Thinking of trading your old car for a new and bigger crossover? If you are, then be sure to have a look at Toyota’s upcoming 2009 Highlander crossover. Aside from being reasonably priced, it’s also set to carry a new four-cylinder engine type.

The new four-cylinder engine has a 2.7-liter capacity and is expected to offer better fuel efficiency, low emissions and improved engine performance compared to the previous engines used. So, how good are the numbers? Well, according to the EPA, the fuel economy of new four-cylinder engine yields 27 mpg when the crossover is driven on the highway. And when it’s driven in the city, the engine is able to return 20 mpg. In terms of performance, the new engine helps the 2009 Toyota Highlander achieve 187 hp at 5,800 rpm. Torque is also expected to hit 186 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm when running with the regular 87 octane fuel. As for speed, the engine allows the Highlander to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 9.7 seconds.

Also, compared to the V-6 engines previously used for the Toyota Highlander, the new engine will allow the crossover to run smoothly while reducing noise and vibration. This is achieved thanks to the six-speed electronically-controlled automatic overdrive transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). Considered the lightest and most compact transmission, it also allows you to shift gears effortlessly and accelerate quickly.

With all the things that the new Toyota Highlander can do, you’d expect that the company would price it a bit higher compared to its siblings that have a V-6 engine. However, Toyota decided to keep the vehicle priced at just $25,705. So if you’re aiming to get a brand new crossover, be sure to include the new Toyota Highlander in your list. It’s set to be released by January 2009.

Sources: Auto Channel, Consumer Guide Automotive