Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The fourth-generation Highlander Hybrid retains its qualities of a comfortable ride and a smooth powertrain. Handling is sound and secure. Interior fit and finish is upgraded, particularly in higher-trim versions. The hybrid system is less powerful than the previous generation but gets an excellent 35 mpg. Both seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations are available. Either way, the second row is very roomy, but the third row is tiny. The controls are easy to use, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite includes standard AEB with pedestrian detection and FCW. BSW and RCTW became standard in 2023. For 2025, the LE trim of the Highlander Hybrid was dropped. AWD also became standard. A Limited 25th Anniversary edition is available commemorating 25 years of the Highlander model. 

The third-generation Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a functional and family-friendly SUV. It delivers frugal gas mileage, consistently good reliability, and good road manners. Edgier styling marked the 2014 redesign. Handling became more responsive and sure-footed, although the Highlander falls short of being engaging to drive. Compared to the 2008-2013 Highlander, this version is slightly less plush inside, has a bit more interior noise, and lacks the same cushy low-speed ride isolation. The hybrid version returns 25 mpg overall. Inside, minivan-like second-row accommodations make good use of this generation's added length, although the third row seat remains suitable only for kids. Controls are simple and a backup camera is standard. For 2014-2016, the hybrid was only available in top-trim Limited guise, but that included standard BSW and RCTW with optional FCW and AEB. That changed in 2017, when BSW and RCTW became optional on the entry-level LE trim, standard on all other trims. from 2017-2019, FCW and AEB w/pedestrian detection became standard as part of Toyota's Safety Sense suite.

The Highlander Hybrid has long been one of our top-Rated SUVs, notably for its cushy ride, comfortable cabin, and smooth powertrain. It has roomy second-row seats and a tight, but usable, third-row seat that now folds in two sections. For 2011 the Hybrid got a mild freshening and a new 3.5-liter V6, bumping power output to 280 horsepower. It now returns an impressive 26 mpg overall, the best of any SUV. The car can propel itself solely on electric power at low speeds. Handling is sound and secure, but not particularly agile and the steering feels vague. The easy-to-use controls and very good fit and finish make the interior pleasant, and cabin access is easy. The fuel savings might not justify the extra cost of the Hybrid for some.

The second-generation Highlander Hybrid used the same smooth, 3.3-liter V6 engine as the first-gen model, which combined with three electric motors produced 270 horsepower, the same as the V6 engine alone in the regular Highlander. Acceleration is essentially the same as the non-hybrid version but you get an impressive 24 mpg overall compared to 18 for the regular AWD Highlander. The Hybrid can propel itself solely on its electric power at low speeds. The optional third-row seat is suitable only for kids. While the handling is secure, it's not very agile. The fuel savings might not justify the extra cost of the Hybrid for some.

The first-generation Highlander Hybrid's 3.3-liter V6 was augmented by three electric motors that together result in a net total of about 268 hp. Not only was the Hybrid quicker than the conventional model, it also returned 22 mpg overall in our tests; the regular AWD V6 only returned 19 mpg. The hybrid can propel itself solely on its electric power at low speeds, and as such, is eerily quiet. On AWD models one of the electric motors is dedicated to the rear wheels. The optional third-row seat is only suitable for kids. Handling is sound and secure, though not particularly agile. The premium over the V6 Limited AWD model may disappoint those interested only in saving money.