4-cylinder 2009 Toyota Highlander starts as low as $25,705

Sporting a more efficient six-speed gearbox and a frugal 187hp, 186lb-ft (250Nm) four-cylinder engine, the 2009 Toyota Highlander crossover SUV has received an official ULEVII EPA rating and features impressive 27mpg on the highway, 20mpg in the city and 22mpg combined fuel economy.

Well, if the numbers don't sound that impressive to you, you should've compared them to the current Highlander equipped with a much more powerful V6 engine. Even the 4x2 version of the SUV doesn't fare better than 18/24 mpg in city/highway cycle, and the Highlander with a four-wheel drive will only travel 17/23 miles on a gallon. And the four-banger-powered Highlander is also $1290 less expensive than the base V6 model!

Toyota plans to start selling the crossover in January 2009.

See also: 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid will start at $33,700