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Highlander Gets Fuel Efficient Engine

2009 Toyota Highlander2009 Toyota Highlander2009 Toyota Highlander2009 Toyota Highlander2009 Toyota Highlander
With fuel efficient engines almost a trend nowadays, the majority of car manufacturers alter their production process in order to replace high-performance engines with new versions specifically focused on fuel economy. Toyota joins the club and announces a new 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine for the Highlander lineup which is said to provide a fuel economy of 27 and 20 mpg in highway and city mode respectively.

Toyota claims that the new engine generates a maximum power of 187 hp at 5,800 rpm combined with a maximum torque of 186 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm with regular 87 octane fuel. Combined with a six-speed automatic transmission, the engine can help the car accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds, “nearly one second quicker than the average four-cylinder mid-size SUV,” as Toyota said in a press statement.

The upgraded engine will become standard on the two wheel drive version of Highlander which also boasts high standards of comfort and safety. The new Highlander includes features such as air conditioning, six-speaker audio system, front seats with height-adjustable active head rests, eight-way adjustable driver seat plus power doors and electric windows.

Apart from all of these, Toyota also implemented an impressive lineup of optional features, including eight way adjustable and powered driver seat, manual rear air conditioning and an audio system consisting of six speakers, CD changer MP3 support and satellite radio capability.

“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,” Toyota explained in the press statement. “With the new four-cylinder engine, Highlander will be the only mid-size SUV in the current market to offer three powerplant choices."
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
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Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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