The 3.3 liter V6, 270 horsepower will only come in two 4WD-i versions, base and Limited. Additionally, the new hybrid Highlander will be bigger than previous versions of Toyota's first hybrid SUV - almost 4 inches longer and 3 inches wider.

In addition, as with all Toyota SUVs, the Highlander hybrid will include Toyota's STAR(TM) Safety system, which includes Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management, Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist - in addition to seven air bags, a driver's knee air bag, and roll-sensing side curtain air bags.

Both the base and limited versions of the hybrid Highlander also offer stand-alone backup cameras, Push Button Start, and the Smart Key System.

The Limited Version has also been upgraded with leather seats, multi-stage heated front seats, rear glass-hatch, power rear door, AM/FM/six-disc in-dash CD changer, nineteen-inch alloy wheels, puddle lamps on outside mirrors, fog lamps and a third-row bench seat with foldable headrests for a flat rear cargo area