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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  As good as it gets - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By jniska - June 12 - 7:53 am

  This vehicle is just about perfect. Ride is great, driving dynamics are good for a bigger SUV, and the mileage for a vehicle this size is outstanding. We test drove the Escape Hybrid and it falls way short of the Highlander in comfort, and overall driving feel. This car is the perfect compliment to our Prius. Not only do you we get over 26 MPG, the car can seat 7 and tow 3500 pounds. I dont know of any other vehicle that can do that. We typically trade in our cars every few years, but this one is going to stay for quite a while, or at least until Toyota comes out with a plug in model.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Sunny FL - May 30 - 2:13 am

  Love my 06 Highlander Hybrid. Bought in 08 with 93k miles for $16K. Now have 125K and all is GREAT. NO problems, no issues great gas mileage 29 mpg around town. When and if the hybrid battery goes out it will be no brainer to purchase a replacement.

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  Wifes Toy - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Virgil Hayden - May 24 - 4:13 am

  I purchased this vehicle for my wife last month. The vehicle gets great fuel economy for in town driving (37mph) and respectable mileage for an suv on the highway (30). It is very roomy inside despite it looking compact on the outside. We are very happy with the vehicle and would definitely buy this vehicle again.

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  Hybrid system breakdown! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By keepwarmnow - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Great experience until 100,000 miles. All check ups done at dealership.100,000 miles warranty expires soon after car wont start.I bought a Toyota because they are meant to last.Took car to dealership and they announced it would be 8700 dollars to fix. The hybrid system does not work! CODES POAA6&526-614 and Warrantied only to 100,000 miles. I am at 119,000. I was told the labor on the part is minimal it is the part that is so expensive. I was shocked and then looked on the internet to find that others have found themselves in the same position.When I went to pick up the car at Toyota they charged me $250.00 for the diagnostic test and tried to sell me another Toyota. HA!!

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  The Perfect Balance - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Al - April 15 - 4:20 am

  Wow! This vehicle has an excellent balance of performance, economy, ergonomics and reliability. Beginning with Toyotas amazing commitment to quality and reliability. Continue with Toyotas attention to comfort and ergonomics. Top it all off with 270 hp and 460 ft lbs of torque (almost as much as my turbo diesel!!) and its hard to believe that it holds 7 people and gets 27 mpg!! We traded our Sequoia in for the Highlander and havent looked back (we loved our Sequoia!). I think I love it more than my Camry hybrid and my diesel truck! Especially as fuel moves well over 4.00/gallon.

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  Excellent Hybrid Toyota - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Chagnon - April 12 - 6:03 pm

  An excellent Toyota vehicle once again!! This vehicle is simply flawless. Not one thing has gone wrong to date (11 months); nothing.

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  Not Completely Satisfied - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Preston - March 18 - 11:20 am

  While the Highlander is extremely agile, quick and tight, I am thoroughly disappointed in the mileage. Many Features are well thought out. Placement of third row seat belts, so as not to obstruct rear view is one of many of the smallest things that Toyota is well known for. They excel in details. However, highway mileage has been as expected around 26. Sticker claims 27 hwy/31 city, but city mileage at best has been a max of 23 with an average of 17. The car currently has 2500 miles, but I cant imagine that there needs to be a longer break-in period. I did do my homework before purchasing the car and saw that a lot of folks were not happy with the mileage, but I expected 27 - 30 city.

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  100% satisfied! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By JBL - March 15 - 7:00 am

  This is by far the BEST vehicle I have ever owned. So far, with 40K miles, the vehicle has performed flawlessly! The best mileage I have obtained so far was in the summer of 2006. I averaged 35.2 over 576 miles! So it can be done - the vehicle is capable of beating EPA estimates! Had I been more careful, the mpg would have been even higher. This was without extreme driving techniques, but using only gentle driving - no hard acceleration or braking and included several steep hills, up as well as down & mostly highway. This is not the norm though as the avg. is 28-30 warmer months and 25- 26 in colder months. Dont blame Toyota for Federal EPA mileage flaws. ALL vehicles are usually LOWER.

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  Highlander 2wd - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By gracie - March 5 - 3:00 am

  Purchased at dealer in MD. Drove 315 miles home. 1/3 interstate @ 70 mph 27 mpg and 2/3 country roads @ 55 mph 30 mpg. Since city/ highway 29 mpg and interstate 70 mph 28 mpg. Good ride and acceleration. Looking to tow 2500lb boat.

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  a very good comprise - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Gene - February 22 - 1:46 pm

  You will find the ride a bit stiff and if you are a six footer you will have a reach for the steering wheel (if you sit with even pressure on the bottoms of the legs). Good vision all around, fit and finish is very good, mileage has been at 27 per with all types of driving. Tranny is as smooth as it gets; combine batt/engine gives more than ample power. Be sure to shop and compare.