I stopped into a local Toyota dealership today. (It gave me chance to drive on some snow covered streets and try a couple of highway entrance ramps).
The salesman initially told me that he hadn't ever seen a base model hybrid Highlander (no third row seating) and Toyota probably didn't make one.
Later after checking with his supervisor, he said that his supervisor found 6 new base model hybrid Highlanders in the US, but none were close.
But they did give me the option of ordering one with an anticipated wait of 3 to 4 months. I'll probably try to juggle my investments and taxes over the next 2 months and order one if my cash flow is adequate.
I didn't get a firm price quote, but something like $35,700 was mentioned.
-- Ron