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:
Showing 301 through 310 of 371.00-
Worth every Penny - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By Hybridgirl - January 25 - 3:20 amI truly love driving this vehicle. I have the acceleration needed combined with awesome gas mileage. I am averaging 27-28 mpg mainly highway miles. It is very spacious except for the 3rd row seat. It handles fairly well especially for a SUV.
-
Happily owned - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By first hybrid - January 3 - 8:30 pmJust purchased 200 miles ago. You must drive in eco to receive better fuel economy. Bought it to replace a Odyssey. With our family of 5 the room is good. Cargo space is smaller than van but leg room is equal. Lots of power, options and comfort. We are getting 23 mpg but expect to do better with experience. Good replacement of a bad gas mileage van.
-
Great car! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By Roney - January 3 - 7:10 pmWe have a 2006 HH Limited 4wd-i really fun to drive, handles well, and its a solid ride. Our current mpg is 23.3 (the average increases over time). The interior is very nice, and has great features like a JBL sound system, DVD/navigation system.
-
Traded A Chevy Trailblazer For This - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By Rich Gimmel - December 24 - 6:33 pmProbably about my 20th car to own, but my first Toyota ever. Wasnt interested in the hybrid model until I saw it on the dealers lot. Gas mileage averages about 25.5 mixed driving, compared to average of 18 for the 2007 Trailblazer that I traded. Im impressed with the build quality, and marvel at the hybrid engineering. With some practice I can optimize gas mileage when I want. Very solid, reliable vehicle.
-
What more could you ask for in an SUV? - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By Lisa - December 10 - 12:33 amLove my car... Its beautiful--no space alien design--its luxurious, and it drives like a dream. I commute 80+ miles one way, so my vehicle plays an important role in my life. I couldnt have made a better choice. The handling is surprisingly good when you consider the extra weight, and the vehicle is so quiet, half the time Im not even sure its really on. The Limited trim gives you just about everything you could ask for, but after market options are available-- and mine have worked out just fine.
-
Best car I ever owned - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By ValueLover - December 4 - 10:00 amI bought one of the very first HHs. In LA on 7/3/05. Five years later it runs and looks almost like new. 95% of my driving is surface streets in LA. I get about 24-26 mpg with a/c (always on). The mileage when I got it was 28-30 mpg, so some degradation, but no other SUV of equal size and power even comes close. I have never had a serious problem. No breakdowns. After 57,000 mi. still havent had a brake job! Extremely comfortable w/o needing the extras of the Lexus RX400h. The build quality is amazing. Only problem I have had is a popping noise from the driver seat when reclining it. Quality is better than the 91 and 96 LS400s that I owned previously.
-
Great...would have been better w/4 Cyl - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By ljmiii - November 10 - 1:00 amDelightful. Overall, it is the best seven seat vehicle out there. Good comfort, quality, and driveability. I get about 23 MPG hwy, 35 MPG city though you can do better on the HWY by going slower. The car is great to drive on the freeway and ideal in the city but not so good on twisty roads. In fact my chief complaint is that the acceleration and braking so dramatically outperform the suspension... there is no reason for 268 HP in a car this tipsy. They should have gone with the Highlander/Camry 4 cyl, hybridized the performance up to the 6 cyl, and delivered better mileage (like the Prius).
-
First one in town! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By M.K. - November 2 - 1:30 pmWaited six months, but first week is great!!! 1000 miles in 9 days! 26 miles on road with air.
-
Nice vehicle, not so nice mileage - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By 7539 - October 28 - 1:50 amI have had my Toyota for a month, after trading in a Tahoe. The ride is nice and comfortable, almost as good. The mileage is, of course, way lower than EPA estimates. i have not gotten less than 22 MPG or more than 24 MPG so far, in about seven tanks. BUT - I love the power - the gas and electric both kicking in when you romp on the accelerator is like a turbo - Itll really part your hair for a 6 cylinder. But it does lead to a large decrease in mileage when you drive it that way often. I try to run on electric only around town to compensate - but all in all a fun car to drive, so far. It was worth it to cut my fuel mileage from 14 GPM to 22 GPM. At least I can say Im doing something!
-
The more I drive it the more Ilike it - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By joe540ci - October 19 - 10:33 pmI drive a 3/4 ton pick-up for work. So when I jump into the hiway the difference is amazing. It has the ride of a luxury sedan and in good weather I get 28 MPG, winter driving is about 24 mpg.The power is perfect when we went thru the mountains. The toyota highlander is the perfect vehicle for me!!!
