Like the Escape, the Hybrid Highlander may also offer buyers a best of all worlds scenario - space, utility and fuel economy. According to Toyota officials, the Hybrid Highlander should be able to generate compact sedan fuel economy numbers - 27.5 or more was quoted by one spokesperson. Given the hybrid technology, officials claim that there is only an incremental weight gain. Exterior changes include a new grille for improved air intake. The hybrid version will be available in the spring of 2005, in base and limited three-row seven passenger models. According to Jim Press, executive vice president and COO of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., in a speech at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the Hybrid Synergy Drive system powering the Highlander was "specifically developed to meet the load-carrying requirements of a midsize SUV. Compared to Prius, the system features a larger-capacity battery that will provide nearly double the power and an all-new high-speed electric motor that will operate at twice the speed, and deliver more than twice the power as the motor in the Prius. Toyota claims that the Hybrid Highlander will produce in the neighborhood of 270 horsepower, and that the hybrid system will improve Highlander acceleration.
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