I read on my local dealership's electronic billboard that the new hybrid Highlanders were arriving soon. My new Motor Trend magazine listed the new '06 hybrid Highlander as posting 0-60 times in the 6.6 second range. The new '06 Highlander is also coming with a CVT tranny. Hmm, will the next generation '07 or '08 4Runner be soon to follow. I'd love to have my 4runner do 0-60 in the mid 6 second range. Just some food for thought.

Also..............Toyota! Where's my 5 spd tranny for my '04 V-6 Runner that you cheated me out of? My runner feels rejected!

CVT = :monster: tried test driving a murano.. and to me.. it doesn't feel like your driving. In a hybrid.. I guess that's what happens. slow.. steady... and boorrinngg.. "imo".

There is no way this vehicle will run 6.6 sec. The hybrid Highlander is rated at 270hp and must have some weight to it (batteries). I would have to see 6.6 sec 0 to 60 to beleive it. I would think mid to high 7 sec 0 to 60 sound about right.

Koz

My wife drove one last week, said it will smoke her V8 Sport 4Runner. Said it has more safety features and flat out hauls.

Remember, the electric motor generates a lot of torque instantly which is why the Highlander, RX400 and even the Accord hybrids are all quicker than their gas counterparts.

Scott

I stand by my statement, and will be willing to line up next to the hybrid.

Koz

Althought forums are usually a bashfest, I will try my best not to bite.
I live with someone that drives an 04 V8 runner everyday, plus every other vehicle made by them, and just drove the new Highlander, so I trust her impression. She said mainly on the highway when you slam it, it sets you back in the seat. More so than the runner.
Personally, I think the V8 in the Runner could/should be more powerful, 330-350 would be nice. Even the Cheap Jeep Chero k ee has alot more poop. I know our engine will run forever, but would be nice to have that, and more power.

I love V8s as much as the next guy, but someday, an electric car/truck will smoke you in your V8 runner, and you will just have to deal with it. Technology is a wonderful thing. Just like all the ole farts who said they could never be smoked by a CRX, well, 10 second CRX's are alot more common now than 10 second Rustangs or Camaros.

Personally, I am happy with the runner, more power is always better, but overall, it works like a fine watch. When I want speed I get on my R1. Real simple.

First off, the ONLY Heep that will out run the VVT-i V8 Runner is the Hemi powered one, and they are NOT cheap. POS, but not cheap!

This came off the Toyota web site;

06 Hybrid Highlander
Performance (4WD-i)
0

As much fun as it is to see 2 SUVs race, well not really my thing, my point was that so far every hybrid is posting faster numbers than their gas powered alternatives given the electric motor's added torque. I personnaly continue to commute on my sv650 most days to work and get 50 mpg and have more fun doing it than any hybrid will give me.

Scott

Really? I definetly missed that memo :o

I agree 100% with what you said; if you line up a regular Highlander with a Hybrid, the Hybrid is quicker. This doesn't mean it will be quicker then other gas powered vehicles with V8s.

Koz

I am posting this info directly from the June '05 issue of the Motor Trend magazine road test results section in the back pages.

TOYOTA:
-Highlander Hybrid 4WD/'06
----Issue date: 05/05
----As tested price: $36,000
----Engine size,config: 3.3L+electric
----Driveline: CVT/AWD
----Max Power: 336 Horsepower
----0-60 MPH (secs): 6.6
----Acceleration 1/4 ml (secs/mph): 15.1/91.3
----Braking 60-0 (feet): 131
----Slalom, Avg spd MPH: 58.4
----MT's figure eight: N/A

----Our final take (comments): Unlike the Prius, the Highlander hybrid is FAST all right, but why?

The above is the exact wording from the magazine. This means they have tested it. What really floors me is the 336 HP ! I would love to know if the electric/gas motor has the high torque power rating to match its HP rating. If it does.....then what is Toyota waiting for with the 4Runner. I'd be planning to trade in my Runner on the day they made the hybrid engine announcement.

I guess time will tell, I just don't understand why Toyota would list 7.5 sec 0 to 60.

Koz

Ahh...the beauty of the electric motor. Max torque at 0 rpm.

We would have the advantage at highway speeds though where torque from the electric motivation would drop off quite drastically.

I watch MotorWeek on the speed channel every week and they recently tested the 2006 Highlander Hybrid. They had a 0-60 time of 7.0 seconds. Here is a link to the roadtest if anybody is interested: http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/reviews/rt2436.shtml