Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited SUV Shown

While hybrid cars have been around since the late 1990s, it's taken awhile for the technology to migrate to SUVs. Toyota's Highlander Hybrid was the first hybrid to offer all-wheel drive, seating for seven and even more power than its conventional gasoline variant.

When the Toyota Highlander Hybrid was introduced for the 2006 model year, the nearly identical, standard gas-powered Highlander already enjoyed a reputation for five years as an excellent midsize crossover with carlike drivability, SUV-like convenience and reasonable fuel consumption. The hybrid model was designed to offer all this, plus more power and even greater fuel economy.

A redesigned version of the Highlander Hybrid recently debuted that's larger and roomier. 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 growing families with an aversion to oversized and thirsty SUVs.

Current Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The current Toyota Highlander is representative of the vehicle's second generation. For power, the Highlander Hybrid uses a 208-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine in combination with three electric motors. One electric motor functions as a starter-generator, starting the gas engine and recharging the SUV's nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The others concentrate on propulsion but also work as generators during braking. Combined output is 270 hp, and all-wheel drive and a specialized continuously variable transmission (CVT) are standard. EPA fuel economy estimates are 27 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway; these numbers are better than just about any other seven-passenger SUV, though they're well below those of popular car-based hybrids like the Prius.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid sports three energy-conserving modes to ensure maximum efficiency. Normal and Acceleration modes place targets on the power meter -- the hybrid equivalent of a tachometer -- showing where peak fuel economy resides in the power band. The EV mode allows electric-only propulsion for limited distances and lower speeds.

There are two basic trim levels, each with varying options. The base model comes reasonably well-equipped, while the Limited adds luxuries that include 19-inch alloy wheels (instead of the standard 17-inchers), a leather interior and an upgraded sound system. The Limited can also be had with options such as a navigation system, Bluetooth, satellite radio and rear-seat entertainment. Both standard and Limited versions offer dual-zone climate control and air-conditioning for second- and third-row passengers as an option.

In reviews, we've found that the current Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers a useful compromise of performance and fuel economy and a thoughtfully designed cabin with reconfigurable second-row seats and a habitable third row. Potential downsides include the third-row seat (it folds as a single unit rather than in 50/50 sections) and the four-wheel-drive system, which isn't suited for serious wintertime duty.

Used Toyota Highlander Hybrid Models

The second-generation Toyota Highlander Hybrid debuted for the 2008 model year. Compared to earlier Highlander Hybrids, it benefits from more interior room (for both passengers and cargo), as well as a more refined hybrid power system. There have been no significant changes since its debut.

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 approach to fuel consumption made the initial financial hit more bearable.

The extra weight of the hybrid system made handling a bit more sluggish than the lighter, nimble conventional gas Highlander. A stiffer suspension helped to alleviate the added heft without sacrificing ride quality too much. Even still, the carlike maneuverability made navigating parking lots and running errands as painless as with a smaller wagon.

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, but only with the Limited package.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.