motor can kick in to deliver up to 25 percent of the available power to the rear wheels. The 3.5-liter V6 propels the Highlander front-drive models from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and all-wheel-drive models in 7.8 seconds. The Hybrid's powertrain is called Hybrid Synergy Drive, and it mates a 3.3-liter V6 with three electric motors for a total of 270 horsepower. Driving the Hybrid is different than driving a standard V6 model. The Highlander Hybrid is the first Toyota hybrid to offer an EV button in the United States. Hybrid models also have an ECON button that reduces throttle response to improve fuel economy. The continuously variable transmission feels natural. B mode helps recharge the battery pack. The Toyota Highlander offers generous room for people and cargo, a choice of powertrains, ample performance and good fuel economy. Hybrid models offer excellent fuel economy, particularly in the stop-and-go traffic of major metros, along with extremely low emissions.

Conclusions

The Toyota Highlander offers generous room for people and cargo, a choice of powertrains, ample performance and good fuel economy. "Highlander is a competent, refined, family focused SUV that offers great practicality, cargo and passenger versatility, and evident quality." says Consumer Guide "Aside from some questionable cabin materials, the Highlander is a worthy contender in a competitive segment." adds CNET  Hybrid models offer excellent fuel economy, particularly in the stop-and-go traffic of major metros, along with extremely low emissions. Add in Toyota's reputation for reliability and resale value, and the Highlander is a wise choice for active families.