Our Pearl

Purchased: March 1, 2024 – Sold: TBD 😀

Pearl at “End of the Road Retreat” in Broadway, Virginia – March 2024

Coming off the fulltime water, we decided to continue our journeys on land. RV? Not for us. In our minds, an RV is just a very limited, land-based boat. Since we figured we wanted to carry certain “stuff” for our explorations, an SUV seemed to be the fit. How to find the blend of size and efficiency? That was the question.

After much climbing through about a dozen brands and dealers…

Our choice: a 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum! Whew, what a mouth full.

Having owned and appreciated an older Highlander before becoming liveaboard cruisers, in a way, it wasn’t a surprise to end up in another one. We appreciated both its size and drivability. Being modern folks 😉 , of course we searched online, within a 500-mile circle. We were blessed to find her practically in our back yard!

For the nerdy science folks:

  • Color: Windchill Pearl – hence her name!
  • 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors, combined output of 243 horsepower
  • 16 Valve DOHC
  • 243 hp @ 6,000 rpm
  • Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)
  • All-wheel drive
  • 3500 lbs towing capacity
  • Length: 194.9″
  • Overall width: 76″
  • Height: 68.1″
  • Wheelbase: 112.2″
  • Maximum cargo capacity: 84.3 cu ft (of which we utilize at least 83.2!)
  • blah, blah, blah

Some features we considered important:

  • Fuel type: Regular Unleaded
  • EPA city/highway MPG: 36/35
  • EPA combined MPG: 36
  • Range in miles (city/hwy): 615.6/598.5 mi.
  • Fuel tank capacity: 17.1 gal.
  • Most importantly: Hands down the Digital Rearview Mirror! With the car loaded to the gills, we can still see behind us!

For more information on Toyota Highlanders, visit the Toyata website.