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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  Solid vehicle, minor flaws - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Greg - December 8 - 9:23 am

  After driving a full-size pickup for 8 years, this was a big change for me. Overall, the Highlander is comfortable and roomy; Toyota has a great reputation for durability, and I havent had any complaints about performance or reliability. My complaints (so far) are these: in reverse, only the electric motors run the vehicle, no matter how far you push the accelerator. Not necessarily Toyotas brightest idea. There are no always-on 12v power outlets. Not surprising, but still occaisonally inconvenient. The oil filter is darn near impossible to take off by hand, unless youre left-handed. I have to use a filter wrench. There is no driver override on the AWD system - the car decides for you.

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  MPG - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By santabob1 - December 5 - 10:18 pm

  When we purchased the Hylander, new, we got 28 to 30 mpg. Now with 116,000 miles on the car we get 23mpg. We keep the car in ENCON all the time and I drive like an old man.....because I am an old man. Any ideas on the drop in mpgs?

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  Overall Quality. - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By JB - October 8 - 9:40 am

  This was our first Toyota. This is a great SUV. Nice lines. It is solid and well built. Has nice fit and finish, but the dash lights and radio are not all the same color backlighting. Should be uniform. Increased hybrid price was not worth it. I liked being green, but the extra cost was not worth it. Back seat needs separate AC controls, Aft is hot in the summer. Cup holders needed to be better designed. Third seat is pretty tight, but this is not a big truck, so you get what you pay for. We tow a double jet ski trailer and it does a great job. No lag or drag.

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  2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By ToyotaFan - August 27 - 7:53 am

  Great power/acceleration. Mileage not nearly as good as advertised. Even in winter, driving softly, I get about 24 MPG.

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  Good, Some Improvements Required - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By rico_ - August 1 - 10:56 am

  Overall a good car with good Toyota quality. The biggest complaint is the battery in the gas engine dies if a door is left slightly ajar or a light is left on - once that battery is dead the car will not start, despite being full of batteries! (ppl laugh when I say the battery died on my hybrid!) We bought a portable jump start kit and it works great. Otherwise a good vehicle. Price is a bit high. Mileage is good but not great - when gasoline prices spiked I felt smart but the added cost is hard to justify, although it is an improvement for the environment (over a regular SUV). Would recommend this car.

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  HIghlander Hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Rachis - July 14 - 9:16 pm

  This is a very well built SUV, that should provide excellent reliability, It is an excellent vehicle, but it is not a powerful SUV as one might expect in a BMW X5. Nevertheless because of the combined gas and electric engines it does provide more power than the standard gas Highlander. The gas mileage is not close to the EPA estimates, however, it does get about 25 MPG overall which is excellent for an SUV of this size.

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  Better Gas Mileage Than Expected - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By chicagojerry - June 28 - 10:22 pm

  I have been getting over 30 mpg on nearly every tank of gas. Once or twice around 32 mpg, based on hand calculations. The hand calculations average 1 mpg less than the computer values. The trick to high gas mileage is to pay attention to the display and try not to waste gas by accelerating and braking. Every time you brake you are wasting the gas you used in accelerating. The interior is cavernous for a vehicle getting this mileage. Highway mileage is over 30 mpg if you stay below 65 with just yourself driving. It drops to 27 if you are going 75 with the family a bags loaded in. AC and heat affect mileage because they may require the engine to run when not accelerating.

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  Not worth the money - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Bob Martin - June 11 - 5:00 pm

  Let me start saying I am a Toyota man, always was, always will be. I bought my Highlander Hybrid thinking it would be the best car ever. Its ok, but has a herky jerky ride and the seats are not very comfortable. I took it back to Toyota and their factory rep. said "Thats just the way the car is" The car gets pretty good gas milage 24-26, and looks great. In my opinion Toyota needs to make it a lot smoother before I recommend it to anyone else. Sorry Toyota, but sometimes the truth hurts.

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  Good all purpose green SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Rose - May 4 - 8:40 pm

  I bought my Hybrid Highlander when it had 10000 miles on it. I am a little disappointed with the gas mileage - 25-27 mpg. regardless of city or highway driving. Certainly that is better than the 17 mpg the previous minivan got, but I was expecting mid-30s. The blind spots are bigger for a shortie like me than I would expect from such an otherwise well-designed car. I drove a 2008 model though and that one is too big and the blind spots are worse- couldnt even see approaching cars at intersections due to the huge side mirrors. Also, this vehicle is very safe. I was rear ended by a drunk driver while I was stopped. The Highlander sustained rear end damage but my passenger and I were absolutely unhurt. We could feel my car absorb that huge impact.

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  Perfect vehicle for us - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Nicmo - April 6 - 4:06 am

  Owned 1 month. So far this car is perfect for our needs. Has plenty of power, big nav/back up screen, good stereo sound, quiet ride. Waited 3 yrs for the 2010 RX 350 and finally saw it at the SF Auto show. It looked essentially the same as the old version, which we didnt care for, only slightly bigger. While at the show checked out all the Xs (MDX, RDX, FX, EX) but for the money there was no comparison, at least from a tech side and sitting in the showroom, plus this runs on regular gas. The next weekend we test drove them all except the 2010 RX which is available in Feb and found the all wheel version of this car to be as good as any of the others.