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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  A lesser evil - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By silvergodiva - May 21 - 10:06 pm

  Hybrid + room for 7 = Highlander (HH). If you need an SUV, the HH is the lesser evil. Move lots of people and lots of stuff for less gas/fewer emissions. I feel the V6 + hybrid engine is a bit excessive. Toyota was trying to break hybrids out of the "green" market and into the gas guzzling SUV power market: "Not just for enviros anymore". But the I4 (2.4L) + hybrid engine would have been just fine and probably gotten another 5-7mpg. No issues with any part of the car in the 15 months Ive owned it. Very easy to drive and you cant tell its a hybrid. The 3rd seat is neat and easy, but there is almost no storage when it is up.

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  Highlander Hybrid is a winner! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Oakley - May 8 - 8:06 am

  The power on demand that the hybrid offers due to the direct drive system is the true beauty of the hybrids. 0 to 60 in 5 seconds is typical with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Buy one and you will own only Hybrids from now on!

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  Smooth drive, but not quite the MPGs - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By ak49 - May 1 - 7:32 am

  Ive driven nearly 15K miles now, including two Alaskan winters. The biggest drawback to-date for the hybrid technology is that even when the battery is fully charged and capable of operating in EV mode, the engine is needed to heat the air for the defroster. In my climate, that cuts into the possible efficiency at least 5 months out of the year. All told, including daily idle time to pre-warm the car for my wife, I still averaged over 18 MPG in the winter. Everyday summer driving in the city is more like 23 MPG. Best ever for a 100+ mile road trip, fully loaded with many hills was just over 27 MPG. With that said, the drivetrain is exceptionally smooth. Interior finish is OK.

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  Sleeper - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Squire Squirrel - April 25 - 7:30 am

  With so much horsepower under the hood it’s hard to save money on gas. What incredible acceleration for an SUV. You wont miss this shifting of gears either.

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  Finally, a 2008 HiHy! - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By BanditoB - April 10 - 8:30 am

  I was fortunate in finding a 2008 Highlander Hybrid Limited in one of the colors that I wanted, Iced Amethyst Mica, and equipped the way I wanted it, everything but Nav and RES, that wasnt either special ordered for someone or already claimed! I picked it up last night, so its a little early to make any firm commitments about anything, but so far were off to a great start. Ive not noticed any build or fit and finish issues and I am pretty meticulous about these things. Driving it is a pleasure and makes me intensely curious about what, exactly, is going on under the hood. This will be a vehicle thats fun to drive and will also keep me intrigued for a long time to come.

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  We Go Eco - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Pam - April 4 - 9:10 pm

  This SUV was worth the wait. We love everything about it. Its a challenge to drive on battery as much as possible to get the best fuel economy. The sound system is awesome and the ride is as comfortable as our Lexus. We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of usable space. Everyone who rides in it wants one!

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  Excellent SUV for non-off-roaders - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Aka - March 23 - 10:33 pm

  Very smooth, quiet, comfortable ride. Excellent acceleration. Well-appointed interior. Third-row seats are cramped and its use makes second row also cramped, but useable for short trips. Fuel consumption fell short of EPA- reported averages in my hands. I could get only 26 MPG in town and 23 MPG on highway.

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  Its performance, not gas savings - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By eduardo - February 28 - 8:13 pm

  I went from a Lexus RX300 to the Highlander hybrid limited. Interior luxury and amenities are pretty comparable. The driving experience and performance are far, far better. Those who ululate over the gas mileage purchased the wrong type of hybrid. They expected a Prius, but this vehicle is an SUV which combines reasonable gas mileage (and low emissions) with excellent power and handling. Its a winner.

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  Gasoline issues, no more - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By leah - February 22 - 9:43 pm

  Needed a second car and went for this over honda pilot due to increase in gas prices. now that i have had it for a month, I love it. Found interior to be bigger then I expected, third row tight but great for small kids. Love that when I am at a stop it drops to electric and it is quiet, no idle. Get about 100 miles more then my 97 pathfinder. Feel very eco-friendly when I am driving this! Would consider another hybrid when pathfinder is gone.

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  A Keeper - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Design Professional - February 20 - 3:36 am

  Since purchasing our Toyota Highlander Hybrid in December of 2007, weve driven nearly 9,000 miles. The car sees cold and snow when we visit Colorado in the winter and extreme heat when we visit Arizona in the summer. It is comfortable in both extremes. Very good in snow and ice, and quite at home on Mexico beaches. Weve averaged 26-27 MPG with little effort, but we do drive somewhat slower with gas at $4.00. The interior features are a little more than we desired, but we wanted leather seating. The backup camera is hard to see when its sunny and we have a small hard to detect rattle in the dash. Were sure Toyota will find the rattle and well keep the car until it has a plug-in accessory