Highlander Hybrid has arrived! This performance-oriented, fuel efficient and versatile cross-over SUV just also happens to feature Toyota's advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, along with a host of technological advancements designed to make any and every journey smoother, swifter and cleaner*.

*Claims are with respect to comparisons against similarly equipped conventional gasoline powered vehicles. Based on North American sales data, Federal Tier 2 engine emission standards, and 2008 EnerGuide Fuel Consumption Guide.

Highlander Hybrid's exterior expresses its intelligent and innovative spirit with a series of smart yet subtle touches-like the distinctive trapezoid Front Grille and the clear blue shading of the Headlamps and Rear Combination Lamps. The available 19-inch Wheels-in an exclusive Hybrid color-help make a clear and bold statement about Highlander Hybrid's performance-oriented nature.

Styled by Toyota's Calty Design Studio in California, Highlander's crisp, clean lines stress 'strength' and 'intelligence' over typical SUV cues of 'tough' and 'rugged'. The result is a dynamic and modern personality—with performance characteristics to match.

V6, Sport, Limited and Hybrid Limited models now feature standard Fog Lamps. Sport and Limited—including Hybrid Limited—add a Power Tilt and Sliding Moonroof with Sunshade. The V6 Limited and Hybrid models boast the convenience of Smart Entry and Push Button Start.

V6 and base Hybrid models feature standard 17-inch Alloy Wheels. Sport and both Limited models boast class-leading 19-inch Alloy Wheels. All models also include a spare tire conveniently located underneath the rear of vehicle.

Standard on the V6, Sport, and both Limited models is a Power Rear Door that opens or closes with the press of a button on the vehicle or on the key fob. Also available on the base Hybrid with either Comfort or Leather Package.

Standard on gas engine models is Flip-up Rear Hatch Glass that can open separately from the Rear Hatch itself. If the Hatch Glass is up and the Rear Hatch is then opened, the Glass automatically lowers and clicks back into place. Also available in the base Hybrid Comfort or Leather Package.

Standard on all models is a Backup Camera placed on the hatch. Depending on the model, the images can be seen on the multifunction display panel, LCD display or DVD-based Navigation System screen.

In addition to being one of the most stylish SUV's in its Class, Highlander is also one of the most aerodynamic and quiet riding. Intelligently shaped sheet metal, tight body gap tolerances and wind-smooth underbody parts all contribute to a coefficient of drag of just 0.34.

One of many features designed to limit the transmission of noise into the passenger cabin is a Quarter Liner in the Rear Wheel Housing—a feature generally found on luxury-level automobiles.

Highlander Hybrid's interior is as smart and sophisticated as its exterior. The fluid lines of the Instrument Panel and the Two-tone Side Trim emphasize the vehicle's warm and welcoming spaciousness. Controls are placed within comfortable reach, while seating in all rows has been ergonomically enhanced. The unique blue-tinted Optitron Gauges, Eucalyptus Woodgrain Trim, and available Leather Seat Surfaces complete the feeling that this is no ordinary SUV.

Highlander's substantial dimensions deliver 160 cubic feet of interior room, plenty of space to stretch out. One benefit is generous amounts of space between passengers and between seating rows as well as more cargo capacity.

V6 and base Hybrid models feature Climate Control Air Conditioning. Sport, Limited and Limited Hybrid models boast Dual-zone Automatic Air Conditioning with right and left independent temperature control for the driver and front passenger, as well as Rear Auto Climate Control for the second and third rows creating a dual-zone AC system that offers maximum occupant comfort and control.

Highlander's engineers undertook an entire study to determine the optimum steering wheel angle. The result is a positioning of the steering column to create even more knee room and a standard Tilt and Telescopic function enabling a driver to tailor the driving position even more.

The Hybrid base model is equipped with an AM/FM CD Audio System with MP3/WMA audio capability, Auxiliary Input Jack and 6 Speakers. The V6 and Sport models add a series of other enhancements, including an In-dash 6-CD Changer and Steering Wheel Audio Controls. The Limited V6 and Hybrid Limited upgrade to a Premium JBL system with 9 Speakers, Bluetooth Capability and Steering Wheel HVAC Controls. Sport and Limited models now also come with XM Satellite Ready Antenna with Prewire.

Highlander also offers an available, dealer-installed, Rear Seat Entertainment System with a 10.2-inch screen and MP3 playback capability.

Standard on all models is a Multi-information Display. Read-outs—along with Rear View Monitor projection—are shown on a crystal clear 3.5-inch LCD screen.

Highlander Hybrid Limited sports an advanced Navigation system with an 8-inch in-dash LCD screen. This screen also displays images from the Back-up Camera. Also available as part of the V6 Limited Navigation Package.

Available on models with a JBL Audio system is one of two Bluetooth™ telephone integration versions, including: Bluetooth™ without Navigation or Bluetooth™ with Navigation. Each version offers a different mix of functionalities.

Highlander features Captain's Chairs for the driver and front passenger. Standard on four models and available on the base Hybrid, an 8-Way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat. Limited models make available a Power Adjustable Seat Cushion for the driver and 4-Way Power Adjustable Seat for the front passenger.

Highlander features second row Captain's Chairs that slide, recline or fold-flat with the touch of a lever. There's also a removable Toyota Center Stow™ Seat that turns the second row into bench seating for three and Highlander from a 6- to a 7-passenger vehicle. When not in use, the Center Stow Seat is easily stored in a hidden compartment under the Centre Console.

Third row seating is a Bench Seat for two that takes full advantage of Highlander's spacious interior volume. For additional cargo room, this seat also folds completely flat into the floor with the pull of a one-touch lever.

With a choice of two powerful engines—gas powered V6 or Hybrid V6—the Highlander makes short work of even the longest journey. Full of advanced technologies, both powertrains are also incredibly efficient, which means fewer stops for fuel and significantly reduced emissions along the way—which is better for the environment.

Highlander Hybrid is powered by Toyota's technologically-advanced and environmentally-friendly Hybrid Synergy Drive. The system combines a powerful 3.3 Litre V6 engine with a highly efficient high-speed electric motor, all mated to an electronically controlled variable transmission that seamlessly blends both sources of motive force. The result: peak combined horsepower of 270.

Highlander Hybrid features an Economy Drive Indicator to help drivers exercise power even more wisely. The Indicator, located in the Power Meter, displays the optimum power 'zone' for maintaining a constant velocity or for acceleration. Staying in the 'zone' diminishes typical speed fluctuations that reduce fuel economy.

Another feature on the Highlander Hybrid is the ECON Mode, used to reduce engine output in relation to accelerator pedal stroke. ECON Mode improves performance in low traction conditions like ice and snow as the reduced output helps to minimize wheel slippage.

In true Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive fashion, gains in power don't cost extra at the pump. At 7.7 litres per 100 km [combined city and highway], Highlander Hybrid operates with the fuel economy of a 4-cylinder compact sedan.

Highlander Hybrid features Toyota's 4WD with intelligence (4WD-i). Under normal driving conditions, Highlander Hybrid operates as a front-wheel drive vehicle to maximize fuel efficiency. When additional traction is required, the system automatically switches into 4WD, utilizing an additional motor to drive the rear wheels and a series of sensors to maintain an optimal distribution of torque between front and rear wheels. Once the extra traction is no longer needed, the system intuitively switches back to front-wheel drive.

Highlander features independent suspension systems—front and rear—that deliver excellent manoeuvrability along with a more stable, confident ride. On Highlander Sport, a 'higher spring rate type' coil spring and 'high damping force type' shock absorber offer improved cornering and greater road feel.

All Highlander models arrive with standard Electronic Power Steering, which utilizes a computer to analyze driving conditions and adjust vehicle responsiveness. The result is steering that is quicker with heightened levels of control.

Highlander boasts an added 75mm to the Wheelbase and 70mm to the Rear Track over the previous generation—helping to deliver an incredibly stable ride and more responsive handling.

Standard for Highlander is Hill-start Assist Control or HAC, which generates four-wheel hydraulic pressure while the vehicle is stationary to help minimize any back slippage when starting the vehicle from a standstill on an uphill grade.

Highlander also features Downhill Assist Control or DAC, which generates four-wheel hydraulic brake pressure to assist with controlled, steep, downhill descents. Once engaged, the system monitors wheel speed and makes adjustments to maintain a low vehicle speed without causing wheel lock up.

Gas models deliver Full-time Four Wheel Drive that constantly divides torque between front and rear axles for superior traction depending on driving conditions. Hybrid models feature Four Wheel Drive with Intelligence. In this system, the gas engine and electric motor run the front wheels. If any slip in the front wheels is detected, a dedicated rear motor automatically provides power to the rear wheels for additional traction.

All Highlander models arrive with a towing prep package that includes a Large Radiator, Transmission Oil Cooler, Heavy Duty Battery and Towing Wire Harness. These features enable gas models to take full advantage of Highlander's towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, and Hybrid models to tow 3,500 lbs.

Like every Toyota, Highlander Hybrid brings a full range of industry leading safety features to the mix—from Traction Control and Antilock Braking System to Driver Side Knee Airbag and Roll-sensing Front and Rear Side Curtain Airbags.

In addition, Highlander Hybrid features Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). Utilizing a series of sensors, VDIM is capable of anticipating pending stability problems and automatically taking corrective measures. It does this by orchestrating the efforts of Highlander Hybrid's numerous standard safety features, including: electric power steering, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, TRAC and ABS along with engine output and steering control.

Highlander features seven standard airbags, including a Driver's Knee Airbag. In addition, an extended Roll-sensing Side Curtain Airbag offers side impact protection for all three rows.

Highlander features Active Restraint Headrests for the driver and front passenger. In the event of a rear-end collision, these headrests automatically move up and forward to quickly brace the head and reduce the likelihood of whiplash injury.

Highlander also reaches out to protect pedestrians in the event of a low-speed impact. Reinforcement ribs in the hood as well as the brackets for the cowl louvre and fender are specially constructed to absorb impact energy and cushion the impact to a pedestrian.

Up front, Highlander boasts large Ventilated Disc Brakes and a Twin Piston Caliper that aids brake performance and brake feel. In the rear, Solid Discs with a Single Piston Caliper provide strong, durable performance.

Standard on all Highlander models is a full range of advanced braking technology, including:

• Antilock Braking System
• Brake Assist
• Electronic Brake Force Distribution
• Traction Control
• Vehicle Stability Control

Highlander's Vehicle Stability Control system has been technologically enhanced to help integrate and control the performance of braking functionality along with engine output and steering control. The result: when accelerating, braking or in a potential skid situation, the system is quicker to apply necessary corrective measures.