STAR SAFETY SYSTEM Provides Optimal Dynamic Control

The standard STAR SAFETY SYSTEM includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and traction control (TRAC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Highlander Hybrid employs the advanced Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system that integrates all of the vehicle's dynamic control systems and can operate proactively rather than simply reactively.

Four-channel, four-sensor ABS helps to preserve steering control by preventing the wheels from locking during severe braking conditions, while EBD distributes proper brake force between the front and rear wheels according to driving conditions. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS, the system supplements the applied braking power until pedal pressure is released.

VSC in four-cylinder and V6 models helps maintain direction during cornering by manipulating engine torque and individual wheel-braking influence when it detects tire slippage. The system's integrated TRAC feature helps reduce tire slippage during acceleration.


Family Safety

Highlander provides an impressive array of passive safety, including three-point seatbelts and headrests for all seating positions. The front seats are designed to help reduce the possibility of whiplash-type injuries, and the front seatbelts include pretensioners and force limiters. The second-row seat incorporates height-adjustable headrests, and models equipped with the third-row seat include these, as well.

The driver and passenger advanced front airbags inflate according to collision severity. A front seat passenger sensor is designed to determine if there is a person in the seat as well as the person's weight category to determine whether the airbag should inflate, and the correct inflation power. Front-seat-mounted side airbags plus first- and second-row side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor are newly standard for 2007.

The second-row seat is equipped with a Child Restraint LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) that provides top tether anchors for all three seating positions and lower anchors for outboard seating positions. The tire pressure monitor system alerts the driver with an indicator light if there is a significant loss of pressure in any tire.


Highlander Hybrid Combines Impressive Performance and Economy

Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the most powerful model in the line, and also the most fuel-efficient. The Highlander Hybrid with 4WDi can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in 7.4 seconds and yet delivers the best EPA estimated fuel economy ratings in the mid-size SUV segment - 32 mpg city/27 mpg highway for the 4x2 model (29 mpg combined rating) and 31 mpg city/27 mpg highway (29 mpg combined rating) for the models with 4WD-i. Highlander Hybrid is rated as a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV). Adhering to one of the industry's most stringent emissions ratings, SULEV-rated vehicles emit 80 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than conventionally powered SUVs.

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