Toyota Highlander Preview – Chicago Auto Show: While executives and board members at other companies have been twiddling their thumbs, straddling the fence on whether or not to build a hybrid model, Toyota is busy unveiling the second generation of one its three hybrid vehicles, the 2008 Highlander Hybrid. It joins the Prius, also in its second generation, and the Camry Hybrid. Due to arrive in September, the new Highlander Hybrid promises 270 horsepower from an advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive system, up to 31 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, standard four-wheel drive with intelligence, and a choice of Base or Limited designations.

Toyota claims that since its debut, the Highlander Hybrid has been a good seller, attracting more than 31,000 buyers in 2006 and helping the brand capture 67 percent of the U.S. hybrid market. That’s great, but Toyota’s own data suggest that the next Highlander needs to be larger and more powerful. Hence, gas and hybrid versions will be larger and will boast 270 horsepower. This is especially significant since it not only puts a fresh, more competitive crossover in Toyota’s fleet, but it also marks the introduction of one of the market’s largest mainstream hybrid models. With its enlarged dimensions and impressive power ratings, the 2008 Highlander Hybrid rises above competitors such as the Ford Escape Hybrid.

The 2008 Highlander Hybrid draws power from an advanced version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system, the same technology used in the Prius and Camry Hybrid. In this application, the system incorporates a 3.3-liter V6 engine with the electric motor and battery pack for a combined horsepower rating of 270 (torque figures are not available). An electronic continuously-variable automatic transmission directs power to all four 19-inch wheels in cooperation with an intelligent four-wheel-drive system (4WD-i). In comparison, the 2007 Highlander Hybrid offered 268 horsepower and was available in both front- and four-wheel-drive versions.

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