Toyota Highlander adds four cylinder option for 2009
Toyota has decided to add a four cylinder option to the Highlander lineup for 2009. Previously, the mid-sized Highlander had only been available with a 3.5L V6 or a 3.3L V6/hybrid setup. The 2.7L four will be paired up with a new 6-speed automatic transmission and will only be available on the base front wheel drive Highlander. Toyota won't announce what the mileage will be until closer to the mid-January launch date. The current front drive V6 model is rated at 18/24 mpg city/hwy and the four cylinder likely won't be a huge jump over that since the four cylinder will be working a lot harder to move the bulk of the mid-sized CUV. In fact, the Highlander will be the only vehicle in the segment to even offer a four cylinder.
[Source: Toyota]
August 14, 2008 - Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced today that the 2009 Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) will offer an all-new, powerful yet fuel-efficient 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. When it arrives at dealerships in mid-to-late January, the new Highlander powerplant will be among the best mid-size SUVs in the areas of performance, fuel economy and value.
The new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine will generate an impressive 187 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 186 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,100 RPM on regular 87 octane fuel. A dual exhaust manifold will help achieve exceptional low-end torque and maximize its power output. In addition to its performance output, the Highlander equipped with the new four-cylinder will be EPA-rated as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEVII) and is expected to be among the leaders in fuel efficiency in the gas mid-size SUV segment. Official EPA fuel efficiency ratings will be announced closer to launch.
The new four-cylinder engine will be mated to an all-new six-speed electronically-controlled automatic overdrive transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). The new transmission will help deliver quiet and smooth performance on par with a V6 and acceleration that is surprisingly quick for a four-cylinder. When equipped with a tow package, the new powerplant will achieve a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
The new engine will come standard on the Highlander grade two-wheel-drive model equipped with two rows of seats, contributing to its excellent value. A third row seat package will also be available for families requiring additional seating capacity. Other key optional equipment will include an eight-way power driver's seat, manual rear air conditioning, and an AM/FM/six-disc CD Changer with satellite radio capability, MP3/WMA capability and six speakers.
With the new four-cylinder engine, Highlander will be the only mid-size SUV in the current market to offer three powerplant choices. The 3.5-liter Highlander V6, available in two- and full-time four-wheel drive, is among the leaders in fuel efficiency among V6 gas engines in its segment. The full-time 4WD-i Highlander Hybrid, equipped with a V6 powerplant with front and rear electric motors, stands above all others for fuel efficiency among all mid-size SUVs.Since it first launched in 2001, Highlander has been one of Toyota's most popular vehicles, setting the standard for car-based SUVs in innovation, comfort and sales. Driver and passenger comfort is accomplished with segment leading seating versatility through innovative flexible seating functions for up to seven people. Comfort is complemented with one of the highest levels of standard safety features in the small- and mid-size SUV market including a segment-leading total of seven airbags.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
uh2l 7:51PM (8/15/2008)
What about the Saturn VUE and Ford Escape? Those offer a 4 cylinder engine. Or are those in separate classes based on EPA volume?
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Sam Abuelsamid 7:52PM (8/15/2008)
The Vue and Escape are both significantly smaller than the Highlander.
MikeW 10:18PM (8/15/2008)
Why didn't Toyota just integrate the 6 speed auto from the Camry?
They could have gained 1mpg city/highway on front and four wheel drive models.
The VUE is almost as hefty as the Highlander, 3700lbs with a 2.4 ecotec and 4 speed auto is slow going anyway you cut it.
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BoneHeadOtto 11:40PM (8/15/2008)
If you want space and mileage im assuming you are someone who cares about saving money. Such a person should look to the scion xB or the Mazda 5. Both have a lot of space and cost $17k-20k.
... Or you can just get a Rav4 v6 and be faster than the Hylander v6 sport AND more fuel efficient than the new 4cylinder.
I see no reason for this 4cylinder Highlander
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Andy 1:09PM (8/16/2008)
Am I the only one who is kind of confused as to why the 4-cylinder didn't already exist in the hybrid version of the highlander? If they wanted to make a fuel efficient "crossover" then why didn't they just put that engine in the hybrid in the first place?
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natatack 5:23AM (8/24/2008)
Wonder why Toyota hasn't developed a 5 cylinder engine like Volkswagon has on some of their cars.
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SteveO 10:06AM (9/29/2008)
"Am I the only one who is kind of confused as to why the 4-cylinder didn't already exist in the hybrid version of the highlander? If they wanted to make a fuel efficient "crossover" then why didn't they just put that engine in the hybrid in the first place?"
My understanding is that this 2.7 4 cyl is a refinement of the one Toyota has been putting in the Tacoma. So, at the time of hybrid Highlander development this 4 cyl was only available in its previous iteration. Swapping the new/improved 2.7 4 cyl in for the 3.3 6 cyl in the hybrid sure sounds like it could make sense now. However, my brief reading gives me the impression that the new 2.7 4 cyl is designed for smooth low end torque, perhaps making it more of a competitor to a hybrid's electric motors than it would be a compliment to them.
But, you know, if the new 2.7 4 cyl Highlander should test out at 21mpg city, 27 mgp highway and, paired with new 6 speed tranny, moves the vehicle with reasonable dispatch, then maybe the better question is, why would anybody want to mess with the batteries/maintenance/cost of the hybrid?
I think Toyota should get huge kudos for availing a strong mpg package at the bottom of the Highlander lineup. Listening Honda?
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Ed 5:42PM (1/18/2009)
We couldn't afford a hybrid. But we went the dealer and found out they made the Highlander in a 4 cyl. In fact, the car just arrived at the dealer and the dealer didn't know much about the car. We test drove the 6 cyl. and then the 4 cly. We couldn't tell the difference between the 6 and 4. The 4 had great power (unbelievable for a 4 cly). Drove great in a foot plus of snow (we didn't know it was 2wd drive until after test drive). Great traction controll (we couldn't get the car to fish tail or slide out without turning the traction control off). So we just bought the 4 cylinder and now we have better highway mileage than the hybrid. We highly recommend the 4 cly. Highlander!!!
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allan 2:59PM (6/05/2009)
We are looking to buy a Highlander, but think the wieght and size of the 2009 is too much for the 4 cyl. engine to last into high milage without major maintenance. Compared to the V6.