Toyota Highlander

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APRIL 25, 2005

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(Readers' Reviews below)

Editor's Review

The Good Good mileage and performance in a big SUV

The Bad Don't want third row kiddie seats? Tough luck

The Bottom Line A little pricey, but fun and practical for an SUV

No matter how it's outfitted, you'll still pay $7,000 more than for a Highlander without the hybrid power train. The hybrid system commands $4,700 of the premium; the rest comes from standard equipment you have to pay extra for in conventionally powered Highlanders, such as alloy wheels and eight-way power controls on the driver's seat. Most important: standard side air bags and side curtains that protect against head injuries in rollovers, which cost $680 extra in the nonhybrid Highlander.

Outside the car, you can tell it's a hybrid by a new, chrome-trimmed grill, different headlights and taillights, and the Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive logo on the tailgate. The instrument panel uses Lexus-like electroluminescent displays. The usual tachometer is replaced by a gauge that shows watt-hours instead of RPMs, and there's a display to show whether power is flowing to or from the batteries.

The hybrid Highlander is faster than the V-6. If you're looking for V-8 kick in an SUV that sips gas more like a four-cylinder sedan, this hybrid may be for you.

READER REVIEWS

By Larry Armstrong

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