TORRANCE, California — In an effort to remake SUVs into desirable vehicles in an era of $4-a-gallon gasoline, Toyota on Thursday announced that it will offer its 2009 Highlander SUV with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine starting in January. It did not disclose what sort of fuel efficiency ratings that model will achieve, however, saying the official EPA numbers will be announced closer to launch.

The 2009 Toyota Highlander two-wheel-drive model equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 returns 18 mpg in city driving and 24 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. The Highlander's V6 engine generates 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. It is linked to a five-speed automatic transmission.

The new 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine will generate 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque and use regular fuel. It will be linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. The new power plant will have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The new engine will be standard on the Highlander two-wheel-drive variant with two rows of seating. A third-row package will be optional.

Pricing on the Highlander with the downsized engine is expected to be announced closer to launch. The base 2008 Toyota Highlander two-wheel-drive model starts at $28,185, including a $685 destination charge.