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:

• 

  Traded up using my 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid - 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By mykecusa - April 2 - 10:41 am

  I really liked the Ford and was disappointed they did not continue the hybrid line. The Highlander is bigger, which I find more comfortable. It is higher off the ground which gives me better visibility. Since it is bigger and heavier, it does not get the fuel economy I got with the Ford. With the Ford I could rely upon 32 mpg in the Spring and Fall, and 29 mpg in the Winter and Summer. Thus far I am getting a solid 27-28 mpg (Spring/Summer) with the Highlander on mixe city/highway driving without air-conditioning, or heating. Is 4-5 mpg less in order to have twice the cargo capacity worth it ? I think it is, There is so much more to learn and understand about the Highlander Hybride over the Escape Hybrid. The Owners manual is at least 3 times as thick. I like how quiet the Highlander is compared to the Escape (6 cylinder vs 4 cylinder engine might have something to do with that). I like the visibility of the Highlander over the Escape (the 19" wheels on the Highlander vs the 16" wheels on the Escape might account for that). I have a service dog that goes where I go. When my girl friend and her dog and me with my dog need to go someplace the Highlander will earn its price, for the Highlander is after all a Family oriented vehicle. One I think hard to beat. A big point in many professional writeups is the low (relative) price of gasoline does not justify the $6,000 cost increase in the hybrid. I bought the Escape when gasoline went up to $4 a gallon. I expect one day it will be back there. In the mean time I like the lower emissions put out by the hybrid ... just my version of being a Tree hugger.

• 

  Bought one... wish I didnt - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By outnumbered - February 1 - 6:00 am

  Although it has a lot of positive aspects, its what comes up short that makes all the difference! Front seats dont go back far enough. If you are 6 tall the angle of the seats cause upper leg discomfort on long drives. Dash display failed in the 1st year & dealer said "the lights are on" but the display WAS broken. It took 4 trips before they admitted a problem existed. Mileage is good in the city, but no better than std Highlander on the hwy. Very disappointing! Navigation system is a very low-end unit (they charge for a top of the line unit). The display is dull like a low resolution monitor. Interior lights cannot be adjusted separate from dash lights-BAD.

• 

  Great...would have been better w/4 Cyl - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By ljmiii - November 10 - 1:00 am

  Delightful. Overall, it is the best seven seat vehicle out there. Good comfort, quality, and driveability. I get about 23 MPG hwy, 35 MPG city though you can do better on the HWY by going slower. The car is great to drive on the freeway and ideal in the city but not so good on twisty roads. In fact my chief complaint is that the acceleration and braking so dramatically outperform the suspension... there is no reason for 268 HP in a car this tipsy. They should have gone with the Highlander/Camry 4 cyl, hybridized the performance up to the 6 cyl, and delivered better mileage (like the Prius).

• 

  Not all vehicles compare for this model - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Sheri - August 30 - 12:20 pm

  Have had the vehicle over a year/ overall pleased w/the quiet engine running on battery. Disappointed by mileage, highest ever for brief time mpg. Mostly got the car for environl purposes, but still expected mpg a little closer to sticker estimates. According to what Ive read here, I would have still bought the vehicle, as most owners report better mileage, but why are some of us not, even though I drive carefully, do a lot of coasting etc.? There seems to be no help through the dealership. Dont like the jerk of motor at times as it starts up. otherwise like the look and handling of vehicle while driving.

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By RS - July 28 - 12:00 am

  Very smooth acceleration. Solid in turns. Well built vehicle.

• 

  Not quite up to hype - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Nancy - April 18 - 6:23 pm

  The advertised gas mileage does not match our practical driving experience experience. Still, it is very good for this type of vehicle, and the impact on the enviroment makes it more than worthwhile. Lack of telescoping steering wheel impacts driving comfort. Seats do not provide enough thigh support for the adults. Excellent acceleration. Normally adequately quiet to drive, but VERY noisy when back windows open, or moon roof slid back. Rear seat awkward to get to. The more we drive it, the more we enjoy it. Handling while driving is good. Climate control is good. We will get an income tax deduction to help offset the cost of buying, though that was not the intent of the government.

• 

  Really like the Highlander Hybrid - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By HighlanderHybrid_Fan - March 29 - 10:40 am

  Mileage is terrific for an SUV, 22-25 compared to 12-16 for others. Really like the car a lot. Somewhat worried about the accelerator issue, but assume Toyota will fix it.

• 

  Not as Advertised - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By WilliamB - February 24 - 10:40 pm

  Purchased the Highlander Hybrid and now have about 1100 miles on the vehicle. It is a comfortable car to ride in and drives very good. Exception noted, wife drives a car with a V8 and on the highway can get over 30 miles per gallon, yet with the new hybrid, the most I can do is 22 mpg, up hill, down hill, city or road. This is nowhere near what is advertised for this vehicle.

• 

  Arizona Highlander Hybrid Experience - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By glen OHara - December 24 - 9:50 pm

  Just turned 20,000 miles, and now get a consistent 28 mpg around town (not towing anything). Highway mileage totally depends on average speed: taking it easy, can get 29 mpg; 75-85 mph takes it down to 23mpg. However, after owning three Priuss, the POWER of the Highlander Hybrid is amazing. Ive beat V8 powered vehicles off-the- line; much to their amazement. What they dont know is that with a full state of charge, the hybrid version can kick over 60 extra horsepower to the two additional traction motors, while the engine stays at the peak of its horsepower curve. Also, in Arizona, the electric powered air conditioning runs at full effiiciency all the time; even stopped

• 

  Dont waste your money - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Dave Trupp - October 31 - 3:43 pm

  Bought in Aug 2005. We have 7500 miles on it now and can only get 22 mpg. Its sad since the regular version gets 20 MPG (hwy). We are not aggressive drivers and drive with the lightest foot possible. The dealer told us to drive this vehicle hard for the first 5000 miles when we bought it so the computer would learn. Learn what??? I bought this vehicle, I stuck with it but I will not make the same mistake twice. They simply are not worth the money. Honesty works best. Toyota should learn that and stop advertising the high MPG when they know its not true. Per my service adviser "normal range for the highlander hybrid is 22-28 MPG" Isnt the 30+ number they tell you when you buy it is it.