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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  2006 hybrid highlander - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By michael blair - October 23 - 6:16 pm

  I am getting 33 miles to the gallon and I am not trying very hard yet because this automobile is a thrill to drive. I have a 05 Prius that I am getting 60 mpg and that is a lot of effort. The mileage, the clean burning, and the fact I have a new vehicle that is worth more than I paid for it, I have to pinch myself every time I get behind the wheel of both of these technological wonders. I’m not going to go into detail about the fact I have been researching these vehicles for a year now, I just can’t believe there are still so many skeptics. Toyota has been working on this technology 40 yrs. these cars are worth every penny, and will be the most dependable car you have ever owned. It is the future!!!

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  Pleased - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By IAGasman - September 17 - 12:16 pm

  Weve put 700 miles on our Highlander Hybrid Limited, and were really enjoying it! Weve averaged 25 MPG thus far in mixed city/hwy driving. I think my driving style has been modified in response to the instant feedback supplied (is the power from electric or gas?) Fit and finish are perfect. Overall, an excellent purchase!

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  Enviromentally friendly AND fun! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Nancy - September 15 - 2:10 pm

  We have bought Toyotas before, but never and SUV. THe price is the ONLY thing that has given us pause so far, everything else has been great. WOuld highly recommend this vehicle, but recommend waiting for the price to go down.

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  Thumbs Up - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Ivy - September 15 - 1:40 pm

  My job requires that I drive every day anywhere from 10 to 30 miles one way. Im getting 27.5 mpg compared to the 14 from my previous SUV. Thats both highway and city driving. Im hoping to increase mpg slowly. That being said, so far my HH has been great. Happy that I dont visit the gasoline station as often as before. Quiet ride, love it that the car engine is on (electric) and isnt using up gas. Dont notice the change from gas to electric anymore. Maybe it got better or I just dont notice. Smooth ride and great handling. The little plus is that Im not putting out any "greenhouse gases" as one reviewer put it. This puts a smile on my face.

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  Little "excitement" for Interior needed - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Zow - August 30 - 11:56 pm

  Everything is GREAT w/ Highlander Hybrid! I chose Highlander because of its fuel efficiency (which they talk about, and maybe I can come close to WHEN I learnt how I should drive this particular car w/ at most efficiency) The only donw part of this car is Camry-like interior. Theres nothing that excite me about Highlander interior. Top of line model is just about the same so I went for non-Limited one. In general, I love this ride and I feel/know that I made a great choice!

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  Unexpected power in for a Green SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Steve R - August 4 - 9:36 pm

  My ONLY complaint is headroom for tall adults in the back and passenger seats. I am used to a truck with greater headroom. I have friends over 64 who found the more elevated passenger seat and back seat head clearence a little cramped. I often pulse and cruise - get 29-30mpg around town. It has better pickup than our accord and is quality wise the very best vehicle we have owned. Given, the Tundra WAS Alot more fun off road. I recommend vehicle. Oh one other minor flaw, sunroof and window noise is a problem when openned and you have to adjust them when exceeding 30 mph to stop a annoying wind vibration. Again minor when all the advantages of this vehicle are considered.

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  2006 Highlander Hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Hollywood - July 27 - 4:36 am

  I bought the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4x4 and have not looked back. This is an exceptional vehicle with room for 7. The Navigation is not totally accurate, but it is as good as any. The ride is great and the fit and finish is extraordinary. The battery operation is fun to watch and I find myself trying to use the battery as much as possible, especially in todays high price gas world. I recommend this vehicle to anyone except 4x4 extremist.

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  If you want to be Green.... - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By JR - July 26 - 5:50 am

  We bought this car for my wife (but of course I had to get it with all of the toys for me). We looked at the GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and the Toyota Highlander. None of the above really compared to the highlander in terms of style, options, and reliability. Initially we were not considering a hybrid, but one came to the lot in our area. With gas now approach $3.50 a gallon, I am beginning to think we made a good decision. With our 3rd tank of gas, we are averaging about 26.2 mpg. This should improve as we break in the engine. The navigation takes a bit of practice to master, but after taking one evening to sit down and learn it, it is quite simple.

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  Fun and strong SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By pat - June 24 - 2:36 pm

  We have had the Highlander Hybrid since January and love it. While we all would like better mileage, especially at $2.50/gal., we are happy what with this vehicle delivers. If you pay attention, you can get over 32 mpg even on the highway. We typically get 29+ in the city during the summer. So far this winter I believe we are down to 26-27 avg. Its been cold. We are looking forward to many years of fun and transportation with this vehicle.

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  Everything we wanted and more - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By KY-rak - June 15 - 7:36 pm

  We were interested in a hybrid but did not want to give up performance. A test drive sold us and subsequent use convinced us the Highlander was the correct choice. My wife drives short slow miles to work and marvels when the silent battery is in use. Even open road miles get good mileage for the weight and size of this vehicle. The ride is as excellent and better than the upscale sedan we traded in. I can’t think of a feature I would change or anything that needs improvement.