Billed as the world’s first seven-passenger gas-electric hybrid SUV, the third generation of Toyota’s Highlander Hybrid made its first appearance in front of a crowd today at the LA Auto Show.
Besides the new body and interior that are common with the regular 2014 Highlander, the hybrid model comes with a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine paired to an electric drive motor-generator and electronic on-demand all-wheel-drive (AWD-i). Fuel economy and output figures have not yet been announced.
Toyota claims that, thanks to a new raft of technologies, including enhancements in suspension performance, and optimized electric power steering, the new Highlander Hybrid will provide “a more dynamic driving experience”.
The new hybrid SUV will go on sale in the States next February available in two trim grades, the limited with a starting MSRP of $47,300, and the Limited Platinum that adds features such as a Panoramic Moonroof, heated steering wheel, and heated perforated leather second-row captain’s chairs, for $49,790. Both prices exclude a delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee of $860.
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