Adding a dash of eco-friendliness to family fun, Toyota launched the new Highlander Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show as a production model. Pitched as an uncompromising family SUV with three rows of seats and a host of available in-cabin technologies, this car is one of the most fuel efficient in its class.
The 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid features a Hybrid Synergy Drive system with a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine and a high-torque electric motor paired together, garnished with electronic on-demand all-wheel-drive with intelligence (AWD-i). Official performance and economy numbers have not been revealed yet.
What has been revealed is some of the options on the car’s long list of features, such as a newly designed 4.2-inch color LCD Multi-Information Display, perforated leather-trim seats in the first two rows, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, 60/40 split bench third row, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beam Headlights, panoramic moonroof, and heated steering wheel.
Safety-wise, the Highlander come with eight airbags, Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, an Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology. All Highlander’s will also come equipped with a standard backup camera and Hill-start Assist Control. Other available features include rear parking sonar, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Alert, and a Pre-collision System.
All that makes the 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid good value at $47,300. If you tick the boxes for the Limited Platinum package – which adds a Panoramic Moonroof, heated steering wheel, and heated perforated leather second-row captain’s chairs – the price goes up to $49,790.
