If you are in the market for a brand spankin’ new hybrid SUV with the ability to haul all your friends, your toys and still not spend a fortune at the pump, the 2009 Toyota Highlander hybrid is a great pick. Priced from $34,700 to $41,020, this sister to the conventionally fueled Highlander doesn’t vary much in terms of style and options from its counterpart. The hybrid is available in base or limited trims, which can include a sunroof, DVD player, three-zone climate control and a navigation system. The interior layout of this SUV is consistently something we hear drivers raving about; riding or driving in this Toyota hybrid is extremely comfortable. Basically, the 2009 model of this green people hauler is the same as the 2008 Highlander hybrid, with minor changes in the redesigned headlights.

When comparing a gas-only Highlander to a hybrid version, the main difference lies under the hood. The 2009 Toyota Highlander hybrid will offer all-wheel drive and a 3.3 liter V6, paired with an electric motor which provides 270 horsepower. Note: The ‘09 Highlander (non-hybrid) will offer a new 2.7 liter,  189 hp, four cylinder engine in adddition to a V6 model.  Like other Toyota hybrids, this sport utility can be driven in EV mode for a limited distance, meaning that it uses solely electric power even though it is not a plug-in hybrid SUV. It can also be driven in economy mode, which operates as most other hybrids by using both gas and battery power. Gas mileage on the SUV will range from 27 to 31 miles per gallon.

 (click to enlarge) MotorTrend says that the 2009 edition will be “more of the same; that is good,” and we agree. The Toyota Highlander has always been a good choice for a mid-size SUV and the 2009 hybrid version is no different. This is one hybrid SUV that you will be able to drive as you do today and won’t really notice that you are driving a revolutionary green machine – except for when you pay to fill up!

Not only will you save gas on this hybrid Highlander, you also put out less emissions. The 2009 Toyota Highlander hybrid is a Super Low Emissions vehicle, which means that it puts out 80% less pollutants that the average mid-sized SUV. Even the fuel tank is pressurized to avoid releasing fuel fumes at fill up time.

Do you drive or have you test-driven a 2009 Highlander hybrid? If so, tell us what you loved, what you hated and what made your decision to buy!