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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  Women should be aware of reliability - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Susan S - April 11 - 10:26 pm

  The battery in this car is not sufficient. The battery dies after being left for 5+ days. Always have to get a jump when left at the airport (dark at night in the parking lot). Battery died in an under ground parking lot when I got in, turned int.lights on and tried to put my next destination into the GPS.Did not have enough juice to turn over the engine. Last time I was in the pouring rain at a track meet and within 5 minutes having the radio going and the heater on, the car just powered down. Left stranded again. I am now scarred to drive this car as being stranded is always in the back of my mind. I have to park with the front facing out on trips,beg shuttle guy to give boost when let out

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  An exceptional vehicle - 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By hayguy - April 5 - 12:24 am

  I now have 4,000 miles on my 2015 Highlander Hybrid. I traded in my Avalon Hybrid (a fantastic car) to gain AWD and more room for travel. This is an extremely well thought out vehicle. It is very quiet, quick and very comfortable. The new generation info/entertainment system is excellent. The latest navigation system is accurate and easy to use. My wife drives a late Lexus RX 350. The Highlander Hybrid is every bit its equal and in some respects superior. In both city and highway driving it has no trouble meeting and exceeding the EPA mileage estimates. It is an exceptional long distance driver. The third seat is for kids (or adults you dont like) but it is handy when needed.

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  Fun to Own and Drive! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Rex - March 21 - 5:56 am

  I didnt want to give up the roominess of a SUV but I did want to get a lot better gas mileage. After much looking and research I chose the Toyota. My wife liked our Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and was reluctant to part with it, however one test drive later she was a fan of it! We both really like it and are glad of the change. We felt fortunate to find one and bought one on the lot. It had the GPS option which I really didnt feel I needed. It is now one of my most favorite options!

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  Cream of the Crop - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By groovology - March 18 - 9:30 pm

  After owning what was supposed to be the pinnacle German brand and having nothing but problems during my ownership experience, I decided to give Toyota a try. The Highlander itself is not very interesting to me, but the hybrid really caught my imagination. I drove it and was immediately impressed with the combination of comfort, power, roominess, and economy. A year later, all I can say is that Toyota has actually exceeded all my expectations. The car has been 100% reliable, and both my wife and I truly love it. Its rare that you have a car that is comfortable, fast, easy to drive, and helps you do your part for the environment. Its great, plain and simple.

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  Highlander - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Herb Hagmann - March 17 - 6:23 pm

  Best suv I ever drove, including my former Ford Escape Hybrid

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  Mixed Feelings - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By hi land er - March 4 - 2:36 pm

  I feel the advertising and the sticker on the window promised MUCH better mileage for a hybrid SUV than it gets in reality, even while driving with Toyotas fuel-ecomony tips. Overall, I like the car, how it handles, acceleration, interior & exterior (decent length for an SUV). I have had it since Oct 2005. But we paid a lot for it & I am still upset about the low gas mileage. I know its an SUV, but much better mileage should be possible.

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  Tough Little Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Tulip - February 28 - 4:40 am

  This is one tough little vehicle. It got us to our destination thru Hurricane Rita with peace of mind (we are talking about 24+ hours driving time). Thats with 6 animals and 2 kids and myself in tow. Its reliable, comfortable and efficient. My only complaint is that it doesnt have a rear air conditioning unit for the riders in the back seats and the cup-holders in the front are kind of lame. Other than that, I love it!

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  Pure Pleasure - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Gary D Schott - January 27 - 1:30 pm

  This has been one of the finest vehicles my wife and I have ever owned. We have had Mercedes, Volvo and this is by far the best. In 2 feet of snow in CO, no problem, ice no problem. Gas mil. is wonderful. I left the Post Office one day and went to a car wash and had a man follow me for 3 miles just to ask what I thought about it as he and his wife were looking. Not bad huh!

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  Well-planned - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By mb - December 22 - 4:43 pm

  I love this car! We got it b/c we wanted an SUV for kids and knew wed get hit hard at gas pumps, but also b/c in test drive, it was the most comfortable, and most thoughtfully planned interior of many SUVs, including new Acuras. Ive had a honda for 11 yrs and enjoyed the FWD, the reliability and all the nooks and crannies in it (I miss those hidden compartments) but this car has style, more cupholders than you could possibly need and that 3rd seat in the 2nd row is an amazing feature!

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  First 12000 miles - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Phil Wakeling - December 22 - 12:00 am

  I traded a 1999 Subaru Impreza on the Highlander and get better mileage than the little 4 cylinder. Four cylinder economy and V8 power - great combination. My overall average fuel consumption for 10 months of mixed driving (mostly in Michigan) is 26 mpg. Best was 28 mpg for local driving - no freeways - and the worst was 23 mpg on 10% methanol in Iowa on I80 at 80 mph. This is a fun an comfortable car to drive - not as quiet as my wifes Avalon, but close. It is stable in the snow at freeway speeds and climbs snowy slopes with ease. I have driven in beach sand with no problems. The high torque at low speed works well in these circumstances, almost like a low range on a conventional 4wd.