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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  Following first long trip - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Dave - August 23 - 2:46 pm

  Took my first road trip of about 500 milies and was mildly disappointed with the fuel economy (25 MPG - highway). Although only 2 MPG under the advertised 27, I drove very carefully and tried to eke out as much electric motor driving as I could. I have come to the conclusion that this is not an "econo-box" but simply a performance vehicle that gets the economy of a 4-cyl with the umph of an 8. Fun to drive, great pick-up, and comfy. A real step up from my Subaru Outback. If given the choice all over again, however, I would opt for the non-hybrid 6 and spend the extra cash on a 4wd, an upgraded Limited, and other accessories.

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  Best of all worlds! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By phoenix55 - August 9 - 12:56 am

  I bought my HIHY06 about a month ago as a certified vehicle with 42,000 miles on it. I bought it used, because I didnt like the changes in the 08 (bigger and heavier). The performance for a SUV is great, passing on the highway or secondary roads is effortless. Mileage varies with the temperature and the heaviness of my right foot. Since its not an aerodynamic vehicle, the mileage drops over 65 mph, but I get 26-28mpg driving 65 and still get 25mpg going 75mph. Best mileage in the city has been 32, worst has been 21 when it was cold. The fit and finish are good even after 45,000 miles. Maybe some of the critics got a lemon, but Im very happy with mine.

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  Lean, Mean, Green Machine! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By groovology - August 8 - 3:36 pm

  We purchased our Highlander Hybrid after buying a Prius last year. So far, we are impressed with the power, comfort, and ease of driving our Highlander, and more importantly, we enjoy an average of 30 MPG in combined City / Highway mileage using the same techniques we use to get about 50 MPG out of the Prius. All in all, we love Toyotas reliability and attention to detail. The biggest drawback is the rather mundane styling.

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  Update - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By GADrvr - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Weve now had our 2001 HiHy for over a month. Still averaging over 30 mpg city and 27 mpg hwy. Absolutely love the roominess, pick-up and mileage.

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  Wish gas mileage matched expections - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Fay - August 1 - 4:56 am

  Overall, we love our car. We really wanted a bigger vehicle but could not justify the high cost of gas, not to mention this insane war. My Camry was 10 years old and I was waiting with baited breath for the Highlander Hybrid to become available. It was very expensive and my husband and I argued a great deal about it. Most people thought I was crazy to pay so much for a hybrid. I average about 23 miles a gallon. You really need to address this issue. I trusted you and am disappointed in my mileage. I understand that 23 mpg is good for a car of this size and weight however, the main reason I purchased it was because of the mpg and it does not live up to your standards.

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  A little disappointed - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By faith - July 31 - 7:06 am

  I was one of the first people in Texas to take delivery of the new hybrid, at a hefty price, I might add. I love the vehicle itself; however, I am very disappointed in the gas mileage I am getting. Toyota advertises 33 city and 28 highway mpg. I have not taken the vehicle on any road trips yet but, I am only getting 22.7 mpg in town. Granted, I was only getting 11 mpg in my previous SUV and therefore have actually doubled my gas mileage. But, I have also increased my payment by 50%. I dont know that it is worth it. I could have bought a gas powered Highlander for $10,000 less and get comparable gas mileage.

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  Smooth and Quiet - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By jim - July 6 - 1:46 am

  I have about 2700 miles so far and love it. Initially I had a little buyers remorse since I had to pay top dollar to get the car, but in the end feel it was worth it. It is the quietest, smoothest vehicle I have ever owned. Unlike many other reviews, we seem to be getting the advertised mileage (assuming the computer is accurate). In city driving we get 32- 33 and just completed a 2000 mile road trip were we averaged 27.6. This seemed pretty good since much of the driving was at 70+ mph. The vehicle has plenty of power. It easily pulled up mountain grades at 70mph and had more power to go.

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  Just had it less than a month - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By HybridBuyer - June 20 - 4:40 am

  We replaced a 4Runner with this car. We really like the third row of seats. The car is extremely solid and a pleasure to drive. The seats are very comfortable. It is overall a very well-designed vehicle.

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  New age for an old man - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By koy - June 15 - 2:06 am

  I am a 78 year old male who loves autos, trucks and suvs. Our hylander hybrid is a great vehicle.

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  Recommended - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By StlCards - June 13 - 8:36 am

  Did some research and decided on the HH Limited based on gas mileage (better all around than my 4cyl. 2008 Accord), room/comfort, and reliability (customer feedback, Consumer Reports recommendations, and car mag editors). Smooth ride plus some nice features but youd expect that from a $44k vehicle. Also drove the Lexus RX Hybrid and Caddy SRX, both of which were equally smooth but opted for more room and a decent deal since Toyota is trying to rebuild their goodwill. Note that at the time of this writing, the Toyota 0% financing is for non- Hybrid only. My Credit Union offered a lower rate but when you start the negotiations, Toyota will match rates - but make them go lower.