Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is among the most utilitarian Hybrid Sport Utility Vehicles around. Not only does it get 31/27 city/highway mpg but, it can tow up to 3500 pounds which is impressive considering the Ford Escape is only rated for 1500 pounds.Highlander Hybrid 
is virtually identical to the non-hybrid model except for two electric motors for propulsion when the 208 hp gasoline engine isn't required. and to start the engine. The hybrid system uses batteries and sophisticated software to combine the electric motors and gasoline motor making the hybrid drive like an ordinary Sport Utility Vehicle. Two electric motors propel the Highlander Hybrid in addition to the 208 hp gasoline engine. One electric motor drives the front wheels and one electric motor drives the rear wheels making power plentiful on this Sport Utility Vehicle. This power however, comes at the cost of fuel efficency. The electric motors provide enough torque to propel the car up to 25 mile per hour. In city driving below 25 mph the Ford Escape Hybrid uses only batteries and makes virtually no noise and saves the most gas in this mode. The electric motors are powered by a 330-volt battery pack that's located under the Escape's load floor. The battery pack is charged regeneratively, capturing energy during braking, and from the gas engine.
| Basic Specifications | 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD |
|---|---|
| Engine Torque | 212 lb-f @3600 rpm |
| Horsepower w/ Electric Motor | 270 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Transmission | continuously variable automatic (CVT) |
| Engine Displacement | 3.3 L V6 |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
| Curb Weight | 4508 lbs. |
| MPG Highway | 27 |
| MPG City | 31 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Max Towing | 3500 lbs |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | 94 cubic feet |
| Wheel Base | 109.8 inches |
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The Ford Escape SUV is a viable Sport Utility Vehicle that gets as advertised fuel savings with no compromises compared to the standard V-6 Model. There is a premium of about $3000 to be green, but there are tax rebates and incentives that may close the gap making it a non-issue. 