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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Poor Gas Mileage - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By UNHAPPYOWNER - March 29 - 1:56 pmMSRP $41K for OK vehicle with poor MPG. Heated seats dont work, toyota cant/wont fix them. Resale will be bad with defective options (still under warranty). Waranty only good if munafacturer desides to fix it. Good takeoff and ride. Need more options (bluetooth,steering wheel controls,etc.). Two slow leak alloy rims, other cars have similar leaks. Wont buy toyota again.
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Really like the Highlander Hybrid - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By HighlanderHybrid_Fan - March 29 - 10:40 amMileage is terrific for an SUV, 22-25 compared to 12-16 for others. Really like the car a lot. Somewhat worried about the accelerator issue, but assume Toyota will fix it.
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towing my boat - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By zig - March 17 - 12:56 amtowed my 17ft Boston whaler 350 miles and got an impressive 20mpg considering i used to get about 12mpg with my truck-the highlander towed the boat with no problems at all plus a lot more comfortable
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Great Drive & Mileage for a SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By Seadog - March 12 - 3:50 amGreat vehicle with superior performance and comfort. I drive 35 miles one-way to work mix of country, city, and Freeway and already averaging 26mpg at 500 miles (first fill up at 400 miles). Vehicle was a replacement for an American (Quality Built) mid-size SUV that was repurchased as a lemon. Capabilities and all the functions take time to learn - but an enjoyable experience. Wife Loves it (and thats important). I live in a hilly area (called mountains on the east coast) and going down hill in "B" gives me great satisfaction in watching my energy "credits" build back up after expending them going up the other side.
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Not as Advertised - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By WilliamB - February 24 - 10:40 pmPurchased the Highlander Hybrid and now have about 1100 miles on the vehicle. It is a comfortable car to ride in and drives very good. Exception noted, wife drives a car with a V8 and on the highway can get over 30 miles per gallon, yet with the new hybrid, the most I can do is 22 mpg, up hill, down hill, city or road. This is nowhere near what is advertised for this vehicle.
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Poor gas mileage - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By Dave Trupp - February 19 - 9:46 pmI was told to expect high MPG in this hybrid. I cant get over 19 in city or highway. Toyota (corporate) states this is normal. You dont buy a hybrid for better gas mileage. You buy one for the fact that is has fewer emissions. It might get better after 5000 miles. Save your money buy a regular old gas powered highlander. We owned a 2003 highlander before and got better MPG with it. we averaged 25-26 in that one. Toyota says it cant do anything unless a check light comes on. They do admit that 19 is too low for this vehicle. The only thing they say though is "Sorry"
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Mixed emotions - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By grider - February 12 - 6:13 pmMy feelings on this vehicle are very mixed. We bought this to replace our gas guzzling pathfinder. It is touted as getting between 25 & 27 miles to the gallon, which we were getting until about a month ago when it fell and has not gone above 22 MPG. We took it in to get inspected and went through all the obvious factors, tire pressure, driving habits,and so on. They informed us that it takes 5,000 to 10,000 miles to "break in" the vehicle and see the actual MPG.We were informed that 26 MPG was not actually realistic and those tests are done under conditions which are impossible to drive under. I am not saying its a bad vehicle, but dont believe your salesperson that u are going to get 26 MPG
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Better than expected - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By GADrvr - February 2 - 10:00 amWeve owned a 2011 Highlander Limited Hybrid for two weeks now. Averaging 31.5 mpg. Very comfortable ride, even the back seats! Great leg room.
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Impressive gas mileage - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By MM - January 30 - 1:33 pmWe just leased our 2008 highlander hybrid and currently have 800 miles logged. We are averaging 27.4 mpg and utilizing the econ and ev modes. Without those, our average was around 24. The vehicle is very comfortable and fits my 67" very well. Overall, it is a very quiet vehicle.
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Best all purpose suv out there - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By joe - January 25 - 9:23 pmIt tows, it goes fast, it is fun to drive, it is a lot more comfortable than our RAV4 on long trips. There are a lot of complaints about gas mileage, but I average 28 summer and 24 winter.
