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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  Bad fuel economy - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By jfrose - February 1 - 1:36 am

  We purchased a hybrid for the fuel economy and it does not get nearly what is advertised. We get 25 miles per gallon vs the 28-33 they advertise. We paid extra for the hybrid for nothing and Toyota wont buy the vehicle back.

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  Hybrid Battery Heck - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By mtnman7615 - December 9 - 8:48 am

  We bought new in 2007 with assurance that problems with hybrid battery were fixed. First hybrid battery went out at 51,000 miles. Replaced under warranty. Second hybrid battery went out at 141,000 and was told it would be a $6,400 repair bill. Toyota customer service was useless, but dealer agreed to pay half of the cost as a "good will" gesture. Very disappointed in having to spend $3000 to replace a part that is supposed to be a "lifetime of the vehicle" part - twice at less than half the expected lifetime of the vehicle! Also disappointed at Toyota for not standing behind this product better. Wont be buying another Toyota product, especially a hybrid!

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  Disappointed with MPG - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By MCD - March 19 - 1:06 am

  I am leasing a 2006 Highlander Hybrid. Im in second year; took car for service for poor MPG, averaging 16.8 MPG city/highway for 800+ miles. I was told that it is what I should expect! At 26K I am averaging 21.4 MPG in city. The battery immediately reverts to gas. The service dept. said nothing could be done and that other Highlanders were getting similar MPG. This is not acceptable! The sticker indicates 31 miles city and 27 miles highway. I wrote to Toyota-their reply: MPG sticker quotes are generated under controlled testing conditions for EPA and so I should bring it in for servicing. Fuel efficiency is influenced by many variables: tire pressure, weather, fuel additives, etc.

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  Inverter Problems - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By drew1961 - March 4 - 10:50 pm

  This car has very expensive inverter problems. Cost to repair Hybrid inverter system as of June 21, 2011 $9325.00 + Tax Toyota does not fix this and have a class action suit against them at this time. If you are going green this green will be coming out of your billfold. The 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Vehicle (Highlander HV) was Toyota’s first generation of gasoline-electric hybrid versions of the Highlander sold in the U.S. A central component of the Highlander HV is the electrical inverter assembly, which changes the DC current from the vehicles battery into AC current that powers the vehicle’s motor. The defective inverter assemblies cause the vehicles to suddenly lose engine power while the vehicles is being driven.

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  Cant believe the costs of parts! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By NolongerFan - February 18 - 7:00 pm

  I have been a Toyota fan for 20 years until now. My 4 year old Highlander Hybrid just stopped cold on me. Now they are telling me its the inverter and transaxle? Parts alone are $13,000, does not include labor. A car only 4 years old and the cost to fix it is as much as buying another car. Cant believe Toyota would price the parts to this car at an outrageous price. Off to buy another car and NOT A TOYOTA!!

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  Defective Battery and Charging System - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By John Nelson - July 29 - 11:40 am

  In December, 2009, I entered the vehicle one morning and it would not start, the battery was dead. I called Auto Club, and they jump started the vehicle. 4 months later, the same thing happened, and I attempted to jump start it myself, having purchased a set of cables in the interim. I was unsuccessful, and called for a tow. The vehicle could not be jump started, and was towed to a Toyota dealer. I had purchased an extended warranty, and asked that any repairs be covered under it. I was told that I had damaged a special fuse, and my actions had rendered the warranty invalid. The battery system is defective. Several other reviews describe the same problem.

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  Disappointing - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By cford - April 7 - 5:03 am

  Not early the expected fuel mileage. Under 27 mpg local driving, above rating (about 30) on distant driving. My driving style with GM vehicles shows that I always got better mileage than shown on the window sticker. The Highlander is below suggested on the local driving. Body squeaks are annoying. Tilt steering wheel is limited in adjustments. Switches such as windshield wiper and lights are awkward. Do not have a level cargo space when sheet backs are folded.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Dave Trupp - February 19 - 9:46 pm

  I was told to expect high MPG in this hybrid. I cant get over 19 in city or highway. Toyota (corporate) states this is normal. You dont buy a hybrid for better gas mileage. You buy one for the fact that is has fewer emissions. It might get better after 5000 miles. Save your money buy a regular old gas powered highlander. We owned a 2003 highlander before and got better MPG with it. we averaged 25-26 in that one. Toyota says it cant do anything unless a check light comes on. They do admit that 19 is too low for this vehicle. The only thing they say though is "Sorry"