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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  Fuel Economy Disappointing - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Chris - June 6 - 1:06 am

  Bought 11/2007. Traded a 07 highlander limited because wanted better mpg. Thought a 2008 highlander hybrid would be a good choice. So far not the case. We are paying much much more and getting the same mpg as the 07 highlander. A hybrid should get better than 18 mpg. Tried different octanes and so far nothing has worked. Very, very disappointed and stuck with it.

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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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  I like this Car - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Eric Park - February 6 - 8:00 am

  I love SUVs and I am really glad they came up with a fuel efficient one. it saves the economy, gas, and also my pocketbook

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  Excellent family-hauler with a few flaws - 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By AB - December 31 - 12:18 pm

  Lots going for the Highlander Hybrid: unmatched fuel economy (in class), AWD, comfortable interior, and great reliability. Ride is soft, smooth and quiet. Handling is numb; not for spirited driving. Active Safety Sense features (standard) seem to work well and are non-obtrusive, though I havent really experienced the pre-collision system. Toyotas Entune+Navigation system seems quite dated; wish they would just support Apple Carplay / Android Auto. (At least Bluetooth works well.) Also considered the Honda Pilot EX-L (AWD), but I got the Hybrid XLE for almost the same price, and have no regrets!

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  Mines not Quiet - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Karen - October 17 - 10:20 am

  After a year of research and test driving various SUVs and crossovers we settled on the HH and decided to order exactly what we wanted. We had test driven several HH and other hybrids and all were quiet, but none impressed us like the HH. When our HH came in we were excited. It was beautiful and had everything we wanted, except for the NOISE! When we brake to slow down it sounds like a jet engine winding down. It also has a click. We were expecting the quiet we had experienced with the other HHs we drove, but were greatly disappointed. The dealership has told us that some hybrids have that noise more than others - it is normal. I wont order again. I buy what I test drive on the lot.

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  I REALLY LIKE THIS VEHICLE... - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By RL - September 3 - 7:16 am

  Its a great car... nothing bad to say about it... wish it lived up to its mileage claims a little better but it may be my fault for driving with a little bit of a lead foot too...l Ioved it in winter on ice and snow... it saved my life with its nonslip feature at least twice this winter when the wheels just spun out and then the car shuddered and the darn thing righted itself and I didnt go into the ditch after all!!!

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  Great SUV - no longer perfect crossover - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By LeoM - August 19 - 10:00 am

  On the plus side, it gets great mileage (29MPG so far), has AWD, seats 7 and tows a light trailer. For sheer utility nothing else comes close. On the negative side, the HiHy is no longer a crossover. My 2006 HiHy drove like a Camry and had seats and interior comforts like a Camry - except it towed my trailer, seated 7 and could haul a lot of stuff. The 2011 HiHy drives like a truck, has truck seats (particularly in the 2nd row), and is shockingly ugly.

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  Mileage Meter Calibration? - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Voxhumana - July 18 - 2:36 pm

  We have enjoyed our hybrid for 2.5 years and consistently score 22.6 MPG. It doesnt seem to matter how we drive, or if we are towing our RV or not, always the same: 22.6 MPG. Can this be accurate? Of course this mileage is great when towing the RV, but the next tank, without the RV in tow, is EXACTLY the same. How could this be statistically possible? We reset the counter on every tank. Otherwise, we love the car.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By merrittcw - May 24 - 11:53 pm

  Surprisingly powerful and quiet. This Highlander is my 2nd Hybrid (03 Civic was first). The vehicle meets my satisfaction. It is extremely quiet and has the feel of a luxury SUV. Gas mileage isnt overly impressive, but it is better than a traditional SUV. If you are looking for a well built vehicle with integrated technology, this is the SUV for you. With respect to value, the extra cost associated with hybrid technology does not compensate for the saved fuel cost at this time. I imagine this product line is a cash cow for Toyota. Still I enjoy the technology and am happy with the unique aspects of this Highlander.

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  08 HH - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By rtower - April 26 - 2:03 pm

  Highway mileage is great, 28 mpg at 70+ mph. We live at the top of a hill, + 650 over the valley where we shop and work; so my town driving isnt great, around 21 mpg, but 10+ mpg over the Yukon I had before at the same run. My major issue at the moment is the big tires on the Ltd edition, Toyo 245- 55-19, are a problem as I cant find chains to fit. With freezing rain over snow, chains are required on all roadways. The Toyo tires are just OK on the ice & snow, but I cant get any of the excellent Michelin X-type tires to fit the wheels. Comfort is pretty good, but I miss the roomyness and soft leather of my old Yukon Denali, woos, Ill make due. Overall, quite satisfied with the HH.