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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  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.

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  It rocks - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Danielle - April 21 - 4:50 am

  I love this car. Everything is right where it should be. It is comfortable and luxurious, especially for a Toyota. Way nicer, bigger and more features than the Lexus 400h. The only complaint is the price tag.

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  06 HH - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Bob259 - April 7 - 2:30 am

  While not getting the mileage they like to advertise at the dealers it is a great riding and has the performance of a V8 at the fuel cost of a 4 cyl. How can that be bad!!!! :-)

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  Too Little of a good thing - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Jon - April 6 - 6:43 pm

  I went to test drive the Hybrid Highlander, all the glowing reviews are well deserved. It was a little creepy sitting at a stoplight with a silent engine. Overall the Highlander hybrid is a very well built car. However, I am six foot four and the leg room in the drivers side is too small. I kept hitting my shin on the emergency brake pedal. Therefore, I deferred my purchase until the time Toyota is considerate enough to built a hybrid for a person over five foot five.

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  Buy a Honda - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By The Judge - March 5 - 7:53 am

  Serious and dangerous uncontrolable torque steer. Poof fuel economy, pathetic tiny front seats with uncomfortable arm rests combine for a truely sad ride. Lots of rattles and squeaks. The car has an almost rubberband motion to it. I will never buy another toyota. Toyota flat out lied, told me you dont need the 4wd and as it turns out it is the only thing that helps control the uncontrollable pull to the right in the 2wd version. That is why the 2008 hybrids will only be offered in this layout. Never again with this POOR company. The gas motor thumps when it kicks in, got much worse after the first 100 miles. Deceptive regarding their claim of a "seamless transion" between gas and electric.

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  Highlander Hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By bill631 - February 25 - 2:46 am

  This SUV provides a smooth yet powerful drive, even much to my surprise in the mountains of Colorado, which accounts for a least 50% of my driving. No problems whatsoever after over 11,000 miles of driving in all kinds of weather. The AWD seems better than any previous AWD vehicles Ive own in the difficult winter weather driving conditions of Summit County Colorado.

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  Sherman tank that gets great gas mileage - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Adam K - February 24 - 4:13 pm

  Prior to buying this vehicle, I owned a 2002 Honda CR-V and thought that it was the best car ever built. Then I bought my Highlander Hybrid with 26K miles and the it is more rugged and gets better mileage than the smaller Honda. This 06 Highlander Hybrid has it all: Good Looks. Great interior space. Smooth ride with a CVT transmission. Good gas mileage for a powerful SUV I get about 26 MPG overall. While this is less than advertised, it is still very good for a car with 268 HP that is built like a Sherman Tank. I typically keep a car for 200K plus miles and I am confident that this will go way beyond this milestone with basic maintenance.

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  Best SUV - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By steve topor - February 21 - 5:40 pm

  Just got it 4 weeks ago and enjoy it very much!!! MPG 24-25 combined great for SUV.. Have not seen close to 27 mpg.Feels like a full size SUV had a Land Cruiser and this about doubles its mpg and still has room. Finally got a price break at invoice plus dealer options -over paid for them.

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  Wife says it drives like a dream - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By keny - February 18 - 1:20 pm

  Had the car a month. Waited to write my comment until we took a 2300 mile trip. Overall we love the car. A little disappointed with the overall 24mpg. We drove on interstates, in big cities, mountains and 2-lanes. Inside is roomy and comfortable. Love the bluetooth. The Nav system is no better than my Magellan portable. Disappointed that there are areas with no turn-by-turn instructions even though it lists streets. There are some features on it I really liked like the split screen. The front mats are already showing signs of matting. Love the transmission. Mpg is much better at 60-65 mph than over 75 mph. That should be expected. We did get about 31 mpg on one tank. A keeper.

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  our first new toyota - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By ed gavin - February 9 - 2:00 pm

  we are very satisfied with our purchase.this is our first toyota .we have allways had fords .we heard this would be good on gas mileage and so far it has been .i do miss my key code on the entry side .the driving is great ,it handles steady and rides quiet & the pick has a quick response ... thanks toyota ..