The 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is basically an SUV built on top of a Camry wagon. The good part of that marriage is that vehicle has all of the comfort and convenience of a Camry with the body of an SUV so it can include that third row seat.

It comes with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive. The 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a full hybrid which means it is capable of running solely on its electric motors, solely on its 3.3 liter V-6 gasoline engine or with the gasoline and electric motors working together. That 3.6 liter engine is the same one installed in other models without an alternator and with the power steering pump, water pump and air conditioner compressor totally driven by electricity. The V-6 engine has be reconfigured to output 208 horsepower and 212 foot pounds of torque compared to the original 230 horsepower and 242 foot pounds of torque so that it can be smoothly integrated into the hybrid system.

The lower power output is necessary for the continuously variable transmission (CVT) which is electronically controlled. There are three 650 volt electric motors. Two are front mounted. The first one acts as a car starter and as an engine driven generator. The second drives the front wheels and acts as a generator during regenerative braking. The third motor is rear mounted and drives the rear wheels and acts as a generator during regenerative braking. This set up give the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid an all-wheel drive system and saves on both power train losses and weight. A computer decides how much power is delivered to which wheels at any given moment in time.

This combination of motors can provide up to 268 total horsepower which will make it one of the fastest hybrid SUVs. The Hybrid Synergy Drive operates smoothly and the motor configuration provides lots of torques for quick initial acceleration and smooth transition to normal driving speeds.

The continuous velocity transmission feels different and will take getting used to but this drive train is one of the best ever for around town use. Running on electric motors, the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is silent and only a little less quiet when the V-6 is running. Due to all of the safety technology packed into it such as the vehicle control system (VCS), traction control, ABS brakes, etc. the steering is average, the cornering limits unremarkable and the movement subdued.

The 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comfortably seats four adults. The rear seats will only be comfortable for children for long rides due to modest head, shoulder and leg room and seatbelts for two. Other than the third row the vehicle’s interior is very comfortable.

The 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a unique chrome-tinged grille, a new front bumper and LED taillights to distinguish it from the all gasoline model. It comes with 17 inch all season radials. The vehicle comes is 2 and 4 wheel drive models and in base and limited models. The price range is from approximately $33,000 for a two wheel drive base machine to almost $40,000 for a 4 wheel drive limited edition. The EPA estimate is 31 mpg city and 27 highway. Real mileage will surely be less. You will not buy a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid for the overall fuel savings. They won’t cover the extra cost of the vehicle. However, for people concerned with the environment or our dependence on foreign oil, the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is an excellent choice.