Joining the league of hybrid SUVs available in the market is the new Toyota Highlander. The pricing of the vehicle is quite high but it is a wise investment to make if you are planning to save on fuel every day.  

For buyers who are new to this hybrid range of vehicles, here’s a quick intro. Be it a sedan or a SUV, the vehicle will have two different engines, one powered by a battery while the other will run on conventional gasoline. The mileage offered by it will be a mix of both, which ensures that drivers can rely on them for long distance travelling. In case, you run out of charge, you can always fill up the tank with gasoline and continue.

The Toyota Highlander is one crossover which is pretty heavy and large. It is capable of accommodating seven passengers at once, making it an ideal choice for large families or people who often travel a lot. The SUV has received a substantial mileage rating from the EPA compared to its conventional counterparts. It delivers up to 27 miles within the city and 28 on the highway, which is at least four to five miles higher than the original Highlander.

With a modified engine and build, the hybrid Highlander is a heavy vehicle which is 4,861 pounds. It doesn’t affect the mileage of the SUV, but has a significant impact on its torque capacity. The original model has an amazing towing capacity of 5000 pounds while this model delivers just 3500 pounds, which is reduced because of the decreased torque.

The basic design of the 2014 edition of Toyota Highlander is retained in the new 2015 hybrid version. Except for the modified grille and the interior tweaks, it remains largely unchanged. The vehicle is capable of achieving 0 to 60 mph in just 7.5 seconds, which is pretty impressive considering its total weight.

A powerful battery pack has been mounted onto the hybrid SUV, but it has been placed in such a way that the cargo space is not compromised. All seven passengers have enough space to sit comfortably on long journeys without any discomfort. The features in the interior of the SUV are highly convenient. It is powered by a 3.5 liter V-6 engine and there are two electric motors which delivers 280 hp.

Toyota is planning to come up with a 2016 edition of the hybrid, which is scheduled for a launch in the month of December.