Billed as the first seven-passenger gas/electric sport utility vehicle, the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is available in base and Limited trims, each featuring either front- or four-wheel drive.

Starting at $33,595, including a $565 destination charge, the base front-wheel-drive model includes an eight-way power driver’s seat; a third-row folding seat; heated mirrors; a trip computer; a roof rack; rear privacy glass; and the usual array of power options and amenities, like power door locks and air conditioning. Four-wheel-drive base models start at $34,995. An optional “Package 1” adds fog lights, a rear spoiler, steering wheel audio controls, a JBL sound system with a cassette player and six-disc CD changer, and a power moonroof.

Shoppers looking for a bit more luxury can move up to the front-wheel-drive Limited model for $38,455. Standard are all of the contents of the base model’s Package 1, as well as heated front seats; leather on the seats, shift knob, and steering wheel; burled woodgrain interior trim; automatic climate control; a four-way power front passenger seat; an anti-theft alarm; an electrochromic interior rearview mirror with a compass; and automatic headlights. Four-wheel-drive Limited models start at $39,855. The only factory option is a navigation system with a hybrid energy monitor and a touch screen.

Our test vehicle was a four-wheel-drive Limited model with the optional navigation system, a port/dealer-installed tow hitch receiver, and a port/dealer-installed Preferred Accessory Package, which included a set of carpeted floor mats, a cargo net, a first aid kit, and a glass breakage sensor. The final tally came to $42,711, including the $565 destination charge.

For comparison, consider that the non-hybrid, front-wheel-drive 2006 Toyota Highlander with the third row seat (most comparable to the base Hybrid model) starts at $27,005 (including a $565 destination charge). The top-o’-the-line four-wheel-drive Limited model goes for $32,145. That’s a $6,590 premium for the base Hybrid and a $7,430 premium for the macked-out Limited Hybrid. However, those numbers are a bit deceiving, since the Hybrid adds more standard features, like an anti-theft system, an in-glass radio antenna, daytime running lights, an exterior temperature gauge, a trip computer, electroluminescent instrumentation, a universal garage door opener, side and side curtain airbags, a power driver’s seat, a front passenger folding seat, and alloy wheels.