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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  Terrific Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Jane Faul - August 30 - 4:13 pm

  Owning this vehicle has brought me nothing but joy each time I have an excuse to drive it. It has plenty of power, surges with quick pick-up when needed, and is incredibly comfortable, smooth, and quiet. It has a perky appearance outside, thanks to its rear spoiler, and with its squared-off rear design, it provides more vertical interior hauling capacity than those vehicles with more slope. The rear spoiler seems to be a valuable feature, not only for appearance, but also for keeping the rear window clean while driving in traffic and rain. It handles easily and responds beautifully. It has plenty of room inside for four hefty adults in complete comfort.

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  Love the Car, not the mpg - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By tthelin - August 28 - 12:16 pm

  1) We dont get the fuel economy we had hoped. We do a lot of driving on rural roads and highways, so speeds or 45 to 80 are the normal range, and we average about 25.5 mpg long term. Even on the rare occasions when we use an entire tank of fuel while driving in the city at 35 mph or less we only get around 28 mpg or so. 2) We installed a trailer hitch, which was easy to do and cost less than $250. Around $150 for the hitch online, and $75 or so for the wiring jumper from Toyota. The Highlander Hybrid pulls a 3500 lb mgw trailer very well, even when fully loaded, but the fuel economy drops to around 15 mpg with the trailer. 3) We purchased an special treatment for the cloth seats, since we have kids, and it doesnt seem to have helped at all. The seats stain pretty easily, and we are to far from the dealer to bring it in for cleaning or to use the warranty we purchased. I wouldnt recommend it. We still like the cloth seats better than the leather seats, but we should have used the $500 buck or whatever we spent on the treatment to buy good seat covers. 4) We also purchased the Diamon Glass treatment. It didnt keep us from getting rock chips, although we did use the warranty to repair a couple of them. We have learned that most full coverage insurance will cover windshield repair anyway, so we could have saved the money on that treatment also. It also doesnt keep the water off any better than a good Rain-X treatment. 5) We were mystified by one electrical problem a year or so ago in which we started to experience a delay in the starting of the Hybrid System when you turned the key to start. At the same time we noticed we could not leave a door open, or a light on in the car for more than a few minutes with the car turned off, or the battery would die and the car wouldnt start. We lived with this for about a year, just being careful to not allow the battery to drain, and occaisionally having to use a jump battery(which I always carry for emergencies) to start it. The I finally decided to test the car battery, and found it going bad so we replaced it. the Hybrid is back to working like new now.

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  Careful of the Paint Job - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By nasoj1 - August 23 - 5:56 am

  I am mostly happy with the Hybrid. However the paint is beginning to blister in small areas the size of a pencil eraser. I have found that this type of paint problem has been found before with Toyota vehicles. I have had the SUV for about five months now and the dealer told me to contact Toyota USA to resolve the problem.

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  The Best SUV - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By yngturk - August 13 - 1:49 am

  Had this vehicle 10 months now, and 20k miles. No complaints whatsoever. I average 27 MPG in warm weather, and 24 in cold weather. Previously owned Chevy Trailblazers which were solid vehicles, but averaged 17 MPG. The Highlander Hybrid is flawless. Comfort, performance, and build quality are as good as you can get. Fit and finish are perfect. This is an extremely solid vehicle. Its been totally reliable. This is my first Toyota, but Im a believer in them, and in their hybrid technology.

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  Toyota Highlander Hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By mwalsh65 - August 6 - 1:36 pm

  I love my Highlander Hybrid. I used to drive a Saab 9-3, which I also loved. I got an avg of 21 mpg with the Saab. Because I have a 2 year-old and am facing preschool and carpool, I wanted to get a bigger vehicle, but did not want to get less mpg. Unfortunately, most mid-sized SUVs got 20 mpg or lower. Then the Highlander Hybrid was introduced and I jumped at it. Now, I get an average of 26 mpg (better than my sedan)and I have much more room (including a third row seat that folds into the floor). The vehicle drives very well and is very comfortable. I love this vehicle and I highly recommend it as a non gas-guzzling family car.

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  Pleased - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By David - July 29 - 7:16 pm

  I chose a hybrid because of the 70 mile commute I have to and from work. I am getting an average of 30 mpg. I chose an SUV because I have 3 kids. Yhe Highlander Hybrid has suited my needs perfectly and I am enjoying immencely. I highly reccommend it to people in my same situation.

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  2006 Highlander Hybrid Review - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Cindy - July 19 - 8:23 am

  I have had the car for 3 months and have had no problems. It drives and handles well. I am spending much less in gas now than with my old SUV which was similar size.

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  Safety - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By hylander31 - July 19 - 8:13 am

  We love our Highlander hybrid. We have had the vehicle for almost 2 years. Mileage is great. I want people to know that we were in a serious car accident. Both front airbags deployed and 3 point seat belt did their job. My husband and I walked away with only a few bruises and banged up ribs. We hope the car can be repaired and not totaled by insurance company. We are missing the first 12 to 16 inches of the front end of car. The other car in the accident did not fare as well. Definitely our SUV is a well built safe vehicle. If we have to get a new SUV, we are definitely going to get the Highlander Hybrid. We cant say enough about the safety features on the car.

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  Very Happy - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Ohio Driver - July 6 - 8:00 pm

  I have owned my 08 Highlander Hybrid for just 5 days but I am very happy. I am a discerning consumer and I researched and thought about thiw vehicle for 5 months before purchasing. I have owned Toyotas for 23 years and this is the best out of the gate. It is actually smoother and quieter than I expected and rivals my Avalon - BUT the pick-up power is till great!

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  Outstanding vehicle - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By pbjb - July 4 - 1:46 pm

  Took delivery of a Limited AWD Hybird edition on 7/20. Sold the 2003 Highlander LTD to a family member. New 2006 has even better ride qualities with the Michelin tires vs Bridgestone Duelers. The shift between electric power and gas is seamless.It takes a little getting used to when you stop at a traffic light and realize the engine did not stall. You hear virtually nothing. Have averaged 30MPG city driving. Although this is relatively new technology its comforting to know that Toyota gives you an 8 yr 100,000 mile warranty on the hybird system. I would rate this vehicle, in the short period of ownership, one of the very best SUVs weve ever owned including Jeeps and a BMW X5.