2009 Toyota Highlander Available With 2.7-liter Four-Cylinder

SUV buyers looking to squeeze every last mile out of a gallon of gas will have a new choice this January. Toyota is bringing the 2.7-liter I-4 from the Venza to its Highlander SUV. The four-cylinder should return 20/27 mpg and be good for an overall rating of 22 mpg.

Those numbers are pretty respectable and actually edge out the Toyota Highlander Hybrid by 2 mpg on the highway. With 4050 lbs to pull around, the four-cylinder Highlander isn't going be particularly quick, but we can't imagine many people are shopping for SUVs on acceleration figures anyway.

A six-speed automatic transmission (also borrowed from the Venza) will maximize the engine's 187 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque, and even allow for trailers up to 3500 lbs. However, buyers looking for a four-cylinder model with awd will be disappointed with the new Highlander - there are no plans to offer the four-cylinder with all-wheel-drive. The Highlander Hybrid is only available in awd, so there is still a green choice for buyers who need the extra capability of an awd vehicle.