Toyota Announces Prices for 2009 Highlander Equipped With New Four-Cylinder Engine

TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ — Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A.,
Inc., announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the
2009 Highlander Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) equipped with an all-new 2.7-liter
four-cylinder engine. With improved fuel efficiency and performance, and an
array of standard convenience and safety features, the new four-cylinder model
will carry the lowest MSRP in the Highlander lineup at $25,705, offering
buyers an excellent value.

Pricing for Highlander V6 and Hybrid models were previously announced with
MSRP for V6 models ranging from $27,600 for the front-wheel-drive to $34,520
for the full-time four-wheel-drive Limited. Highlander Hybrid MSRP ranges
from $34,700 for the four-wheel-drive with intelligence base model to $41,020
for the 4WD-i Limited.

Also, six new Extra Value Packages will be offered on Base, Sport and
Limited grades containing many of Highlanders most popular stand alone option
features at substantial savings. Savings on Extra Value Packages for all
three grades range from $300 on Base, up to $1,200 on Sport grades and up to
$1,500 on the Limited. Three additional Extra Value Packages will be offered
on Highlander Hybrid models with savings of $700 on the Limited and up to $980
on the Base grade.

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 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.

Highlander’s new 2.7-liter four-cylinder 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. The two rows of seating
features an innovative and versatile 40/20/40 second row seat with the
industry’s first Center Stow(TM) seat or Center Stow(TM) center console.

Adding to the four-cylinder Highlander’s 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.

All Highlanders are equipped with one of the most comprehensive list of
standard safety features in its class and include the Toyota Star Safety(TM)
system (with enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, anti-lock
brakes, Brake Assist, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), driver and
passenger active headrests, a direct tire pressure monitor system, and seven
airbags (including dual front, side and curtain roll sensing, and a driver
knee airbag).

The 2009 Highlander four-cylinder will begin arriving at Toyota dealers in
January 2009.

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SOURCE Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.