Toyota SUV hybrid only for NZ

Toyota’s next generation Highlander SUV will only come with a hybrid engine when it arrives in New Zealand from early 2021.

It will be the first time a hybrid powertrain has been offered on the seven-seat Highlander in this country, with hybrid vehicles now accounting for nearly one in every three Toyota sales.

The new Highlander is built in the United States and features a 2.5-litre new-generation hybrid system and intelligent AWD system. 

Performance is supplemented by electric motors and a hybrid battery located under the second-row seats, with the total system power output expected to be about 179kW.

The fourth-generation Highlander sits on the Toyota New Global Architecture GA-K platform, which aims to improve ride dynamics and safety and allows for expanded cargo space.

Toyota’s Safety Sense active safety technologies, designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions, come as standard in the model.

“The next generation Highlander is a significant improvement on the outgoing model, with improved efficiency and flexibility for families,” says Neeraj Lala, Toyota New Zealand chief operating officer.

“The introduction of another hybrid to our line-up further complements our focus on moving towards a low-emission economy, while delivering our customers with a fuel-efficient large SUV.

“Toyota has now sold more than 15 million hybrid vehicles globally, including in excess of 17,000 in New Zealand.”