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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  21st Century SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By MWB - January 15 - 7:30 pm

  Though Ive only driven a couple hundred miles, I already love this SUV. Im impressed with the quality of the ride and handling. Im not anticipating the 31 mpg promised for city driving. Nevertheless, I can hardly believe what Im already seeing on the fuel computer! 25 mpg is awesome for the power produced in this 4X4! Im also impressed with the quiet, smooth car- like ride. I get all I had before plus a quality, hi-tech machine with a tax break!

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  Forget fuel economy, think fun driving! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By LAHYBRID - December 21 - 12:33 am

  OK, the number crunchers figured out you couldnt save the planet and money, so the fuel economy wont justify the purchase price; but what if you factor in the fun of having that extra horsepower and sedan-like fuel usage, man what a rush. When you gun the car, passengers yell in glee as the performance is really breathtaking. The controls are expertly placed, the cruise controls, rear seat/storage space, the sound system etc. all make the added cost worth every penny. Even if there were a glut of gas and prices plummeted, the ride would sill be comfortable, luxurious and fun! And dont we deserve, nay demand fun in these times.

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  Great Fuel Ecenomy - 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Limmw - December 12 - 3:30 pm

  We ordered a 2017 Highlander Hybrid XLE in November 2016 and received it in early December 2016. We immediately took off on a 1000 mi trip to Oregon. Overall we are very happy with the purchase. Dealership service was good, the SUV drives well and we got 26.5 MPG for the 2000 miles round trip through interstate 5 during winter blizzards going and coming back. Our previous SUV was an Acura MDX which on the same trip averaged only about 19 MPG so we are please with the gas mileage. Since then in overall Southern Cal driving in mixed city and freeway trips, we averaged over 30 MPG. During our trip through the California/Oregon mountains during winter blizzards we found out that the Safety Features stopped working when the sensors were covered by snows and mud. So at the time we needed them, they stopped working unless we cleaned the snows/mud off the sensors. Otherwise all the safety features worked as advertised. Only other problem is the Toyota lane assist worked but the design was stupid: It behaved like a "drunken sailer" bouncing from one side to the other if we did not correct the drifting off the center of the lane and relied on the lane assist. Overall we give it a 5 star SUV.

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  Great Car, Poor Hybrid Display and Audio Manual - 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By davechem - November 12 - 7:04 pm

  I have had this 2013 Highlander Limited for about 6 weeks and really enjoy it. It has been cold (25-35F) so it takes 3-5 miles of driving to get close to the 28 mpg--but this is acceptable. Handling, smoothness, all features work well together. Very comfortable with nice upright seat position. My only disappointment is that the upgraded JBL audio system does not allow display of any of the hybrid operations or MPG records on the large screen, but only a small display on a small screen. The 2013 owners manual claims to have these great displays--that include minute to minute graphs of MPG. A call to Toyota confirmed the lack of display features and the need to update the manual.

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  2008 Highlander Hybrid a success - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By TLB - November 7 - 11:56 am

  The Highlander Hybrid is almost everything we hoped for, typical Toyota near perfect fit and finish. Mileage is averaging 25 after 1st 1200 miles. High tank on Oregon Coast trip of 29 MPG, low tank MPG 23. My experience with hilly areas with any hybrid CVT produce lower mileage figures and holds true with the Highlander. I have owned Escape, Prius and Civic hybrids with this being smoothest drive train transition of any hybrid. Decision between RX 400 and waiting for Highlander has been good one. More room and seating configurations, better mileage.

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  Mileage is consistent with sticker - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By FRITZER - November 1 - 5:00 am

  Ive had the vehicle for six weeks. I average 30.1 MPG, combined city/highway. Drive to work is 15 miles in Sacramento, CA. If I push acceleration above 50 kW and do not anticipate stops ahead, mileage drops below 28 MPG. If I accelerate modestly and keep the power at or below 25 kW during acceleration, I consistently get better than 30 MPG overall. I verified the readings on the vehicles MPG meter at the gas pump - hand calculations. This is a fun vehicle to drive and the challenge is to out do the mileage from the day before. If you spend a lot of time driving above the hash marks on the kW meter, expect worse gas mileage - simple math. Fly like a rocket, pay for the gas!

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  2006 hybrid highlander - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By michael blair - October 23 - 6:16 pm

  I am getting 33 miles to the gallon and I am not trying very hard yet because this automobile is a thrill to drive. I have a 05 Prius that I am getting 60 mpg and that is a lot of effort. The mileage, the clean burning, and the fact I have a new vehicle that is worth more than I paid for it, I have to pinch myself every time I get behind the wheel of both of these technological wonders. I’m not going to go into detail about the fact I have been researching these vehicles for a year now, I just can’t believe there are still so many skeptics. Toyota has been working on this technology 40 yrs. these cars are worth every penny, and will be the most dependable car you have ever owned. It is the future!!!

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  Mileage estimates are a LIE - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By ToyotaLies - October 1 - 10:06 am

  Its a nice-looking, comfortable car with good power, but I got 15.4 mpg on a recent tank. And my highway mileage was much better than my city mileage (opposite of what they advertise). I took it to the dealer to find out if theres something wrong and they found nothing. They tell me Im not driving it correctly. Based on discussions on the Internet, it sounds like a TON of people are not getting close to the expected mileage. If you buy this car, expect to be disappointed.

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  Pleased - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By IAGasman - September 17 - 12:16 pm

  Weve put 700 miles on our Highlander Hybrid Limited, and were really enjoying it! Weve averaged 25 MPG thus far in mixed city/hwy driving. I think my driving style has been modified in response to the instant feedback supplied (is the power from electric or gas?) Fit and finish are perfect. Overall, an excellent purchase!

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  Enviromentally friendly AND fun! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Nancy - September 15 - 2:10 pm

  We have bought Toyotas before, but never and SUV. THe price is the ONLY thing that has given us pause so far, everything else has been great. WOuld highly recommend this vehicle, but recommend waiting for the price to go down.