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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  2010 Highlander Hybrid - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Ka - August 29 - 12:36 am

  Fuel economy so far has been better than EPA estimate (29-30MPG mixed). The car is roomy and drives smoothly.

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  2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By ToyotaFan - August 27 - 7:53 am

  Great power/acceleration. Mileage not nearly as good as advertised. Even in winter, driving softly, I get about 24 MPG.

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  Power Without The Guilt - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By FlipNHybrid - August 23 - 8:16 am

  I love this vehicle. Takes off like a rocket, yet doesnt guzzle gas like its competitors. Surprisingly, my gas mileage seems to be increasing with time. And Im not alone; check out the posts in the Highlander Hybrid forum. My friend, whos 6 4", finds both the front and second row seats comfortable. Hes driven the HH on our long commutes to work, and he doesnt have any problems with the seating nor the pedal layout.

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  No Sacrifices for Efficiency - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By ECH - August 13 - 5:30 am

  This hybrid performs. The HyHi has amazing acceleration and a wonderful ride. It drives and handles well and is "Green" at the same time. Nothing is sacrificed for fuel efficiency and clean air. Everyone wants to know where you plug it in... you dont plug it in anywhere, its intelligence recharges the batteries while you are driving. This is our second hybrid vehicle from Toyota and they are both fantastic.

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  Heck of a First Car -- Will Post 1yr Review as Well - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By sovereign - August 6 - 12:13 pm

  As the title suggests, this is my first car. Purchased at 43k miles from a dealer. Having driven only my parents cars until now, those being minivans (Odyssey, Villager) and sedans (Impala), a small SUV is certainly different. That "hybrid" and "luxury features" are not mutually-exclusive (nor do they require a premium nameplate) is a good thing. The "hybrid premium" also shrinks to almost nothing (by Edmunds estimates for similarly-equipped vehicles quoted at dealer retail). 2006 Limited 4x4 loaded minus DVD: $20,923. 2006 Limited 4x4 Hybrid loaded minus DVD: $21,445. Thats $523, so one would need to save 125 gallons of gas in mileage vs. nonhybrid. Such savings is easy.

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  Good, Some Improvements Required - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By rico_ - August 1 - 10:56 am

  Overall a good car with good Toyota quality. The biggest complaint is the battery in the gas engine dies if a door is left slightly ajar or a light is left on - once that battery is dead the car will not start, despite being full of batteries! (ppl laugh when I say the battery died on my hybrid!) We bought a portable jump start kit and it works great. Otherwise a good vehicle. Price is a bit high. Mileage is good but not great - when gasoline prices spiked I felt smart but the added cost is hard to justify, although it is an improvement for the environment (over a regular SUV). Would recommend this car.

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  A super vehicle - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By skidaddy - July 15 - 12:57 am

  Weve owned our Highlander Hybrid for 4 generally trouble-free years. The hybrid batteries significantly help gasoline mileage for under 45 mph trips - which covers much of my wifes daily routine. But the added horsepower of the hybrid also improves acceleration, which makes driving it more fun. Great room inside. Ours is awd, and it performs good in snow and great on slippery roads. We just did the timing belt/water pump at 97k, along with a new radiator. Looking forward to many more years of great, reliable transportation.

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  HIghlander Hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Rachis - July 14 - 9:16 pm

  This is a very well built SUV, that should provide excellent reliability, It is an excellent vehicle, but it is not a powerful SUV as one might expect in a BMW X5. Nevertheless because of the combined gas and electric engines it does provide more power than the standard gas Highlander. The gas mileage is not close to the EPA estimates, however, it does get about 25 MPG overall which is excellent for an SUV of this size.

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  Solid SUV - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Henslow - July 6 - 10:53 am

  Excellent build quality and materials. Cargo space is quite large. Rear seats are simple to manipulate. Much better MPG than expected (28.9). The feel of the hybrid takes a while to get used to. My wife thought I was repeatedly taking my foot off the gas when it was the really the gas and electric cutting and out at different times. This was more pronounced when the car was brand new.

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  I like it ! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By David Cooper - July 4 - 4:53 am

  With 3600 miles on the vehicle, and about 6 weeks of ownership, my experience so far has been great. Gas mileage overall is 27.8 mpg, combined highway and city, and still increasing. Acceleration is strong, lots of torque, which surprises passengers and other drivers. This vehicle GOES. Its quiet, sure-footed, maneuverable, although some torque steer under heavy acceleration. The CVT transmission is always in the "right" gear, which is great for mountain driving. Regenerative braking limits brake heating and wear coming down long hills. Getting into the third row seats does require some agility. Retractable headrests help drivers vision out the rear.