Toyota Announces Pricing for All-New Highlander Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle

    TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 8 Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., released
manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for its all-new 2001 model
year Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV).

    Highlander will join 4Runner to give Toyota a diverse, dual-entry in the
mid-size SUV segment.  Equally significant, Highlander will join RAV4, giving
Toyota two unibody-based SUV offerings.

    When it goes on sale Jan. 15, the MSRP for Highlander will range from
$23,515 for a 4x2 model with a 4-cylinder engine to $26,495 for the top of the
line 4x4 model with a V6 engine.

    Highlander is built at the Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc. plant, which was
recognized by J.D. Power with its Platinum award as the world's top automotive
production facility for initial quality.  Highlander is available in both
front and full-time four-wheel drive, powered by either four-cylinder or
V6 engines.

    The 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve, V6 engine with variable valve timing
(VVT-i) delivers an impressive 220 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 222 lbs./ft. of
torque at 4,400 rpm.  The 2.4-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine with
VVT-i produces 155 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 163 lbs./ft. of torque at
4,000 rpm.  Both engines will carry LEV (low emission vehicle) EPA
certification.

    All Highlanders are equipped with a four-speed electronically controlled
automatic transmission with snow mode.  A four-wheel anti-lock braking system
(ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA) is
standard.  Vehicle skid control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC) is
available as an option.

    Standard equipment includes air conditioning, premium
3-in-1 AM/FM/cassette/CD with six speakers, cruise control, tilt steering
wheel, digital quartz clock, height adjustable headrests in all passenger
seating positions, two auxiliary power outlets (one in left rear quarter panel
and one in front console area), overhead console with eyeglass holder, two
cupholders, four bottle holders, two grocery bag hooks on each interior rear
quarter panel, large map pockets on all doors, driver and front passenger seat
back map pockets, deck box on right side of rear cargo area, a small storage
area located in the spare tire compartment and 16-inch styled steel wheels
with P225/70R16 tires.

    For an added level of refinement inside and out, a Limited package is
available with numerous features that include automatic digital climate
control with outside temperature gauge, JBL 3-in-1 AM/FM/cassette/CD with
eight speakers, in-glass antenna with diversity, remote keyless entry with
anti-theft and engine immobilizer system, dual sunvisors with illuminated
vanity mirrors and sliding extensions, chestnut grain interior trim, chrome
inside door handles and shifter stalk, leather-wrapped shifter and steering
wheel, and cargo area tonneau cover.  Also standard on the Limited package are
six-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with full-size aluminum spare, integrated fog
lamps, color-keyed rear spoiler, privacy glass on rear side and back windows,
roof rack, color-keyed front and rear mudguards, color-keyed power heated side
mirrors, daytime running lights and auto on/off headlights.