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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  2007 Toyota HH - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By utahsteve1 - September 5 - 3:13 am

  I just purchased a new 2007 hybrid Highlander and broke it in over the holiday weekend. Drove approximately 1350 total miles. First 800: varied speed from 45-70 on 2 lane highway with lots of hills in rural areas. Averaged 29.1 by the dispaly and on paper. Second 550: set cruise control at 70 on interstate and averaged 28.7. This seems good to me. Vehicle is very comfortable over long distances and seriously quiet. Rides nicely and handles well. Have not used AC but heater seems to work well. Am very happy with my purchase and hope that with increased mileage that the gas economy will improve.

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  Best of All - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By lvodron - August 30 - 12:13 pm

  This SUV is the best! We love the way it handles. People stop us all the time to ask about it. Mileage isnt the same as claimed. The mileage is great for a small SUV. (22-23). One month we only spent $40 in gas. Easy to drive.

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  Bills first 16 months with Highlander H - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Bill - August 13 - 7:13 am

  Bought for economy. Hwy @ 26 mpg, city @ 32 mpg, thus almost reaching rating of 28/34. Excellent power, smooth transition between gas and electric, transmission shifts seemlessly. Dealer service dept very fast for scheduled service. Zero maintenance problems in 31000 miles. Very quiet operation in city and highway. Big enough to haul stuff like power washer, wheel barrow, construction materials, etc. We are very pleased with the vehicle.

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  Best midsize SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Fred - July 31 - 11:26 am

  I have owned new Explorers, a Mountaineer, a Blazer, Tahoe LT, Avalanche, 2 Durangos, 2 Chrysler minivans in addition to passenger cars. The Highlander is the most fun to drive, has the best handling, the smoothest, quietest drive, the best performance and by far the best economy. My best in town mileage, 215 miles @ 35.5MPG and 31.1 for 496 miles. Since I enjoy the perky acceleration, I usually average 25 to 27 MPG in town - which, to me, is still worth the higher price of the hybrid. Highway mileage at 70 MPH usually runs 24 to 26 MPG, @65 MPH-25 to 27 MPG, @60 MPH-27 to 29 MPG, @55 MPH-29 to 31 MPG.

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  Highlander Hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By skip1 - July 27 - 11:16 pm

  It is a fun SUV to drive currently with 325 mile I get 30.3 mpg. The only bad feature is the small third row seat which would be ok for young children, but not for adults. The navagation system and other updates from the original Prius for monitoring the car are so much more advanced, Including a calendar for memos etc. It is a very comforable SUV

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  Love this car! - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By ilener - July 23 - 5:26 pm

  I owned an Audi A6 prior to this and all I can say is I love this car! Sure, the Audi looked a little sportier, but it was constantly having mechanical problems or one little plastic piece or another break off inside. This car is much more rugged and reliable. It can take abuse by bumpy roads and kids without a hiccup. I love the keyless remote - so handy when my keys are at the bottom of my purse. The huge backup camera screen, extra wide mirror, and super adjustable seat mean that I can be comfortable and have great visibility. My sister has a comparably sized Acura and is gets a measly 10mpg, far below its advertised mpg -- and the dealer has not been able to fix it. Love my car!

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  Disappointing - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Anna - July 20 - 5:23 am

  I was extremelly disappointed with the fuel economy. I got an average of 21 mpg - way below than expected. Granted I used the air conditioning all the time as I live in Fl but I did not push the car hard. A hybrid should have better fuel economy for its price tag.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By searching15 - July 19 - 6:15 am

  We bought our HH new in 2008. We have replaced the 12v battery 3 times, replaced tires twice, and now have the car at the dealership for the 5th visit related to fueling issues - mainly that I can no longer fuel my HH. The car has been in for recalls 5 times, and the customer service at 5 dealerships has been seriously lacking if not all together absent. Definitely a lemon, and we have owned 3 other Toyotas without reliability issues, but the experience with this vehicle has left us disappointed and we will certainly not be purchasing another Toyota.

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  toyota - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By kevin - July 18 - 10:00 am

  this is an extremely sophisticated and fun to drive and is pretty fast for a hybrid

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  Poor Navigation System - 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Scott - July 4 - 7:40 am

  We love the soft leather seats and smooth ride. The Navigation System is difficult to use and not very intuitive. The Nav System in my 2006 Acura MDX is far superior...easier to use....has much greater utility. Wish I had saved the $2K and bought a $200 hand-held GPS instead. We always have to mapquest destinations because of the Highlanders frustrating nav system. Other than that, nice vehicle, although getting the advertised MPG is a challenge, so far, unachievable....best weve gotten is around 23MPG combined.....you really need to drive conservatively to get close.