Toyota USA 'bronzes-out' Highlander Hybrid

"Blacked-out" usually describes a black car wearing black accessories. But have you heard of "bronzed out?"

Toyota USA said the fourth-generation Highlander will stand out with a  bronze edition of the SUV.

The bronze accessories will be exclusive to the Highlander Hybrid powertrain, which is also available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Toyota Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition will go on sale in the USA later this year, Toyota said. 

The bronze bruiser will wear paint options such as Cement and Wind Chill Pearl exterior colors, and exterior and interior accents in a color that no one will get a prize for identifying.   

Its 18-inch wheels, interior stitching, illuminated door sills, and so-called SofTex-trimmed seats will all be colored in bronze. Meanwhile, unique floor and cargo mats will be embroidered with a special bronze logo.

"Taking inspiration from contemporary... interiors to create a premium ambience, details include padded surfaces and a tailored look with stitching that continues from the door trim to the instrument panel," Toyota added. 

The Highlander Bronze Edition looks like it isn't an accessories special, as it's equipped with features unique to this particular Highlander, Toyota said. 

These toys include a hands-free power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, digital rearview mirror, 1,500-watt power outlet, and puddle lamps with Highlander logo. An in-dash ambient lighting, driver seat memory with 10-way power seat, and LED-strip Daytime Running Lights add to the list. 

Under the hood of the Highlander Bronze Edition is a combination of a 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. Toyota gave a short explainer on how the powertrain works.

The gas engine employs a Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system by Electric motor (VVT-iE) on the intake camshaft, and VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft. A variable cooling system (electric water pump, electric thermostat) and a fully variable oil pump help to further enhance engine efficiency.

An estimated 15kpl is achieved thanks to the tech enhancements. Meanwhile,  the battery pack is small enough to be installed under the rear seats so it does not take up any cargo or passenger space of the Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition, Toyota added. 

Locally, the Toyota Fortuner once wore snazzier, Toyota Racing Development (TRD) inspired accessories. The SUV wore 18-inch alloy wheels for a sportier and more aggressive look, as well as a black grille and fog light housings. 

Photos from Toyota

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