CUV Goes EV

The new '08 Highlander Hybrid cross/utility vehicle will be able to run solely on its electric battery.

However, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. doesn't see the feature as being a sales booster.

“I think it's one of those features that on the showroom floor is interesting to people,” Jim Farley, vice president-marketing, tells reporters at the Chicago auto show.

“Will it be a reason for someone to buy this vehicle? I don't think so. Will it be another reason to feel comfortable with buying a hybrid? Yes.”

A Toyota spokesman says the range in EV mode depends solely on the charge in the battery. A best-case scenario would be almost five miles (8 km), at speeds of about 25 mph (40 km/h).

Don Esmond, senior vice president-automobile operations, says Toyota expects annual Highlander sales to remain in the 120,000-130,000-unit range in the U.S.

Ward's data shows Toyota sold 129,794 Highlanders last year in the U.S., a 5.5% drop from 2005 sales. Highlander Hybrid sales, however, rose 75.4% to 31,485 units in 2006, its first full year on the market.

The '08 Highlander is available with the same 3.5L V-6 engine found in the Camry and Avalon sedans, while the Highlander Hybrid retains its 3.3L V-6 mill.

Farley says Toyota is taking a wait-and-see approach on whether to offer a 4-cyl. engine in the Highlander. The current base model has a 2.4L 4-cyl. engine.