DOWN THE ROAD: The perfect family SUV is here. And the vehicle is equipped with Toyota’s next-generation improvement over the Prius — the addition of a rear electric motor on the four-wheel-drive model.

The Japanese carmaker deserves a pat on the back for producing the first seven-passenger hybrid SUV in the automotive world. And it drives as well as the regular Highlander, maybe even slightly better. Best of all is the fuel economy, which is almost comparable to a four-cylinder compact car.

TECH & PERFORMANCE: The Highlander Hybrid is available as a base or a Limited 3.3-liter V-6 model with horsepower that ranges from 208 to 268 at 5600 rpm and 212 pounds-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. An electronically controlled continuous variable transmission (CVT) uses a belt that runs between two pulleys and varies the gear ratio based on engine speed, resulting in fuel efficiency.

So basically, there are no specific gear ratios. The hybrid system employs a V-6 gas engine and two electric motors. The vehicle accelerates smoothly and silently from rest using the electric motors located at each wheel, and it engages the gasoline engine slowly through its variable speed transmission.

As the vehicle speed increases, both power sources work together to propel the vehicle forward. At higher speeds, power comes primarily from the gasoline engine. During deceleration and braking, the vehicle uses regenerative braking to apply much of the wasted energy toward recharging the hybrid battery.

Thus, there is no need for external charging. Fuel is saved by using electric motors at low-to-mid-speed acceleration, where a gasoline engine is much less efficient.

LOOK & FEEL:The Highlander Hybrid features a new chrome-accented grille and color-keyed bumper with wide intake and integrated fog lamps. In the rear, you will notice the color-keyed spoiler and LED tail lamps.

The wood-grain interior trim around the multi-information display and center console immediately catches one’s attention. Decked in leather are the well-contoured seats, the steering wheel and the shifter. The second-row seats fold flat and slide forward quickly to recline for quick ingress and egress for third-row passengers.

SAFETY FIRST: Besides the driver- and front-passenger airbags and seat-mounted side airbags, the Highlander Hybrid includes a second-row side curtain airbag and a whole bunch of safety features such as Vehicle Dynamic Management system, which anticipates loss of the SUV’s control and corrects the problem, antilock brakes, brake assist, vehicle stability and traction control.

BY THE NUMBERS: Tires, P225/65R17; wheelbase, 106.9 inches; length, 185.4 inches; weight, 4,070 pounds for front-wheel drive; 4,245 pounds for four-wheel drive; fuel capacity, 17.2 gallons; highway, 28 mpg, city, 33 mpg.

OUT THE DOOR: $37,890 for Limited front-wheel drive, plus tax, tag, delivery and destination charges. The navigation system is available for $2,000.

WHY DIG IT: With gas prices averaging about $2.50, it makes perfect sense to go for the Highlander Hybrid. Besides, you have the Toyota label of dependability and resale value behind it.

Head to the dealerships before it is sold out. Don’t be surprised if demand outstrips supply, as has happened with its smaller twin, the Prius.

Nitish S. Rele is an Advertising Staff Writer for The Tampa Tribune.