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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  Up and coming - 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By music man - July 2 - 12:56 am

  Although I have only about 400 miles I am extremely pleased with my purchase so far. Traded a Lexus and this vehicle is far more comfortable and roomy.

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  2007 Highlander Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By George - July 1 - 4:50 pm

  I love the vehicle but would like some options. I would like door locks that lock when vehicle in drive and unlock in park. I would like to have the 115 volt plug option more available. I would love an MP3 adapter in the front of the radio plus Bluetooth! What were they thinking? I have a 2005 Prius and the "smart key" option is great - why not in the Highlander?

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  Better Gas Mileage Than Expected - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By chicagojerry - June 28 - 10:22 pm

  I have been getting over 30 mpg on nearly every tank of gas. Once or twice around 32 mpg, based on hand calculations. The hand calculations average 1 mpg less than the computer values. The trick to high gas mileage is to pay attention to the display and try not to waste gas by accelerating and braking. Every time you brake you are wasting the gas you used in accelerating. The interior is cavernous for a vehicle getting this mileage. Highway mileage is over 30 mpg if you stay below 65 with just yourself driving. It drops to 27 if you are going 75 with the family a bags loaded in. AC and heat affect mileage because they may require the engine to run when not accelerating.

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  Can you have refined and fun in same ride ...YES ! - 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By studio1a - June 26 - 11:25 pm

  I shoot landscape Photography and an outdoors type of person, this Ride has it all. The Sun/Moon roof with Sirius brings the Moon right in with the right Tunes. Youve got a class ride with built in luxury coupled with a frame and suspension that can take you Almost anywhere with the world in front of you, so instead of always letting your mind taking you on a trip, why not give your mind a rest, and you take it on a trip, let it rip ! 27.6 mpg city 29+ mpg hwy

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  Not worth the money - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Bob Martin - June 11 - 5:00 pm

  Let me start saying I am a Toyota man, always was, always will be. I bought my Highlander Hybrid thinking it would be the best car ever. Its ok, but has a herky jerky ride and the seats are not very comfortable. I took it back to Toyota and their factory rep. said "Thats just the way the car is" The car gets pretty good gas milage 24-26, and looks great. In my opinion Toyota needs to make it a lot smoother before I recommend it to anyone else. Sorry Toyota, but sometimes the truth hurts.

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  I could ask for a whole lot more! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Sad - June 4 - 1:33 pm

  Fuel economy is 22-25% below sticker numbers. Has uncontrollable torque steer while under full throttle @15 mph. The cars pulls to the right then back to the left, dealer says "thats nature of the car". The motor thuds when it comes on and is anything but seamless. Lift gate squeaks, drivers side passenger door rattles. Vehicle has 3,000 miles on it. While driving with the windows down, the brakes will squeal and the motor whines noticeably also the wind buffeting is horrible. Suspension absorbs pot holes well. Vehicle is hard to control in turns and uncontrollable if accelerating hard in a turn. Captains chair arm rests and stereo are cheap. AC vents poor for 2nd row passengers.

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  Good all purpose green SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Rose - May 4 - 8:40 pm

  I bought my Hybrid Highlander when it had 10000 miles on it. I am a little disappointed with the gas mileage - 25-27 mpg. regardless of city or highway driving. Certainly that is better than the 17 mpg the previous minivan got, but I was expecting mid-30s. The blind spots are bigger for a shortie like me than I would expect from such an otherwise well-designed car. I drove a 2008 model though and that one is too big and the blind spots are worse- couldnt even see approaching cars at intersections due to the huge side mirrors. Also, this vehicle is very safe. I was rear ended by a drunk driver while I was stopped. The Highlander sustained rear end damage but my passenger and I were absolutely unhurt. We could feel my car absorb that huge impact.

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  Very Nice Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Todd - May 4 - 5:56 pm

  A very good overall vehicle. Has a great ride, is unusually quiet, and has good engine performance. A solid all-around in-town car that can also go out on the open road. Good leg room and head room for four 6+ adults/kids and still have room for your stuff or more little ones. We like the exterior look, but have to admit the hybrid drive is the wow factor. Friends will all want a ride and will ask a ton of questions about it. MPG is within the ranges listed.

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  Good family appliance with a few shortcomings - 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Richard - April 24 - 7:13 pm

  Its great that Toyota made the Hybrid available with a 2nd row bench seat again and dropped the price of entry / premium over gas model, but they still missed a few tricks in my opinion. OK, so the standard active safety tech across the whole range for 2017 is great, but I wish I could have front and rear parking sensors with the 2nd row bench seat - I believe you have to step up to the Limited Platinum to get them and those models are only available with 2nd row captains chairs on the Hybrid, even though the bench seat is now an option on the gas versions. The ability to easily/inadvertently turn off daytime running lights seems to somewhat defeat the purpose and no high intensity headlight option is available even for the fully loaded models unlike the CX-9. Lack of Android Auto/Apple CarPlay also nearly chased me into the arms of a Honda Pilot. Overall though Im pleased with the purchase and in a mix of almost 1000 city/highway miles so far the computer is recording 27MPG.

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  Cream of Crop - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By gabe - April 14 - 2:43 pm

  Toyota did it again! This HH is bigger, roomier & better mileage. Just loving it.