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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  Great Car!!! - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Clbinnc - January 19 - 10:20 pm

  I was looking between the Highlander, Lexus 400h, and Saturn Vue Hybrid. The Saturn and Lexus were both much smaller than the Highlander and the gas mileage was the same of less than what the Highlander was rated, so I went with the Highlander, plus it was the most comfortable. Navigation system took some time to get used to, but I like it now, the bluetooth capability should come with every car made, its amazing. The only thing the highlander was missing was an iPod jack, but it does come with an auxiliary jack, which you can connect to the iPod, just not as convenient. Currently getting about 25.5 in the city and 26.7 highway, which is reverse according to the sticker. Overall love it!

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  Everything - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By clee - January 17 - 11:50 am

  Ive wanted an AWD car that can pull my boat but be a hybrid. Finally it arrived and my expectations have been exceeded. Such comfort, quiet, smoothness, and luxury were not expected and definitely welcome. My other car is a 2003 Forester XS, and it seems like a different era compared to the Highlander.

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  Special Car - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Richard Wass - December 2 - 4:58 am

  All around great car. Excellent in Snow. Stuck in traffic, gas engine shuts off and vehicle runs on battery. 31 MPG around town when new. Thats great with a V6 and AWD.

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  Great MPG - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Kari - November 23 - 8:50 pm

  We have had our Highlander for 2 years, and love it. We have found after driving for two years you have to pay attention to what is on to get great mileage. In the winter, if you run the heater constantly you will lose mileage. Use a combination of heated seats and defrost, then our mileage is around 25 mpg. In summer, when we run just vent, and windows up we have seen 35 mpg, but usually we get 33 mpg because we like air conditioning. Definitely better mileage in summer. But overall great ride, good touring vehicle. Have had problems with people not hearing the SUV, when we start to back up. We have to take extra precautions, to make sure we dont surprise people walking to their cars.

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  Perfect Solution for a greeny w/ 3 kids! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Julia - November 12 - 10:03 am

  We just had our 3rd child and this has been perfect for us! I was dreading getting a bigger vehicle but Ive fallen in love with this car! Such a smooth ride and we can fit an infant car seat, a 7 year old in a booster seat and a 9 year old all in the second row, but if they want more room one of the older kids can sit in the 3rd row! With the third row up its hard to fit other things in the back, but if we wanted more room we would have gotten a mini van! Its fun watching the gas mileage and I love when the engine shuts off because weve slowed down or stopped. Love how it charges the battery going down hill! I love the look of it. It would be nice if it was a little higher off the ground.

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  Coolest Car EVER!! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Lisa - November 11 - 4:53 am

  Im from Denver and weve had tons of snow this winter. I have wrung my car thru the ringer to give it a good "test" and it has done every thing Ive asked it to with ease and grace! In addition to the awesome AWD, the ride is smooth, the interior is comfy, and theres tons of horsepower. My low MPG was 22 (85 mph on I-70 in 100 degree heat) and my high was 29 (being a really good girl on the throttle). MPG drops substantially when its very cold out. Best MPG seems to be city highways with heavy traffic. I wouldnt trade this car for anything else on the road - unless of course it was something real expensive so I could sell it and buy 2 Highlander Hybrids.

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  Good, not Great - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Mr. KWM - November 2 - 8:10 pm

  We primarily bought this car for high gas mileage/fuel conservation, but its been a disappointment in that regard: average ~22mpg (mostly city). The performance is incredible, so its clear why gas mileage is low. We also got hit with the AMT this year (2006) so we lost the entire hybrid tax credit (not Toyotas fault), which left a bad taste in our mouth. Overall, its still a very well built car and fun to drive, if not fuel thrifty.

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  2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Ltd. - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Tomas Corlette - November 1 - 11:13 pm

  We traded our 2005 Highlander Limited with 65,000 miles for an 08 Highlander Hybrid and went from average 21 mpg to average 26 mpg, more performance, more room and comfort. It wasnt cheap and we expect to keep it past 100,000 miles. We were not impressed that the new Limited didnt include roof rack crossbars ($200) or door side moldings($180). The rear-seat-floor battery vents must not be blocked and that removes some room when we pack the car for long trips.

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  Steady Eddie - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By eessydo - October 25 - 2:30 am

  Many complaints about this vehicle saying it is "sluggish" on a test drive. My guess is that the dealer had the "ECON" button engaged when they pushed the accelerator down. The 270 horse is more than enough to get out of a jam. Comfort is definitely not an issue. It came down to the Ford Escape Hy or this vehicle, and while the ford gets better gas mileage and is a little more "off-road" ready, this car is built much better, and the average commuter will feel less bumps in the road. FYI, you have to be VERY active in your driving style to get the 27 mpg city in this car. It will take a while for you to learn the techniques to maximize fuel economy.

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  Love it - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By N. - October 8 - 6:26 pm

  I cant speak to reliability, as I have had the car less than a month. However, Ive tested in various conditions (not in snow yet), and I love it so far. The ride is comfortable, its incredibly smooth and quiet (luxurious feel), and the interior space and layout is very user friendly. It gets more than double the gas mileage of my last car (a Ford Explorer), yet is nearly the same size. The visibility is good, and I recommend the navigation system/ computer. The seats are the most comfortable Ive ever had in a car--and even the back seats adjust forward and backward. This car also has a third row seat, though I wouldnt use it regularly (its small.) VERY happy with it.