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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  A reliable and fuel efficient SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Scott - May 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this hybrid after months of research. I actually sold my 05 highlander as I wanted the fuel efficiency. The interior is great as well as the outside design. A family of 7 fits comfortably with limited luggage or 5 with ample cargo room too. I love driving my Toyota as it cruises on batteries only. I have snuck up on many people this way. My only gripes are two: the rear 3rd row seats are hard to get into and the Battery only button is nearly worthless. You can drive on battery only if you dont floor the accelerator. Overall a great SUV to pick up used. No problems at all. I average 25 MPG in the city and about 23-25 on the freeway. I do hate one thing, the navigation system.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By bmore - April 26 - 11:13 am

  I have been extremely pleased with my purchase. The vehicle accelerates wonderfully. I have been averaging 25- 26 mpg (mostly highway and AC on 100%). Which is a great thing since gas prices are hitting close to $3. I do wish it had power locks. The Nav package is very nice.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Patticakes - April 15 - 2:00 pm

  We bought this car with "being green" in mind, and turned out to be a big disappointment. Gas mileage is not what was expected. Battery has failed three times. Seat heaters are mediocre. Horrible noise in car when back seat windows are down or cracked. Where is the Bluetooth option? IPod option? Third seat is for pets -- not sized for humans. Will not own another one.

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  We love our Highlander Hybrid - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By nihonkara - April 10 - 2:40 am

  We were moving back to the US from Japan and wanted a Hybrid SUV. We are planning on a larger family than we have right now and needed the space. Also, since the gas prices had been going sky-high, we felt we needed the hybrid. We also did some simple math computation and realized that getting the hybrid for about $4K more that the non-hybrid, we could save about $3K in gas per year. (It pays for itself in 2 years!) Havent had ANY trouble, it is perfect.

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  Disappointed - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By ajscott - February 23 - 10:33 am

  This car wasnt great. It is one of the first hybrid models out there and we bought this car new and it has about 50K on it now. Weve had some pricey problems with it though. At times it wont start and have had many recalls on it for steering! And if you spill even a little bit of water youll short out all the electronics in the car!!!! That was over $7500!!!! The car does drive pretty nice and does have a lot of power though. And I was in an accident in it and the engine did shift but luckily not onto us. I personally dont think it was that safe. The car is okay but not worth the money.

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  Nearly Perfect - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By JShue - February 18 - 4:13 am

  Theres nothing bad to say. Im getting great gas mileage for an SUV, 24-32 mpg. You have to pay attention to your driving style to get it though, no fast accelerating, etc. It handles really well for you non-sports car drivers. Its easy to drive, fun and very comfortable. Tons of room, head and legs, unless you are 6-2 and try to fit in the third row, although that still was better than any small car backseat Ive been stuffed in. The standard features with the base model are good enough although mine came with the popular plus package which came with more features than I would have asked for. This vehicle was simply better than anything else I researched and/or test drove.

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  Highlander Hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Jeff & Kathy Miller - February 3 - 6:03 pm

  My husband and I traded in our Sequoia because we were impressed with information Toyota put out about the Highlander Hybrid. Toyota advertised the Hybrid as getting 33mpg city and 28mpg highway (much better than our Sequoia). We have owned this car for 4+months and are getting nowhere near what Toyota has advertised. We are dissatisfied with the gas mileage and the fact that there are no air vents in the back. Therefore when our kids sit in the back seats on a hot day, they nearly suffocate. We are very dissatisfied with our purchase and hold the Toyota Company completely at fault for false advertisement. We own 3 Toyota vehicles and have been very happy up until this purchase.

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  THE NEXT GENERATION - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By 4WHEELGUY - February 3 - 5:50 pm

  Overall this unit has it all (within reason). It drives nice and is very comfortable for the long hauls. Mileage so far as been impressive and it is extremely quiet. So far it has been a very positive purchase.

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  Highlander Hybrid Excels - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By jjdrvr - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Recently purchased 2011 Highlander Hybrid limited after owning 2006 same model. Hugh improvement in driving/riding experience. Also transition from gas to hybrid a lot smoother and less noticeable than previous car. Really like few changes made to car appearance although wasnt initially sure about limited grill (like it now). Hope reliability will be as great as my 2006.

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  A Step In The Right Direction - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By jay kent - January 29 - 12:33 am

  This is my second Highlander in a row and my first Hybrid. I LOVE IT! Sure, its not perfect, but kudos to Toyota for giving us an alternative to the gas guzzling SUV. Mileage at 10,000 km is apx. 28 hwy and 25 city (hilly). On the flats, mileage is closer to 30 mpg combined. So, its not perfect yet, but already I calculate Ive used over 600 litres (160 gallons) less than with my previous Highlander. The vehicle is a bit heavier and handling is not quite as sharp as the 01 but its comfortable and the acceleration is fantastic. This vehicle gets you thinking the right way about fuel consumption. Highly recommended to those who care.