Toyota Highlander hybrid is a the green variant of a mid-sized family SUV, with seven seats and lots of additional functions added to its predecessor model. This new design aims at attracting a wider range of consumers that have shown interest in eco-cars. The wheelbase of Toyota Highlander hybrid is developed from the Camry chassis with the mention that the new model is nearly four inches longer and three inches wider. Due to the eco-power option, Toyota Highlander hybrid is also a lot heavier, with a surplus of 263 pounds as compared to the model it has evolved from.

Toyota Highlander hybrid has a 3.3-liter, and a V6 engine with an electric drive motor that makes this car race with a sum of 270 horsepower. The electronic steering mechanism makes parking in crowded parking lots accessible and not at all cumbersome. A difference between Toyota Highlander hybrid and the gas-powered model is present in the design of the suspension system. The gas version which is considered the more conventional has sport suspensions whereas the eco version translates the comfort need in the presence of the softer suspensions. Every vehicle offers three ways of maximizing fuel economy and they are comprehensively presented in the owner’s manual.

Toyota Highlander hybrid users should carefully read how to interpret and use the info on the hybrid system indicator according to the ?normal? or ?acceleration? modes. You don’t have to be an expert to understand what each of the above mean, and it goes without saying that once you hit the acceleration pedal the fuel consume will increase significantly. However, even for higher speed there is an optimal instant consume that you can maximize accordingly. When at low speeds, Toyota Highlander hybrid allows you to operate only on the electric mode but on limited distances only.

Last but not least, Toyota Highlander hybrid has another control function known as the Econ drive mode that doesn’t allow you to accelerate excessively and thus abuse the fuel consume. The Econ mode is known to work great when you drive in a crowded city with the stop-and-go traffic, then the fuel economy increase will be significant under the circumstances. As for driving on highways, the Econ mode of Toyota Highlander hybrid is not that rewarding as you will feel incredibly slowed down. In a nutshell, you need to adjust the functions of this great car to the needs of the moment in order to be efficient and green at the same time.