Toyota Highlander I 3.3 i V6 24V (272 Hp) Hybrid 4WD-i e-CVT

Toyota Highlander I 3.3 i V6 24V (272 Hp) Hybrid 4WD-i e-CVT: A Pioneer in Hybrid SUVs

The Toyota Highlander I 3.3 i V6 24V (272 Hp) Hybrid 4WD-i e-CVT represents a significant milestone in automotive history, marking Toyota’s ambitious expansion of its highly successful hybrid technology into the burgeoning mid-size SUV segment. Introduced for the 2006 model year as part of the first-generation Highlander lineup, this variant was a groundbreaking addition, combining the practicality and versatility of a sport utility vehicle with the fuel efficiency and environmental benefits of a full hybrid electric powertrain. Produced from 2006 to 2007, it quickly established itself as a leader, offering a compelling blend of power, economy, and Toyota’s renowned reliability, particularly for the American market where SUVs were rapidly gaining dominance.

Engine and Performance: The Synergy Drive Advantage

At the heart of the Toyota Highlander I 3.3 i V6 24V (272 Hp) Hybrid 4WD-i e-CVT lies Toyota’s sophisticated Hybrid Synergy Drive system. This powertrain architecture, classified as a Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle (FHEV), seamlessly integrates a powerful internal combustion engine with two electric motors, allowing for pure electric driving, gasoline-only operation, or a combination of both. The primary internal combustion engine is a 3.3-liter (3303 cm³ or 201.56 cu. in.) 3MZ-FE V6, a naturally aspirated DOHC unit with 24 valves, producing 208 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 211.68 lb.-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm. This V6 engine, transversely mounted at the front, features multi-port manifold injection and boasts a bore of 3.62 inches and a piston stroke of 3.27 inches, yielding a power per liter rating of 63 horsepower per liter.

Complementing the V6 engine are two synchronous electric motors. Electric motor 1, integrated into the transmission, delivers a substantial 167 horsepower at 4500 rpm and a robust 245.61 lb.-ft. of torque from 0-1500 rpm. Electric motor 2, strategically placed at the rear and also a synchronous type, contributes 68 horsepower at 4610-5120 rpm and 95.88 lb.-ft. of torque from 0-610 rpm. This innovative setup allows for an intelligent all-wheel-drive system (4WD-i), where the rear wheels are powered exclusively by the second electric motor, eliminating the need for a mechanical driveshaft and improving overall efficiency. The entire system is managed by an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), ensuring smooth and responsive power delivery.

The combined net system output for the Highlander Hybrid is an impressive 272 horsepower, providing brisk acceleration for a vehicle of its size. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.4 seconds, with a top speed of 111.85 mph (180 km/h). Despite its strong performance, fuel economy was a major selling point. The Highlander Hybrid achieved an estimated 27 US mpg in urban driving, 30.9 US mpg on the highway, and a combined rating of 29 US mpg. These figures were remarkable for a mid-size SUV in the mid-2000s, positioning it as a highly efficient option. Furthermore, the vehicle proudly met the Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standard, underscoring its environmental consciousness.

Design and Features: Practicality Meets Innovation

The Toyota Highlander I Hybrid retained the familiar and practical styling of its gasoline-powered counterpart, featuring a classic SUV silhouette that prioritized interior space and versatility. As a 5-door SUV, it offered seating for five occupants, a common configuration for mid-size SUVs of its era. Its dimensions contributed to a commanding road presence and a spacious cabin: a length of 185.59 inches, a width of 71.89 inches, and a height of 68.7 inches. The 106.89-inch wheelbase provided a stable ride, while a ground clearance of 7.28 inches offered sufficient capability for light off-road excursions or navigating challenging weather conditions.

Inside, the Highlander Hybrid offered a practical and comfortable environment. Cargo capacity was generous, with a minimum trunk space of 10.49 cu. ft. (297 liters) that could expand to an impressive 80.59 cu. ft. (2282 liters) with the rear seats folded, making it highly suitable for families and active lifestyles. The vehicle’s curb weight stood at 4243.9 lbs. (1925 kg), with a maximum gross weight of 5674.7 lbs. (2574 kg), allowing for a substantial maximum load of 1430.8 lbs. (649 kg).

Suspension components included an independent McPherson strut system with coil springs and an anti-roll bar at the front, complemented by an independent coil spring setup with a transverse stabilizer at the rear, contributing to a comfortable and controlled ride. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, augmented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The electric power steering system, a rack and pinion type, offered light and precise control. The Highlander Hybrid rode on 225/65 R17 tires, providing a good balance of comfort and grip.

Technical Specifications: Toyota Highlander I 3.3 i V6 24V (272 Hp) Hybrid 4WD-i e-CVT

Legacy and Market Impact of the Toyota Highlander I Hybrid

The Toyota Highlander I Hybrid, particularly the Toyota Highlander I 3.3 i V6 24V (272 Hp) Hybrid 4WD-i e-CVT variant, carved out a significant niche in the American automotive landscape. It arrived at a time when consumers were increasingly seeking the versatility of an SUV but were also becoming more conscious of rising fuel prices and environmental concerns. The Highlander Hybrid offered a compelling solution, providing strong V6-like performance with four-cylinder-like fuel economy, a revolutionary concept for a mid-size SUV in the mid-2000s.

Its primary market was the United States, where the Highlander had already established itself as a popular choice for families. The hybrid variant extended its appeal to environmentally conscious buyers and those prioritizing lower running costs. While not the first hybrid SUV (the smaller Ford Escape Hybrid debuted slightly earlier), the Highlander Hybrid was notable for bringing Toyota’s proven Synergy Drive system to a larger, more powerful, and more family-oriented vehicle. It also shared its sophisticated hybrid powertrain with its luxury counterpart, the Lexus RX 400h, further underscoring its advanced engineering.

The Highlander Hybrid’s reputation for reliability, a hallmark of the Toyota brand, combined with its innovative powertrain, solidified its position as a segment leader. Competitors during its production years were relatively few in the hybrid SUV space, but the conventional mid-size SUV market was fiercely competitive, including models like the Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, and Ford Explorer. The Highlander Hybrid distinguished itself with its superior fuel economy and SULEV emissions rating, setting a new benchmark for efficiency in its class.

Its historical significance lies in its role as a trailblazer. It demonstrated that hybrid technology could be successfully scaled up to larger vehicles without compromising performance or practicality. The Highlander Hybrid helped to normalize hybrid powertrains in the SUV segment, paving the way for a multitude of hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUVs that followed. Its success contributed to Toyota’s overall dominance in the hybrid market and reinforced the brand’s image as a leader in sustainable automotive technology. Even today, the first-generation Highlander Hybrid is remembered as a well-engineered and practical vehicle that offered a glimpse into the future of automotive efficiency.