Stylish and advanced: the 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

(TORONTO, ON – September 13, 2012) Move up to smart design and advanced performance, as only the Toyota Highlander Hybrid can deliver: As Canada’s only hybrid offering in the mid-size SUV segment, the Highlander Hybrid is the sophisticated crossover that combines the capacity of an SUV, the road manners of a sedan, and the efficiency of a four-cylinder compact car.

 

“The seven-passenger Highlander Hybrid is a perfect choice for drivers who need the versatility of a mid-size SUV but desire a vehicle with excellent fuel efficiency and emissions performance,” said Tony Wearing, Senior Managing Director, Toyota Canada Inc. “The Highlander Hybrid’s dynamic, modern personality and advanced hybrid-powered performance makes every journey rewarding.”

 

The 2013 Highlander Hybrid is unique among mid-size SUVs, powered by Toyota’s proven Hybrid Synergy Drive – combining a powerful yet efficient 3.5 liter V6 with high-torque electric motors, a powerful storage battery and a sophisticated power management system. With 280 net system horsepower at its command, the Hybrid Synergy Drive seamlessly shifts between gas engine, electric motors or a combination of the two to maximize power and fuel efficiency at every speed, under any driving condition.

 

The V6 features a lightweight aluminum alloy block, while Variable Valve Timing with intelligence, Sequential Multiport Electronic Fuel Injection and other systems contribute to performance and efficiency. A dedicated engine oil cooler plus heavy-duty battery, starter, alternator and heater deliver reliability in all temperature and weather conditions.

 

The Highlander Hybrid’s electronically controlled continuously variable transmission features a power-split device and dedicated transmission cooler. It delivers smooth, confident acceleration, maximum efficiency and a 3,500 lb towing capability. The 2013 Highlander Hybrid enjoys an impressive city/highway combined fuel efficiency of just 6.9 L 100 KM.

 

Highlander Hybrid drivers enjoy the confidence of highly responsive electric power steering and on-demand four-wheel-drive. Meanwhile, comfort is assured by a refined suspension featuring specially tuned anti-vibration sub-frames, Macpherson gas struts, shock absorbers, coil springs, and stabilizer bars.

 

Safety is always standard on a Toyota, so every Highlander Hybrid features seven airbags (dual-stage driver and front passenger, driver knee, front seat mounted side, and roll-sensing front and rear head/side curtain) plus Active Front Headrests with Whiplash Protection, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters, anchor points for child seats, child protector rear door locks, and a direct tire pressure monitoring system. As with every new Toyota since 2011, the 2013 Highlander Hybrid is also standard equipped with the six active safety technologies of the Star Safety System: Antilock Brake System, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Smart Stop Technology work together to help drivers avoid potential accident situations.

 

Front and rear ventilated disc brakes deliver big stopping power, enhanced by a unique hybrid feature: powerful, electronically-controlled hydraulic regenerative braking, which captures braking energy and stores it in the hybrid system’s battery for later use.

 

Every 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is equipped with comfort, convenience and style features, including: air conditioning with rear-seat heater ducts; a 40/20/40 split reclining second row seat with remove centre stow seat/console; a 50/50 split third row bench seat with remote release in the cargo area; high-visibility Optitron instrumentation gauges, a kilowatt power meter, dual trip odometer, multi-information display, and digital clock; cruise control; dual vanity mirrors plus a conversation mirror; power door locks; power windows with auto down function on driver’s window; rear privacy glass; tilting/telescoping steering column; plenty of thoughtful, in-cabin storage; map lamps; a 12v accessory power outlet and retained accessory power; dual power-adjustable, heated exterior mirrors; roof rails; front and rear splash guards; a spoiler with integrated LED stop lamp; variable intermittent windshield wipers plus a rear window wiper/washer; fog lamps; and more.

 

New for 2013, every Toyota Highlander Hybrid now features an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror with integrated digital compass.

 

The 2013 Highlander Hybrid is available in two models:

 

Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WDi (MSRP starting at $43,400)

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WDi comes well-equipped with standard equipment including a six-speaker audio system with auxiliary audio and USB inputs, Bluetooth capability and Integrated XM Satellite Radio; two-zone independent climate control; premium cloth seat surfaces; an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat; a stand-alone back-up camera with 3.5” display; keyless entry; 17” aluminum alloy wheels with locks; and more.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4WDi (MSRP starting at $52,450)

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4WDi adds sophistication and comfort with a host of premium features, including: a nine-speaker JBL Audio system with four-disc CD changer, auxiliary audio and USB inputs, Bluetooth capability, Integrated XM Satellite Radio and steering wheel-mounted audio controls; three-zone independent automatic climate control with steering wheel-mounted HVAC controls; perforated leather seat surfaces; heated front seats; a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and four-way power adjustable front passenger seat; a voice-activated DVD navigation system with integrated back-up camera; illuminated vanity mirrors; tonneau cover; leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; woodgrain cabin trim with simulated leather interior door trim; rear seat reading lamps; integrated garage door opener; power rear door with jam protection; keyless entry with hatch release; 19” aluminum alloy wheels with locks; puddle lamps on the exterior mirrors; roof rail crossbars; power moonroof; chrome finished door handles; limited badges; the automatic headlamp system; and more.

 

The 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is now on sale at Toyota Dealers across Canada. For more information on features and specifications, visit www.toyota.ca/highlanderhybrid

 

About Toyota Canada Inc.

Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Toyota, Lexus and Scion cars, SUVs and trucks. Toyota is the first full-line manufacturer to make all of the elements of the Star Safety System standard on every vehicle starting in 2011. The Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). TCI’s head office is in Toronto, with regional offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Halifax and parts distribution centres in Toronto and Vancouver.