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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  Toyota Highlander Hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By roger - May 9 - 6:20 pm

  Fun to drive and great gas mileage for an SUV. Pick up and acceleration unmatched. Hybrids are the future. A must test drive.

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  Expect more Goodies in Limited Version - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Verysatisfied - May 1 - 6:36 pm

  Ive been trying to get this car over a year in California. I bought it in Reno, NV--only a 2 month wait. Pros: Much better mileage than my Sequoia! I get about 25 hwy/31 city--but I drive 80-85 mph. Great design, but would like more hybrid-specific markings/colors. Great power and acceleration. Smooth, tight driving compared to most SUVs--doesnt feel like a boat. Fun to drive, always watching power meter to improve my driving. Helping environment. Cons: Need better stereo=IPOD/satellite radio. Want to roll down rear hatch window--major bummer! No rear heat/air controls. Need Distance to Empty data! No telescoping steering wheel adjustment. Not allowed in commuter lane!

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  2nd time owner of an HH - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Barry - April 29 - 9:26 pm

  Overall very pleased with the vehicle. It is very quiet and smooth riding and plenty of room. I expect the fuel econ to improve at 600 miles driven fuel econ at 23.4 mpg on tank 1 and 25.1 on tank 2

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  Highlander Hybrid Review - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Hybrid-Owner - April 27 - 5:36 am

  Well worth the purchase overall! I would like to see more features added to the highend limited model which should be included for the price. Things such as seat memory, rear backup camera or sensor, miles to empty info, more buttons on the steering wheel like other lux cars. The nav software is not user friendly but the trip info for the hybrid part is very cool. The EV button that many talk about would be nice to have to manually save more on fuel. Larger gas tank should be considered if the car really does not get 30+/- per gallon as it will result in more trips to the gas station with the car getting less then 400 miles per tank.

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  Glad we waited! - 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Andy - April 16 - 6:58 pm

  This is my wifes car. She drives mostly local and we wanted an SUV that is fuel efficient, good size, comfortable and has good power. We started looking about 2 years ago. We looked at the Subaru Outlook 3.5R, Honda Pilot and the Highlander. We picked the Highlander, but unfortunately, 1 to 2 years ago, it was only offered in the Limited and above trim which meant it was going to cost about 50k. When the 2017 Highlander Hybrid got released, I was really glad that they now offer it in a lower trim. I searched for a while, but finally found a dealership in LA, CA that was willing to order the SUV in exact interior and exterior color and accessories and they gave me a discount off MSRP. There were absolutely no Hybrid XLE in stock in San Diego. We are very happy with our SUV and very glad that we waited. Great gas mileage, very comfortable, outstanding stereo and love the Toyota Safety Sense package!

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  Crazy about it! - 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By quipepeo - April 6 - 6:08 pm

  I am averaging 30.2 mpg and just as surprised with the performance of this Hybrid. I spend a lot of time researching six- and seven-passenger SUVs to drive 26,000+ miles per year. I am convinced I made the right choice. The car offers the perfect balance of power/fuel economy, space/size and luxury/utility. The interior of this Limited version is very attractive without seeming opulent or grandiose. I love the car for its comfort and handling but most importantly for the confidence it seems to inspire while driving. Its a sense of feeling at peace.

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  Stylish Step in the Right Direction - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Guy - April 6 - 5:16 am

  Ive had my Limited AWD hybrid Highlander for one year now, and no problems yet. Its acceleration is a lot of fun. And its wood and leather interior, and "gold package" metal nameplates on the exterior, all give this vehicle a lot of style. Highway mileage is the 27/31 hwy/city mpg as advertized, as long as I dont go above 65 mph. Otherwise it drops to 24-25 mpg. No chance to measure city- only mpg, but it is higher than hwy mileage, maybe 31. But with sunroof, headroom is a little low for my 62". Legroom barely adequate. And though William Shatner was right about its smooth ride, seats seem way too firm for much comfort on long trips.

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  Almost got killed in my hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By myraferr - April 3 - 10:00 am

  These hybrid are in the baby stages, there are a lot of serious problems with the hybrid system components, these vehicles are death traps, they can stall on you and shut down without any warning doing 70 mph, no power, no steering, no brakes almost got killed by a semi on the freeway. Im talking to a lawyer, its happening to others in other states, they are very expensive to fix, 14,000 dollars thats what my dealer wants to fix, they are nuts a four year old car, needing such expensive repairs, my last hybrid, or Toyota, and yes they say they are warrantied, but a warranty is only good if they will fix it and Toyota wont.

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  Not The Best Buy - 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By lazarus2 - March 27 - 2:07 pm

  Unlike a gasoline engine, electric motors have maximum torque the instant you apply power. You can go from 60 to 80 in about three seconds if you punch it. But there is a big problem for the unwary; the Highlander has severe torque-steer and could drag an unsuspecting driver right into another vehicle they are passing. Does not come close to EPA fuel economy ratings. The 28/28 mpg only works at around 40 mph. Otherwise it is 23/26 with a combined mpg of 25 no matter how you drive.

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  Beautifully engineered, great package! - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By aaclaxt - March 26 - 1:53 am

  If you hate vans and Suburbans, but need seating for 7 in a pinch, this is your machine! Very cool to be green, too. I traded my Sienna AWD van for the Highlander Hybrid. Perfect for in-town (28 mpg in an SUV - wow!) and long trips. No one can tell it is a hybrid - totally quiet and smooth as it switches between engine to battery. It runs on 100% battery as you sail thru the grocery store parking lot (be careful! it is sooo quiet people do not know you are there). Good ride and handling in town and on highway. AWD is a must for me in snowy Pennsylvania and I have not been disappointed! Beautiul leather inside; truly a fabulous vehicle. Go hybrid!