Highlander Hybrid SUV at Centennial Toyota of Las Vegas Nevada
Easily the most practical hybrid SUV on the market, Centennial Toyota of Las Vegas Nevada presents the all new 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid which is a fully functional family vehicle that just happens to return better fuel mileage than other crossovers its size.  Hybrid drivetrain offers a useful compromise of performance and fuel economy, thoughtfully designed cabin with reconfigurable second-row seats and a habitable third row, quality interior materials.  Toyota has completely redesigned the Highlander Hybrid for 2008. Although this hybrid crossover SUV is considerably larger than its predecessor, its gas mileage is just as good.
 
Unlike smaller hybrid cars that offer readily apparent fuel economy benefits, the case for hybrid sport-utility vehicles is less clear-cut. On one hand, they promote wider acceptance of hybrid technology by virtue of their family-friendly packaging. As detractors are quick to point out, though, some hybrid SUVs aren't radically more fuel-efficient than their non-hybrid counterparts -- yielding benefits of the feel-good variety rather than measurable mileage gains. However, the improvements on the redesigned 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid at Centennial Toyota are undeniable. In addition to being a larger, more flexible family vehicle than the original Highlander Hybrid, judged by the EPA's revised rating system, it's no less frugal with fuel.

If you ever read up on the previous Toyota Highlander Hybrid from Centennial Toyota, the drivetrain components of the new version will seem familiar. The main power source is a 3.3-liter gasoline V6 engine, which is rated at 208 horsepower in this application. With the propulsion assistance of two electric motors, one in front and one in rear, the '08 Highlander Hybrid from Centennial Toyota produces a cumulative 270 hp. A third electric motor functions as a generator and engine starter. As in the past, Centennial Toyota's hybrid SUV has what the company calls an "electronically controlled continuously variable transmission." This is not a CVT in the traditional sense and is instead a simplified power-split device that coordinates the efforts of the various power sources.

Given the presence of the rear-mounted electric motor, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is technically a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Most of the time, though, it functions in front-drive mode; the electric motor engages the rear wheels only when extra traction or torque is needed. Bear in mind that this setup differs significantly from the 4WD/all-wheel-drive system on the regular Highlander: There's no center differential and the V6 engine never provides power to the rear wheels. The upshot is that buyers shopping for a serious snow vehicle may not find the hybrid Highlander robust enough to meet their needs.

For consumers living in milder climates, the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid should prove quite practical. Its available third-row seat is roomy enough for adults in a pinch, and easy-folding second-row seats make it a cinch for 6-year-olds to seat themselves without help. Alternatively, they can just walk through the center aisle, as the 40/20/40 second-row bench has a "Center Stow" feature that allows you to remove and stow the center "20" section, leaving a pair of captain's chairs just like in a minivan.

Although larger families will still prefer the added space of a real minivan or roomier crossover SUVs like the GMC Acadia and Mazda CX-9, Toyota's Highlander Hybrid should have considerable appeal for environmentally minded buyers. Indeed, with EPA estimates of 27 mpg city/25 mpg highway, this is the most fuel-efficient seven-passenger vehicle on sale for 2008.  Further, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the re-sale value KING!  In this climate of dealers not even accepting SUV's for trade-in due to $5.00 gas around the corner, anyone not purchasing a Toyota better think twice before they sink their money into marginal quality automobiles by other manufacturers.  Additionally, as good as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is, the standard Highlander may represent a better value in terms of cost verses gas mileage benifit!  A recent conversation with Centennial Toyota's Tiny Malone revealed that the majority of the buying public wants a hybrid to save gas, but they do not look at the additional cost of the Hybrid vehicle compared Toyota's less expensive standard vehicles...already gas mileage champs and re-sale kings!

A midsize crossover SUV, the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid from Centennial Toyota of Las Vegas comes in base and Limited trim levels. Base models have seating for five and are equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight-way manually adjustable driver seat, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, an MP3/WMA-capable CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack, full power accessories, wood-grain trim and a multifunction center display you can use to track fuel economy and monitor the back-up camera.  Centennial Toyota also offers the Highlander Hybrid Limited models which add a third-row seat, resulting in seven-passenger capacity. Additional equipment on the Limited includes 19-inch wheels, a power rear liftgate, a power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a six-disc in-dash CD changer.  Options on both trims include dual-zone automatic climate control for the front seat and a choice of manual or automatic climate control for the rear seats. A third-row seat is available on the base model, while the Limited is further eligible for a sunroof, leather upholstery, front seat heaters, an upgraded JBL sound system (with Bluetooth included), a rear DVD player and a navigation system.
 
Centennial Toyota'sHighlander Hybrid uses a 208-hp 3.3-liter V6 engine in combination with three electric motors. One electric motor functions as a starter-generator, starting the gas engine and recharging the SUV's nickel metal hydride battery pack, while the others concentrate on propulsion (but also work as generators during braking). Combined output is 270 hp, and with separate electric motors driving the front and rear wheels, the Highlander Hybrid is effectively a four-wheel-drive vehicle. A simplified CVT governs the contributions of the various power sources.  During instrumented testing, a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which is fairly quick for a seven-passenger midsize SUV. Because the Highlander Hybrid makes greater use of electric propulsion at low speeds, its city mileage rating (27 mpg) is better than its highway figure (25 mpg).

Every 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid from Centennial Toyota is equipped with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, three-row side curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag. In addition, a back-up camera is standard across the board.  In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash testing, the Highlander earned a full five stars for driver protection in frontal impacts and four stars for the front passenger. In side-impact tests, it earned five stars for both front and rear occupants. In frontal-offset crash testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Toyota's midsize crossover earned the top rating of "Good."

Thanks to its longer wheelbase and wider track, the 2008 Highlander Hybrid is much roomier than the first-generation model, and larger and taller adults will feel the difference immediately. Build and materials quality remains high, and the ergonomics are excellent.  All Highlander Hybrids have a 40/20/40-split second-row bench with both recline and fore/aft adjustment, as well as the nifty Center Stow feature, which allows you to remove and stow the middle section, leaving an open center aisle. The third-row seat folds easily into the floor, but its non-split design limits your options when you have a mix of children and cargo to transport. Like the regular Highlander, the Hybrid has just over 10 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third-row seat and 42.3 cubes behind the second row. With all rear seats folded, the Highlander Hybrid offers 94 cubic feet -- just 1 cubic foot less than the regular version.

Although it feels noticeably larger than the old model, the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is still pleasant to drive as midsize crossover SUVs go. Soft suspension tuning makes for a comfortable ride quality (even with the 19-inch wheels), and handling is capable, though not sporting. The electric power steering is low on feedback, but it allows Toyota's hybrid SUV to slither through parking lots with ease. And with both a gasoline V6 and a pair of electric motors working on your behalf, acceleration is brisk.  For those more interested in economy than performance, Toyota has equipped the '08 Highlander Hybrid with both "EV" and "Econ" driving modes. In its EV setting, the vehicle functions solely on electric power, though naturally this works only at very low speeds and for very limited distances. More useful is the Econ mode, which restrains throttle response for the benefit of fuel economy: Switch it on in stop-and-go traffic and you'll never miss the extra power.  Centennial Toyota of Las Vegas Nevada has traditionally provided the very best price on all Toyota Hybrid vehicles including the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Toyota Camry Hybrid Las Vegas information at Centennial Toyota of Las Vegas Nevada!!

Now in its second model year, the Centennial Toyota's Camry Hybrid uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, the system used in the Prius hybrid. The electric motor and four-cylinder gasoline engine combine to produce 187 horsepower while yielding combined gas mileage of around 34 mpg. Like most hybrid versions of existing gas-only models, the Camry Hybrid is based on one of its predecessor's most expensive trim levels. Compared to the regular Camry's CE, LE, SE and XLE trims, the Camry Hybrid falls somewhere between the SE's and XLE's standard equipment. With the Honda Accord Hybrid discontinued due to being non-competitive, the Camry competes with hybrid versions of the Saturn Aura, Chevrolet Malibu and Nissan Altima.  It is clearly superior!

Unlike the unmistakable Toyota Prius in Las Vegas, the Camry Hybrid is virtually indistinguishable from most other Camrys. The main difference is a full chrome grille. Toyota says the car has an acoustic noise-reducing windshield, something exclusive to the hybrid car. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels are standard. Heated side mirrors and a moonroof are optional.  Five occupants can fit inside the Camry Hybrid. Cloth seats are standard, but leather is optional. As the car's hybrid battery pack sits behind the rear seat, trunk volume is reduced from about 15 cubic feet to 10.6 cubic feet. A backseat center armrest, which comes standard on other Camrys, is not available in the hybrid model. The backseat does fold forward, but the opening to the trunk is little more than a shorter, wider version of the pass-thru some cars have behind their fold-down backseat armrests.  Interior additions include dual-zone automatic climate control, a multi-information display with real-time readouts for energy usage, keyless push-button ignition and a six-CD JBL audio system.   The Camry Hybrid teams a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to make a combined 187 hp. Electric power comes from a high-voltage battery,  which is recharged from the car's braking friction. A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard. The hybrid comes with an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for all hybrid components, including the battery.  Centennial Toyota says the Camry Hybrid accelerates from zero to 60 mph in less than nine seconds. Estimated gas mileage is 33 mpg in city driving and 34 mpg on the highway.

All 2007 Camrys have seven standard airbags. They include the required dual front airbags, plus front-seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. A driver's knee airbag is also included. Four-wheel-disc brakes have standard ABS, and an electronic stability system — optional in other Camrys — is standard in the hybrid.  Under anything short of full-bore acceleration, the Camry Hybrid feels unconventional. Without the sound and feel of a traditional drivetrain revving through its  gears, it's an awkward sensation: I felt like I was gaining speed, but I didn't quite know how.  Around town, the electric motor is useful for gas-free (and silent) acceleration. Once I trained my right foot to know exactly where the threshold was, I was able to drive in electric mode as high as 20 mph before the gas engine started up. Drivers behind the hybrid may have little patience for this, as engine-free acceleration is slow. Acceleration with the engine and electric motor combined is reasonably swift, though it lacks the all-out punch of the Camry V-6.

Like other Camrys, the hybrid car's cabin is well-appointed. Dual-zone automatic climate controls work very effectively at getting rid of the heat in Las Vegas during summer. The backseat is comfortable for two, but three passengers will find it cramped. Up front, I found plenty of head and legroom, and I'm 6 feet 3 inches tall.

As with many of Toyota's vehicles, the Prius has become a standard-bearer in its segment. While many automakers have yet to even develop a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle, Toyota is already on its second generation of the Prius. This four-door hybrid has become a hit with consumers because of its stellar fuel economy, relatively uncompromised driving and acceleration characteristics and reasonable price.

The Toyota Prius in Las Vegas (its name comes from Latin and means "to go before") exists as a partial solution to the automobile's problem of tailpipe emissions. The Prius, like other hybrid vehicles, has a special powertrain that combines a gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine with an electric motor. This powertrain, along with other advanced features, allows the Prius to deliver higher fuel economy and lower emissions compared to regular cars.  Due to its popularity and relatively long sales history, Toyota's original hybrid car is a strong candidate for a shopper interested in a used hybrid vehicle. So far,  it seems Toyota's reputation for reliability and durability is holding true for the Prius. Early concerns about long- term durability have turned out to be mostlyunfounded. However, potential buyers of a used Prius should take extra care during the research process. As the Toyota Prius is quite complex, future repairs and part replacements could be quite expensive.

The current and second-generation Toyota Prius was introduced for the 2004 model year. It features a four-door hatchback body and can seat up to five people.  The car's hybrid powertrain features a small 1.5-liter gasoline-fueled engine that's used in conjunction with two electric motors and a special planetary gearset that functions as a continuously variable transmission. The result is adequate power, high fuel economy and reduced tailpipe emissions.  Under full acceleration, both power sources work together to provide maximum oomph. But under lighter load conditions such as stop-and-go traffic, the Prius alternates between the two, often running on battery power alone. A regenerative braking system converts energy normally lost as heat into electricity to charge the car's battery pack. The gas engine produces 76 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque, while the electric motors generate the equivalent of 67 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

In most other ways, the Toyota Prius functions like a regular family car. The interior is comfortable for four adults and comes standard with most modern convenience features. On the Prius's dash, there's an information display that can be used to show the operational status of the hybrid system. The vehicle's hatchback design provides extra versatility in terms of carrying items, and the rear seat can be lowered flat.

In our Toyota Prius reviews, our editors have cited outstanding mileage, ultra-low emissions, hatchback utility and a reasonable price as the car's greatest strengths. Most Prius owners say their cars typically achieve real-world mpg ratings in the mid-40s. The current Prius model hasn't been subject to any major update as of yet, though 2006 and later models have a few improved features.