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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  Excellent so far - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By John - August 22 - 2:46 pm

  My wife and I have had the FWD Limited Hybrid for one month. Gas mileage, as expected, has been less than the EPA. We average about 27 mpg combo city/highway. Ride is very good but you can feel the extra weight of the midsection battery compartment giving a slight truck like ride. We cant comment on reliability. It worries us that there is such a complicated transmission etc. but we are relying on the quality reputation of Toyota that this will be a long term excellent automobile.

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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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  Drive to Save - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Patrick Hoffman - July 19 - 9:50 pm

  The thing that makes the 2008 Highlander Hybrid is the gas electric meter so you can monitor your gas/electric use. Very fun and a great way to max out the MPG.

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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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  Definitely different! Great car! - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Steve - June 17 - 8:00 pm

  Driving a hybrid in order to maximize fuel economy is definitely a skill. And that is why I had to give a lower "fun" score. Simply getting in the car and driving away as you would any other car will not yield optimal fuel economy. Read about "hypermiling" for more info. The power steering and shocks could be a little stiffer to give a sportier, controlled driving experience. The car leans more into turns than my 4Runner. The interior is definitely designed for luxury and comfort. The Synergy system and variable transmission work seamlessly to provide power when needed.

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  Interesting Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Linda Bear - June 15 - 8:26 am

  I do like the quietness and the driving response. It is a fun SUV to drive. I have yet to test it on a very snowy day - I hope that it performs, because I am used to 4wd. The gas mileage consumption has not lived-up to what it should be. The navi is great and the brakes are very good as well.

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  Best Car Ever - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Paul Sagert - June 7 - 7:40 am

  Great car, using 89 octane getting 33 mpg. Ride is smooth and very quiet. Radio/CD system is very good and easy to use. Traded a 2005 Ford Escape in for the Toyota as it was to small and had no power. Love the Highlander and would highly recommend it.

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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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  Fuel Mule - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By likestotrade - May 13 - 5:36 am

  I really like the vehicle. It has not lived up to the fuel economy 23 hwy and 25 city. If I keep the speedometer at 55 I can get 24 on the highway. I was expecting something closer to 28. Driving oldladiesque has yeilded me 25 in town. A let down for sure. I was hope to see numbers over 29. Otherwise this car is great. Lots of power when you need it. This is roomy vehicle, looks to be a very safe, and rides likes a camry. The ride is quiet. If you want an SUV that gets the gas mileage of your average car this is it. Toyota quality makes this a no brainer when looking at the competition.

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  hybrid doesnt = 30+mpg - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By ken - May 9 - 5:00 pm

  The vehicle is comfortable, reliable, has decent power, pick-up and performance. However, even without exceeding 60 mph om the highway, I only get around 26-28 mpg, not the 33-35 shown on the sticker. Still, I am very pleased with the purchase.