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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  2008 highlander hybrid - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By nathan - October 25 - 6:23 pm

  For a full sized SUV - its amazing. The limited edition is full of all the extras. A lot of the same stuff that others are posting here. Its not advertised for "offroad", but then neither was my truck.

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  Love this Hybrid! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Chris - October 16 - 2:23 am

  Very well rounded vehicle & fun to drive. I put 1000 miles on this car in the 1st week and it saves me $10 /week on gas versus my old car.

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  Loving It - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Loving it - October 1 - 8:43 am

  Im loving my Highlander Hybrid. Gas mileage has been great, between 27-29 mpg so far. I have about 4,000 miles on it. Plenty of pep, handles beautifully, looks good, decent cargo space (I used to own a minivan so its definitely smaller), safe. Its not nearly as good on the gas mileage if you are on the highway riding over 75 mph or stomping on the gas around town. But if you ride smooth you should easily get 27 mpg or even up to 29 mpg. I read a lot of comments previously that it was hard to reach this. Piece of cake.

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  I love this vehicle - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By denise - September 25 - 4:53 am

  The SUV has a lot of power and gets good gas mileage, for this big of a vehicle

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  Great commuter with flexible utility - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Dmitry - September 8 - 7:26 pm

  Ive been eyeing and researching this vehicle for a while, and Toyotas recent financial incentives have finally made me buy it (was able to get 0% / 5 years). The experience (2 weeks now) has exceeded my expectations in almost every category. The only "downgrade" is less cargo space compared to an older van with removable seats I drove before. Daily drive: 80 miles (25 miles on town/arterial roads at 35/55 mph, and 55 miles on freeways at 60-70 mph). The average gas mileage on 3 tanks so far is at 25.5 mpg. Excellent commuter with utility flexibility; great for moving family of 4 with a large dog (German Shepard) with folded 3rd row. When grandparents come to visit, we all can still fit.

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  Hybrid Happy - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Betty L - July 24 - 9:23 pm

  I still find it hard to believe I am already driving an SUV Hybrid. With the release date being June 2005, the best I hoped for was the end of June, and realistically, I didnt expect to be in one until the end of the year. My only hope was that my Avelon, with 120,000 miles held out until I was able to purchase the Hylander Hybrid. Much to my surprise, I got the call from the dealership the day they got their first Hilander Hybrid, and it was exactly what I wanted, Limited Edition, color, etc. 400 miles later I am very pleased with it. Its getting about 23 miles/gallon with city driving, and its a very quiet and comfortable ride. I highly recommend it!!!

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  Poor Mileage - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Ronald Cotton - July 10 - 9:50 pm

  This vehicle drives and handles very well. My anger is that I paid a premium of $6000.00 not for the car but for the mileage factor. I drive 15 miles each way to work on the highway and the highest mileage I have gotten has been 25.5 mpg. I have gotten as low as 22 mpg. I dont do much city driving with this vehicle. I check my gas mileage every time I fill up. I wrote a letter to Toyota 3 months ago and I havent got any reply yet. I feel that if youre paying for the "mileage" you should get it. I dont know any else who has this vehicle so we could compare notes. I dont recommend anyone to buy this vehicle if they are looking for this mileage.

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  Does everyting well - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By gwnorth - July 3 - 1:03 pm

  We bought this car in need of a vehicle with enough space for two kids, two dogs, and two adults with the hopes of getting some respectable mileage. It has meet our needs well and so far we have averaged about 27 mpg using the econ mode and focusing on how we drive the vehicle. Toyota builds a great car, just not a very exciting car. Dont get me wrong, it does everyting it is supposed to do and does it well, just very conservatively and below the radar. We are pleased with our purchase and hope to get many great years out of our new HH!

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  Over paid for hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By steve smith - June 24 - 8:00 am

  Should have kept my RX 330. We thought the mileage was going to be so much better but the joke was on us for paying $4500 more for the hybrid. If you drive the suv in the city for 100,000 miles you might make up the difference. Plus we did not get our tax credit because we leased. The value is going down because gas has leveled off. Can not wait till the lease is up.

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  A great vehicle with a few quirks - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Craig - June 15 - 4:06 pm

  This is my first hybrid. I have noticed that if you want to milk every bit of mpg from this vehicle, you need to drive in ECON mode. Using ECON mode I get 25 mpg in mixed driving. Without ECON mode I get around 20 mpg - sometimes less. EV mode is, IMHO, a marketing gimmick as it will not work unless the temperature is right, the batteries are fully charged, etc, etc, etc. When idling in park or in traffic, you sometimes feel a bump and small surge forward. When driving, you do not feel gas/electric switching at all. In ECON mode, acceleration is damped to conserve fuel. In normal mode this vehicle is quite powerful and easily gets to freeway speeds.