What Is It?

2005 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

What's Special About It?

Already known for its carlike drivability and all-around usefulness, the Highlander will soon add a fuel-sipping hybrid drivetrain to its impressive list of available features. Similar in design to the system used in the Prius sedan, the Highlander's Hybrid Synergy Drive powerplant was specifically designed to handle the added weight of an SUV. It combines Toyota's 3.3-liter V6 gas engine with an electric motor that boasts twice the power of the unit used in the Prius. Working together, the two engines produce a combined 270 horsepower, enough to push this Highlander to 60 miles per hour in less than 8 seconds according to Toyota. Not only that, it's also projected to get over 28 miles to the gallon in combined city and highway driving and have a range of over 600 miles.

What's Edmunds' Take?

This vehicle represents another important step in the evolution of hybrid technology. By introducing its system into a crossover vehicle that's positioned right in the heart of the most popular segment in the marketplace, Toyota is proving that hybrid technology can be used for more than just pint-size econoboxes. V6 power with the mileage of a four-cylinder? What more could you ask for? — Ed Hellwig