At right, the Smooth Jazz 98.1 Toyota Highlander Hybrid!

The 2009 Highlander Hybrid is a 4-door, up to 7-passenger sport utility, available in two trims, the Base and the Limited.

All Highlander hybrids feature Toyota's advanced VDIM stability system. The system integrates:
• full-time four-wheel drive with intelligence,
• electronic brake and throttle control,
• with true electronically-controlled active steering.

Highlander's advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive system has been extensively upgraded and refined for both power and economy. Not only were engineers able to increase output to 270 net horsepower, they were able to maintain Highlander Hybrid's impressive fuel economy at 31 city and 27 highway.

The Highlander is loaded with standard-equipped comfort and convenience features. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels is standard on both hybrid models.

An array of options and accessories are offered, such as a power backdoor that can be opened and closed with a key fob, a navigation system with an eight-inch screen, a rear-seat entertainment system with a nine-inch screen, and three-zone air conditioning.

Other options include:
• JBL audio with six-disc changer and nine speakers with Bluetooth,
• third-row seat delete to create a second-row model,
• leather seat trim and heated seats,
• and a tow package with a 5000-lbs. maximum towing capacity (class-leading for car & van-based mid SUVs).

Highlander has no equal to its comprehensive list of standard safety features. It provides a segment-leading total of seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three rows.

As with all Toyota SUVs for the last three years, Highlander provides Toyota's STAR safety system, featuring:
• anti-lock brakes,
• traction control,
• electronic brake-force distribution,
• brake assist,
• and for the first time, enhanced vehicle stability control,
• with electronic power steering.

On all models except the base models, it provides a stand-alone backup camera with a multi-information screen, not tied to a navigation system. And, Highlander has the distinction of being the first Toyota division vehicle to feature both active head restraints and a new hood and fender system designed to crumple on impact with a pedestrian.

View more energy-saving models at Toyota Carlsbad!