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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  Fun but a possible health hazard - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Antonio - September 11 - 6:43 pm

  While the gas mileage is really poor for a hybrid, it is great for a SUV. This, however, does not take away the disappointment of frequent stops at the pump. Watch for the comfort of the front seats, the arm rests are cheaply designed and stick up when the seat is leaned. The rear windows should not be opened when moving. Has Toyota examined this problem and if not, why not? Since I need this type of vehicle for the outdoor activities that I enjoy doing, I can at least justify my guilt. Can you?

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  Great SUV, but hybrid may not be worth it - 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Michael - April 21 - 4:45 am

  The Highlander Hybrid is comfortable and looks great inside and out. The "hybrid" part so far is a big disappointment in terms of performance and gas mileage. On long drives, we have simply decided to forego Eco Mode and avoid what feels like a battle between car and driver otherwise. Our gas mileage so far has been 25.5mpg at best and 19mpg at worst during a long trip between northern and southern California. Eco mode on the long trip only improved this by 2mpg. So, unless you need to cross the 6,000gvwr for business reasons, I don;t see any advantage to the hybrid.

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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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  20 Mpg City is unacceptable. - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By wmacgavin - October 24 - 3:36 am

  Beautiful Inside and Out. Fun to drive, great ride. Excellent interior and exterior design. The 20mpg in the city for my typical soccer mom wife is unacceptable. Let see if the fabled Toyota Engineering department can figure out what the problem is? I assume that unless a Factory Toyota Engineer gets involved it will be 3 trips and out for this beautiful lemon.

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  poor milage - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By davida21_77 - October 6 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this suv in this past feb, I went to a family function 300 miles away and I noticed under a full tank the max range was 300 while the small computer to the rt said avg mpg was 29-30 so about 520 cruise range...yet I only got 300 going one way and fulling up and 300 comming back and fulling up. All toyota technician could say is that the inacuracy is due to driving conditions and other factor which makes no sence since this is a hybrid and not a gas model vehicle. I am dissapointed and my next vehicle is going to be a U.S made hybrid SUV

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  Disappointed - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Patticakes - April 15 - 2:00 pm

  We bought this car with "being green" in mind, and turned out to be a big disappointment. Gas mileage is not what was expected. Battery has failed three times. Seat heaters are mediocre. Horrible noise in car when back seat windows are down or cracked. Where is the Bluetooth option? IPod option? Third seat is for pets -- not sized for humans. Will not own another one.

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  Not worth the premium - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By TAG - December 13 - 12:26 pm

  Finishing up first year with this car. Gas mileage is nowhere close to EPA estimates nor what others here are claiming. Best was 27 mpg in the first month, downhill ever since. The only way to get close to the EPA estimate would be to drive it purely in stop and go city driving. Also, mileage dropped off dramatically in the winter months. Hard pressed even in mostly city driving to get over 21 mpg. Beyond the lousy mileage, its a pretty good SUV. Not a lot of cargo room, but good comfort for the passengers and driver. Gas engine works well - good power, handles freeway speeds well. Handling is not that crisp, but this is a truck. Good fit and finish. No problems or defects in 1 year.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By searching15 - July 19 - 6:15 am

  We bought our HH new in 2008. We have replaced the 12v battery 3 times, replaced tires twice, and now have the car at the dealership for the 5th visit related to fueling issues - mainly that I can no longer fuel my HH. The car has been in for recalls 5 times, and the customer service at 5 dealerships has been seriously lacking if not all together absent. Definitely a lemon, and we have owned 3 other Toyotas without reliability issues, but the experience with this vehicle has left us disappointed and we will certainly not be purchasing another Toyota.

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  Hybrid Rip Off - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Brian - November 10 - 5:36 pm

  Bought the hybrid for the great mileage claims which turned out to be a complete lie. Vehicle gets 21-22 mpg from normal driving which in no way justtifies the price premium.

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  Hybrid system breakdown! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By keepwarmnow - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Great experience until 100,000 miles. All check ups done at dealership.100,000 miles warranty expires soon after car wont start.I bought a Toyota because they are meant to last.Took car to dealership and they announced it would be 8700 dollars to fix. The hybrid system does not work! CODES POAA6&526-614 and Warrantied only to 100,000 miles. I am at 119,000. I was told the labor on the part is minimal it is the part that is so expensive. I was shocked and then looked on the internet to find that others have found themselves in the same position.When I went to pick up the car at Toyota they charged me $250.00 for the diagnostic test and tried to sell me another Toyota. HA!!