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:

• 

  WOW! - 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Timothy - December 13 - 6:19 pm

  Very well built, get the platinum edition! I wish it had a remote start system, larger gas tank and a truly automatic rain sensing wipers.

• 

  Improvements and towing - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Gene - December 11 - 10:00 am

  I tried to find a backup camera with no results, If toyota would retrofit the 2007 for a reasonable cost it would be great. They need to do something about the noise when you open the rear windows, the vehicle make a noise that is extremely hard on the ears.

• 

  Its my bliss - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By idaten - December 1 - 3:56 am

  29 mpg for the first 700 miles, which exceeds my expectations, especially during break-in.

• 

  1 year and going strong - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Jane and John - November 26 - 2:13 am

  My wife and I are so happy that we wanted to give an update. We have had our hybrid 1 year and 20K miles later. The performance has been flawless. MPG averages 27, not bad given a lot of AC use in the south. Absolutely NO mechanical problems. As the gas prices rise, our happiness with this vehicle rises proportionally. Toyota quality so far so good and as advertised.

• 

  Low MPG For New Hybrid - 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By joe - November 15 - 2:16 am

  I purchased a 2009 highlander Ltd Hybrid with the expectation that I would experience MPG at or above the sticker stated 27 city and 25 highway. It seems that there is a problem with the electric motors or the computer which controls the timing of the electric and gas motor operation. Toyota specifications indicate that the three electric motors come on line in higher torque needs such as when starting from a light or going up grades to minimize the use of the gas engine. This car does not do that. The gas engine is forced to run in almost all situations because only the front electric motors operate. The car acts like a standard gas vehicle instead of a hybrid.

• 

  Highlander Review - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Andrea - November 13 - 10:46 am

  Great SUV, roomy and comfortable, very smooth ride for passengers (front and back). Navigation is great, useful, and amazingly accurate. First hybrid weve owned, but the gas mileage is better than regular SUV, but not as high as advertised. We average 22mpg Hwy and 26 mpg City. Great visibility, easy to get in/out. Overall fun drive.

• 

  First impressions - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By drewm - November 10 - 8:40 pm

  I really appreciate how smoothly it switches from electric to gas and back. You dont even notice it. The pick-up is remarkable. It is very quiet, and rides like a car... not quite as smooth as my Sienna, but close.

• 

  Hybrid Rip Off - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Brian - November 10 - 5:36 pm

  Bought the hybrid for the great mileage claims which turned out to be a complete lie. Vehicle gets 21-22 mpg from normal driving which in no way justtifies the price premium.

• 

  Going Green Is So Much Fun! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By dvs8866 - November 4 - 11:20 pm

  Ive only had my hybrid for a week, so maybe its a little early to write a review, but I couldnt wait another week. Ive test driven several and was pleasantly surprised that they do have more giddy-up than I originally thought. This car beats my Jeep Liberty by miles in every aspect. Theres more room for my two boys to spread out, the gas mileage is almost double (Im in sales and this was the main reason for my turning green), the third row seat is a bonus for baseball season, and its just a head turner.

• 

  I would buy another one - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By mcnamara - October 29 - 1:20 pm

  We have owned the vehicle for 5 months. There has not been one problem with the car. Mileage 27.5 mpg city and 26 - 30 mpg on the highway. Most driving is at 5,000 to 6,500 feet above sea level. Gasoline is typically purchased with an ethanol/regular mixture. The ride is quiet and smooth. Plenty of power.