Buyers only want fuel efficient engines now and for the most part that means a 4-cylinder engine. Toyota has announced that its Highlander SUV will be available with a new 2.7L four-cylinder engine.
The new four-cylinder engine puts out 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque and gets 20/27 mpg. The 2.7L engine is mated to an all-new six-speed automatic transmission. Toyota estimates that the four-cylinder powered Highlander will reach 0-60 mph in 9.7 seconds.
PRESS RELEASE:
Coming Soon - All-New Four Cylinder Engine For 2009 Toyota Highlander
New Engine Raises Popular SUV to New Levels of Fuel Efficiency, Performance, and Value
November 4, 2008 – Torrance, CA - When it arrives at dealerships in mid-to-late January, Toyota's new 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine will help make the Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) one of the best in its segment in the areas of fuel economy, low emissions, performance, and value. It is expected to appeal to value-driven, mid-size SUV buyers seeking these characteristics without the price premium of a V6.
The four-cylinder Highlander will be among the leaders in fuel efficiency in the gas mid-size SUV segment with EPA fuel economy estimates of 27 MPG highway, 20 MPG city and 22 MPG combined. In addition, it will be EPA-rated as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEVII).
Highlander's new four-cylinder powertrain will produce impressive power, while greatly reducing noise and vibration to levels normally expected in a V6 or larger engine. It will generate 187 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 186 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,100 RPM on regular 87 octane fuel.
The state-of-the-art powerplant is equipped with a variable intake manifold and dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which controls phasing of both the intake and exhaust camshafts to maximize fuel efficiency and torque. Both of these technologies help give the 2.7-liter engine a broad torque curve providing enhanced fuel efficiency, lower emissions and a strong response at all engine speeds. A dual exhaust manifold will also help achieve exceptional low-end torque and maximize power output.
The new engine will be mated to an all-new six-speed electronically-controlled automatic overdrive transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) that is one of the lightest and most compact in its class. The new transmission delivers a smooth shifting, remarkably quiet ride that is on par with a V6, and acceleration that is surprisingly quick for a four-cylinder. Internal preliminary 0-60 mph testing was timed at 9.7 seconds, nearly one second quicker than the average four-cylinder mid-size SUV. 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 well-equipped Highlander grade two-wheel-drive model with two rows of seats, contributing to its all-around excellent value. Adding to its appeal is an array of standard convenience features that include air conditioning; an AM/FM/CD audio system with six-speakers; front seats with height-adjustable active head rests and eight-way adjustable driver's seat; power door locks and windows with driver's window jam protection and auto-up/down feature; cruise control; a multi-function keyless entry system; UV-reduction windshield and rear privacy glass; a digital clock; dual sun visors with vanity mirrors and sliding extensions; a conversation mirror; an illuminated entry system; manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel; scheduled maintenance indicator light; full-size spare tire; and much more.
Along with its long list of standard features, 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 continues to be one of Toyota's most popular vehicles, setting the standard for car-based SUVs in innovation, refinement and comfort. Driver and passenger comfort is accomplished with segment-leading seating flexibility 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.
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Comments (16)
Way too heavy for a 4 banger. My grandparents have the v6 and its 1500+ lbs heavier than my moms cx7 the 4 cylinder works for it, not the highlander and that shows with the 9.7 0-60 I think that's a little to dangerous to merge on to a highway with.
Posted by mtm | November 5, 2008 1:30 PM
Posted on November 5, 2008 13:30
I think its a good idea until I saw it won't be 4WD.
I know I wouldn't buy a big thing like that without 4WD.
Posted by jebus | November 5, 2008 2:09 PM
Posted on November 5, 2008 14:09
My last vehicle was a 1992 Mazda Protege DX and it had a 0-60 time of 12 seconds.... I had no problem with that in the three years I owned it.
The MINI Cooper S is a lot easier (6.5 to 60), but the ol' Protege wasn't dangerous...
Posted by Joan of Arc | November 5, 2008 2:11 PM
Posted on November 5, 2008 14:11
I'm wondering which engine this is, the RZ or TR family? It does say "new engine" though, so perhaps a new AZ or ZR... that would be cool.
Posted by Jason | November 5, 2008 2:26 PM
Posted on November 5, 2008 14:26
My jeep wrangler zoomed 0-60 in 16 secs. lol. But that was with huge tires, lift kits and tons of iron bolt on's (18mpg highway thou)... I had no problems merging onto any traffic, so I don't understand why anyone *really* needs anything fast to merge.
Posted by sparky | November 5, 2008 3:20 PM
Posted on November 5, 2008 15:20
@sparky
Well technically you don't need anything fast to merge. It's when the idiot on her cellphone in the Honda in front of you has no clue and is doing 45mph at the end of an on-ramp that you are going to need some speed.
I prefer to merge at the same speed as the traffic flow. My 04 Corolla doesn't have much problem with that. Don't know the weight of this thing, but it might be alright.
My wife's 01 Rodeo moves well, but it's a V6. The 2.2L 4 banger that was offered was horrificly slow (more in the low speed acceleration than highway speed).
Posted by Brian | November 6, 2008 12:05 AM
Posted on November 6, 2008 00:05
Maybe it depends on what your definition of merge is. If you think it just means moving from one lane to the other without any regard for what might be in your way, then 0-60 times probably aren't a concern for you. However if you are one of the people that do care, trying to merge into a highway full of people that don't car, then 0-60 times probably are a concern for you.
Sometimes, you have to get to the opening, because it's not going to come to you. (Around here anyway.)
Posted by Rod | November 6, 2008 5:01 AM
Posted on November 6, 2008 05:01
It should not be too long before this engine/transmission combo finds its way into the Camry. Possibly when this model has its mid-cycle refresh.
Posted by BernardP | November 6, 2008 7:49 AM
Posted on November 6, 2008 07:49
That mpg is not really all that impressive considering my 4200lbs V-8 gets 25-26 mpg on the highway with ease. Grant it that it drops to 4 cylinders cruising. And I get 0-60 in a tick over 5 flat. Oh well.
Posted by Bob T | November 6, 2008 8:38 AM
Posted on November 6, 2008 08:38
Well, in any case, anyone buying this car will be one less agressive driver on the road......
Posted by sparky | November 6, 2008 11:00 AM
Posted on November 6, 2008 11:00
I bought an 07 explorer v8, and it's got about the same 0-60 time... and it is a much different driving experience than my 03 mustang gt conv. But I am a little worried about taking the Exploder on the expressways around Chicago, it is dog slow off the line, and the fuel consumption gauge is a huge deterrent to driving like a bat outa hell. Almost feel like an old biddy driving :) Though I suppose a semi-truck barreling down on you doing 80mph and me merging in front of it would be more of a deterrent hahahha.
Posted by nobrainer | November 6, 2008 11:08 AM
Posted on November 6, 2008 11:08
You have to remember Bob T, it is a v8 so it automatically drinks gas. /sarcasm
Posted by Avatar | November 6, 2008 11:15 AM
Posted on November 6, 2008 11:15
Avatar,dang you're right! I musta lost my mind for a moment.
Don't know why people get so hung up on what they perceive to be gas hogs/poorly built American cars. I drive what I want and what I like. There's a government web site to do side by side comparisons. Surprising the smaller differential number on fuel costs.I'll keep my overweight V-8 and travel with my family in a more roomy-possibly safer larger car that sounds like a car and not some whinny tin can with a fart canister.
BTW driving at or near the speed limit has returned 30.1 mpg. Yup,gas guzzler there!
Posted by BobT | November 6, 2008 11:31 AM
Posted on November 6, 2008 11:31
It is most likely the new AR engine.. Same engine that will go into the Venza in January.
Posted by Anon | November 6, 2008 11:48 AM
Posted on November 6, 2008 11:48
I drove one of the V-6 models a few years ago. It was a slug with 240hp. My Vue with the Honda V-6 has 250 and it scoots. I can't imagine a Highlander with a less-horsepower 4 cylinder. It'll be a total pig.
Posted by KenH | November 6, 2008 1:53 PM
Posted on November 6, 2008 13:53
If you want to put a 4 cylinder engine in these types of vehicles, you have to cut down the weight. I'd imagine that little engine has to work pretty hard to keep that heavy vehicle moving. A V6 or V8 that doesn't have to strain all the time will beat a 4 Cylinder that works hard even on the highway.
I really think we need to start concentrating on making vehicles lighter, so that smaller engines can become more viable, and provide better mpg. I think it was Nissan that said they planned to reduce the overall weight of their fleet by 15% for the next generation. somewhere i read that for every 140pounds in the vehicle, you lose something like 4% of your fuel economy, not to mention slowing down the acceleration.
Whether this comes from using lighter materials or better designs is up to them.
Posted by Garret | November 6, 2008 2:38 PM
Posted on November 6, 2008 14:38