Toyota announces new 2.7L four-cylinder for Highlander

[dascrow]

August 14, 2008 - Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced today that the 2009 Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) will offer an all-new, powerful yet fuel-efficient 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. When it arrives at dealerships in mid-to-late January, the new Highlander powerplant will be among the best mid-size SUVs in the areas of performance, fuel economy and value.

The new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine will generate an impressive 187 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 186 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,100 RPM on regular 87 octane fuel. A dual exhaust manifold will help achieve exceptional low-end torque and maximize its power output. In addition to its performance output, the Highlander equipped with the new four-cylinder will be EPA-rated as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEVII) and is expected to be among the leaders in fuel efficiency in the gas mid-size SUV segment. Official EPA fuel efficiency ratings will be announced closer to launch.

The new four-cylinder engine will be mated to an all-new six-speed electronically-controlled automatic overdrive transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). The new transmission will help deliver quiet and smooth performance on par with a V6 and acceleration that is surprisingly quick for a four-cylinder. When equipped with a tow package, the new powerplant will achieve a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

The new engine will come standard on the Highlander grade two-wheel-drive model equipped with two rows of seats, contributing to its excellent value. A third row seat package will also be available for families requiring additional seating capacity. Other key optional equipment will include an eight-way power driver's seat, manual rear air conditioning, and an AM/FM/six-disc CD Changer with satellite radio capability, MP3/WMA capability and six speakers.

With the new four-cylinder engine, Highlander will be the only mid-size SUV in the current market to offer three powerplant choices. The 3.5-liter Highlander V6, available in two- and full-time four-wheel drive, is among the leaders in fuel efficiency among V6 gas engines in its segment. The full-time 4WD-i Highlander Hybrid, equipped with a V6 powerplant with front and rear electric motors, stands above all others for fuel efficiency among all mid-size SUVs.

Since it first launched in 2001, Highlander has been one of Toyota's most popular vehicles, setting the standard for car-based SUVs in innovation, comfort and sales. Driver and passenger comfort is accomplished with segment leading seating versatility through innovative flexible seating functions for up to seven people. Comfort is complemented with one of the highest levels of standard safety features in the small- and mid-size SUV market including a segment-leading total of seven airbags.

[texas99]

an inside source says
cccccttgtgtgtgtgtgtgtgtgtgtgtgtgfr721
1. 20/26 mpg
2. only available in base trim
3. mid-january at dealers

if 2 is correct that is a BIG Mistake;
now even people with money want gas mileage AND luxury

[texas99]

sorry about the above typo line my parrot jumped on the keyboard just as i hit the submit button - seriously ROTFL

[Zembonez]

That's funny.

With the weight of the Highlander, I'd expect this model to be for those not often in a hurry. Is 20/26 much better than the current model?

[texas99]

18/24mpg currently with v6

i wish they would post 0-60 number...i wont buy a slug just to get 2 more mpg - would save me 5 month wait if its slooooooow

[Zembonez]

180 plus HP from the 2.7 isn't bad at all. Not sure what the Highlander weighs but I'd guess 3500 or more. For 2 mpg I'd go for the V6 and have some available power for emergencies or light towing.

[knj27]

Well the current V6 higlander 0-60 is rated for 8.0 seconds, which is pretty quick, and it has an EPA rating or 18/24. The thing weigs 4.490 lbs. The 4 cyl. will undoubtedly be a tick lighter, and it is claimed to put out 187hp/186 lb.ft., compared to the V6's 270 hp, and 248 lb. ft. So the 4cyl. you can expect to be slower, although they did say the transmission and other components have been improved. It'll probably be 0-60 in like what, 10-11 seconds? My guess is that 20/26 mpg is a little low, I bet people who do mixed driving will be able to squeeze 25 out. The question is, is 3 seconds slower to 60 worth another 3 or 4 mpg?

[knj27]

Edit: the Consumer reports website said it weighed 4,490, which must be a mistake. I believe it actually weight 3,900.

I'm betting that Toyota is going to sell the crap out of these, even if they don't end up being all they are cracked up to be.

[Zembonez]

Originally Posted by knj27

I'm betting that Toyota is going to sell the crap out of these, even if they don't end up being all they are cracked up to be.

I bet you are 100% right. People will flock to the 4 cylinder version believing it to be much magically more fuel efficient...(which is probably how it will be marketed) Oh well. They will be getting a well made and very safe vehicle in the process. Not such a bad thing.

All of the other carmakers will be doing the same thing... marketing marginally more fuel efficient vehicles are "Improved MPG" models. Why not Toyota?

[knj27]

There's a lot of people who really could give a crap less about the performance of their car, but if the 4 cyl has a lower initial cost, and saves you a few bucks a month on gas, a lot of people will be down. Compared to my truck, this thing is going to be a Ferrari, so I'd be down too.

[blacken]

why are you guys concerned about its 0-60 times

are you seriusly going to be at every light waiting to step on the gas to go fast super quick
they can give this thing 400hp and people wont even touch 20% of its power in safe sane driving

186ft/lbs of torque should be enough

its a familly suv
not an offroading monster truck

[slo007]

Originally Posted by blacken

why are you guys concerned about its 0-60 times?

Merging on the freeway is safer if you can "pass" whoever is coming by and merge quickly. If you have to slow down or stop, you might hit a car parked in the shoulder after the end of the on ramp. I've seen many of these in my life: a car stopped 20 ft after on ramp for a blown tire or whatnot, eager to get hit.

[Zembonez]

Originally Posted by blacken

why are you guys concerned about its 0-60 times

are you seriusly going to be at every light waiting to step on the gas to go fast super quick

So... you'd like to give up say... 75 horsepower in your car? (since you don't need it)

Acceleration is important for normal daily driving safety. An extremely slow vehicle has trouble merging into traffic or even turning across a couple of lanes without being hit. Stopping and waiting for traffic to"clear" is not always an option and increases the risk of being rear-ended. Nobody is saying it needs to be a Ferrari, but acceptable acceleration is a needed item.

[aznstylez]

So Toyota isn't doing too good with the Hybrid version of the Highlander or something, why do they have to make a 4 cylinder version? Or are they planning to make a 4 cylinder hybrid version like the Camry later on?

[Zembonez]

Money.

This version would be substantially cheaper than a Hybrid and somewhat less than the V6 versions (which have become quite expensive over the last few years). Many consumers have been wanting lesser expensive and more fuel efficient versions of the popular SUVs. You can bet they will get them if carmakers think there are sales there.