Overview & Reviews

The standard gas-powered Toyota Highlander has long enjoyed a reputation as an excellent midsize crossover with carlike drivability, SUV convenience and reasonable fuel consumption. The Highlander Hybrid model boasts the same credentials, but on top of that it also provides more power and even greater fuel economy. In many ways, it has been a segment leader since day one. It was the first hybrid SUV to offer all-wheel drive, seating for seven and more horsepower than its conventional gasoline variant.

Toyota has offered a hybrid version for every generation of the Highlander. Now in its third generation, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is larger, roomier and more upscale than ever before. But no matter which generation you're looking at, you can expect high levels of versatility, comfort, fuel economy and safety. It's an excellent option for car shoppers with an aversion to thirsty SUVs.

Current Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Debuting for 2014, the redesigned, third-generation Toyota Highlander Hybrid features more aggressive styling and a nicer interior design. A three-passenger third-row seat bumps maximum passenger capacity to seven, as the second row has a pair of captain's chairs. Its hybrid components are largely unchanged from the previous generation, however.

Power is provided by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which along with three electric motors and a battery pack, produces a combined 280 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard, as is a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Fuel mileage is very impressive for a three-row crossover at an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined.

Trim levels consist of Limited and Limited Platinum. Highlights of the Limited include a sunroof, a power liftgate, keyless ignition and entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a back-up camera, Bluetooth, smartphone app integration and a premium audio system with satellite radio and an iPod/USB interface. The Limited Platinum adds a panoramic sunroof, automatic headlights, a heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, Toyota's Safety Connect telematics, adaptive cruise control, a frontal collision mitigation system (with automatic braking) and a lane departure warning system.

In reviews, the newest Toyota Highlander Hybrid has earned high marks for its high fuel economy and upscale interior that's roomy enough for larger families. This three-row crossover also feels composed around turns, and the ride quality on the highway is smooth and very quiet. Although the 280-hp hybrid system is pretty punchy, there is a brief hesitation when you step on it, which makes the hybrid Highlander feel less responsive than the conventional Toyota Highlander. Price could also be a concern, as the hybrid is considerably more expensive than the regular Highlander. But if you can comfortably afford the Highlander Hybrid, it's an admirable all-around crossover that's bound to please.

Used Toyota Highlander Hybrid Models
The second-generation Toyota Highlander Hybrid was produced from 2008-'13. Compared to the original Highlander Hybrid, this one offered more interior room for passengers and cargo, as well as a more refined hybrid power system and standard all-wheel drive (previously there was a choice between front- and all-wheel drive).

Initially, this Highlander employed a 3.3-liter V6 that made 270 hp and was rated at an EPA-estimated 26 mpg rating in combined driving. A 3.5-liter V6 with 280 hp and a 28 mpg combined fuel economy rating debuted for 2011. That year the hybrid also received a minor styling update and a more versatile 50/50-split-folding third row of seats (replacing the previous one-piece bench). Toyota's Entune infotainment system with smartphone integration debuted in the 2013 model year, along with standard navigation.

This Highlander Hybrid was offered in base and Limited trim levels, and all versions came with all-wheel drive. Initially, the base model's highlights included a rearview camera, air-conditioning and a sliding and reclining 40/20/40-split second-row seat with a removable center section. The Limited trim added 19-inch wheels (versus 17-inch wheels), a power liftgate, a third-row seat and a power driver seat. Later years saw more standard features added to both trims. Highlights for the base version included Bluetooth phone/audio connectivity, the 50/50-split third-row seat and rear air-conditioning, while the Limited picked up a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, leather seating and heated front seats.

In reviews at the time, we observed that this second-generation Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered a desirable blend of performance and fuel economy along with a thoughtfully designed cabin. The reconfigurable second-row seats were a particular bonus. Potential downsides include a smallish third-row seat and a high price relative to the regular Highlander. Overall, though, this Highlander Hybrid remains a great all-around choice for a hybrid crossover SUV.

The first-generation Toyota Highlander Hybrid was built for just two years, 2006 and 2007, though it was based on the original Highlander that was introduced for 2001. Just like its gas-powered siblings, the hybrid Highlander was based on the Camry platform, giving it carlike drivability. Along with the significant fuel savings, the hybrid system kicked power output up to 268, adding almost 40 hp over the standard gas-only V6. While the hybrid's price of admission was quite a bit more than the standard Highlander, its miserly fuel consumption made the initial financial hit more bearable.

The extra weight of the hybrid system made handling a bit more sluggish than the conventional gasoline Highlander, but ride quality was still pretty smooth and comfortable on the hybrid version. And since it was quite a bit smaller than later generations of the Toyota Highlander, this first hybrid model was quite maneuverable in crowded parking lots, and in general, it felt more like a wagon than an SUV.

Two trim levels were available for the original Toyota Highlander Hybrid: standard and Limited. For a premium, the Limited version included foglights, steering-wheel-mounted controls for the upgraded JBL sound system, and some enhanced interior and exterior trim, including cabin wood-tone accents and a rear spoiler. A touchscreen navigation screen was available as an option on the Limited.

User Reviews:

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  Went the extra mile - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By bwolfe99 - August 24 - 5:30 am

  Every imaginable gadget, great looks, great ride, it did not disappoint. Got just under 32 MPG driving to work today (25 miles in stop and go traffic). The car is great, if you could just actually order one with what you want in it, that would be big.

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  2007 Toyota Highlander Ltd Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Annie Mouse - August 21 - 8:06 pm

  The reason we chose this car over the Lexus SUV hybrid was the cargo size. The nav system is primitive and not user friendly, works sort of, the passenger seat doesnt have adjustable lumbar support so on long trips gets tiresome. The good part is fuel efficiency and room for all kinds of stuff including kids, pets, groceries, plants and necessities of life especially on long trips. The third seat is a waste in my opinion. For our particular needs, the car fits the bill. Of all the hybrids out there with cargo room this is in my view the best choice and nicely appointed.

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  Powewrful, gas sipping midsize SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By gary - August 10 - 1:46 pm

  My wife commutes to work in it daily and aveages 35 MPG per tank in combines city/hwy use. Plenty of room to pack all of out sailing gear fro a weekend, or even week long cruise on our boat. Very comfortable for extended trips of six to eight hours or so driving. We love it.

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  We love this hybrid SUV! Best purchase! - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By nvman - August 9 - 10:54 pm

  We needed a small SUV to haul rigid hull inflatable boats (typically less than 2000 lbs). We had the 3500 lbs tow package installed (much nicer than aftermarket). I wanted a hybrid because "peak oil" is real, I want to be able to keep driving and boating foryears to come :) This is a technology wonder. We love it. We routinely take long trips for the business and nobody complains. Everyone is surprised how fast we get there although this is the first car I have ever own that I dont feel compelled to speed in. Its trained me that I can get at destination roughly at the same time without speeding. Its also trained me that fast starts are incredibly wasteful on gas. Easy to get 30 mp

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  If Mileage is the Major Driver - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By rob222 - August 2 - 5:01 pm

  this is the SUV for you. Aside from the mileage, power liftgate and keyless entry, I have made a sizable downgrade from a Lexus GX. Comparable size, yes but heres a few other things to consider. No dual seat memory controls, soundsystem is very average, fit and finish is not nearly as nice, steering is numb, absolutely NO offroad capability with this SUV. Fun factor, think Ford Taurus wagon. My wife wanted a hybrid suv in our price range and I did the best I could. She really likes it. The vehicle will meet the needs of most every day users and they will be very satisfied. But, if you are looking for a driving experience whatever you push the button, this is not your car

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  Green SUV of the future - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By SUV_PRO - July 9 - 12:23 pm

  Im an extremely experience & picky SUV driver, Ive spent over 2 months test driving several SUVs in the market which includes BMW X5, BMW X6, Land Rover LR3, Mercedes M-Class, and Porsche Cayenne. Yes, they are nice and fast, but nothing blow me away like Highlander Hybrid, it amazed me by its unconventional and futuristic technology with Synergy drive, VDIM, and CVT. European/American SUVs in the market attract the buyer by putting a bigger engine, bigger disk brakes to achieve better speed and cornering, but none of them put as much work as Toyota on engineering such clean and environmentally friendly vehicle. I am getting 29 MPG with my Highlander Hybrid in mix city/highway.

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  Awesome car - 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By John - June 15 - 4:53 am

  Ive owned this car for about 1 month now. Very smooth ride in city and highway. MPG is about 27 average. The MSRP was 49k and I paid 37k for a company demo model with 14k miles and I still got the 0% financing. I cannot complain much about this car but Navigation has a not so good user interface. Overall, if I have to buy a car, I will buy this again but MSRP $49k on highlander seems bit too high.

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  Lives up to expectations - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By jim - May 24 - 7:53 am

  The best car that we have ever had. It has been fun to drive. Great acceleration at all speeds. Mileage has been steadily going up. The air conditioning greatly reduces mileage. We are now getting about 29mpg around town with air off. We are averaging about 27 overall. The highlander is a great road car (great acceleration, quiet and comfortable). Excellent controls and navigation with mileage screen is great. It teaches you how to get better mileage. Electric air conditioner is very powerful and cools the car down quickly.

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  It could be better - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Richard - May 23 - 3:06 am

  Overall, it is a very nice car. This is the second hybrid I bought this year, my first was a Ford Escape. The power of the HH far exceeds the Ford, but it cost you 6-7 mpg. The HH is more spacious and I am confident the resale will be better, but I do enjoy driving the Ford more than the HH.

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  Could be a lemon - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Sr Tocino - May 11 - 6:03 am

  We have purchased the hybrid and so far we are far from satisfied. The black box that displays engine performance has died. Lojack and handsfree telephone (dealer installed) took 2 weeks to get installed and the handsfree doesnt work and there was no manuals for either. We were told by the salesman and his manager we could get a luggage rack without having to get the sunroof (between skin cancer on my bald head and the fact Im 64" the sunroof takes up headroom) only to be told after buying the car we couldnt get a rack without the sunroof package. We bought the vehicle to take our kayak and gear to the shore, now we cant. I feel that Toyota is taking customers for granted.