Larger and roomier than before, a redesigned Toyota Highlander Hybrid is both family friendly and fuel frugal.
by Jim Gorzelany,
The midsize Toyota Highlander is a comfortable and versatile SUV designed for driving primarily on-road. ForbesAutos.com focuses on the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Hybrid Limited.
The Highlander was originally introduced for the 2001 model year and entered its second generation with a 2008 redesign. In addition to fresh styling and extra features, the vehicle grew several inches longer and wider, and gained an additional inch of ground clearance. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid costs about $5,000 more than a base non-hybrid all-wheel-drive model.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes in base and Limited models, with all-wheel drive standard across the line. A third-row seat is standard on the Limited and optional on the base version, which makes it the only gas/electric hybrid SUV available with seating for seven; the luxury-oriented Lexus RX 400h, with which the Highlander shares platforms and components, lacks a third-row seat.
Unlike the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrid SUVs, which feature four-cylinder gasoline engines for maximum fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid combines two electric motors/generators (one at each axle) and a self-recharging battery pack with a 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine. It delivers strong acceleration that approximates that of a V8 engine with fuel economy that handily beats that of the base four-cylinder gasoline Highlander model. The electric motors afford generous low-end power for quick launches, though the transition from one power source to the other at slightly higher speeds isn’t entirely seamless.
As is the case with other gas/electric-powered vehicles, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s fuel economy is typically at its best in city driving because the electric motors work optimally at lower speeds. To further maximize miserliness, the driver can activate an EV mode, in which the Highlander Hybrid will operate for a greater period of time solely under electric power in certain conditions; similarly, an ECON mode smoothes out throttle response to limit excessive acceleration.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid features a continuously variable automatic transmission (which eschews traditional gears for a variable pulley system) and electric power steering, both of which further improve fuel economy.
The non-hybrid Toyota Highlander comes in base, Sport and Limited models and is powered by the Toyota Camry’s lively 3.5-liter V6 engine. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard on those versions, with all-wheel drive optional.
Stability control, traction control and antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution are standard across the line, and are all integrated into a single system (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management). The Toyota Highlander Hybrid also includes Hill-Start Assist Control, which keeps the vehicle from rolling backward on an uphill grade when the driver releases the brake pedal. A Downhill Assist Control function can hold the vehicle at a selected speed while navigating steep descents. Still, as with most SUVs that are based on car architecture, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s all-wheel-drive system lacks low-range gearing for serious off-road duty, and comes with a fairly low towing capacity.
While the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is far from being the sleekest-looking SUV on the market, it does offer good overall performance with predictable handling and a smooth ride. The vehicle’s interior is efficiently designed and offers adequate comfort in the first and second rows of seats. Its unique Center Stow second row can function either as a bench or, with the center section removed, separate captain’s chairs; a removable second-row console is optional. A third row is available on the base model and is included with the Limited; as in all but the largest SUVs, only the kids will find the rearmost row hospitable.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes with front-side airbags, rollover-sensing side-curtain airbags and a driver’s-side knee-height airbag. A back-up camera and Smart Key entry/start system are among its many standard features. Available options include a navigation system, Bluetooth hands-free cell phone connectivity and a rear DVD entertainment system.
Is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid for You?
Buy the Highlander Hybrid if
You want the most fuel-efficient seven-passenger SUV on the market; you want car-like handling and a smooth ride; you don’t drive on rough terrain or need to tow more than a pair of personal watercraft.
Keep Looking if
You need a larger and more powerful vehicle for hauling, towing and/or rugged off-road performance.
Who Fits?
Four adults will be comfortable and a fifth can squeeze in the second row for shorter trips; an available third-row seat is strictly for the kids but brings total occupant capacity to seven. A fairly low step-in height makes the vehicle easily accessible for most passengers.
Closest Competitors
Ford Escape Hybrid; Mazda Tribute Hybrid; Mercury Mariner Hybrid; Saturn Vue Green Line
Did you Know...
The Highlander name was used to “convey images of power and ruggedness,” according to Toyota.
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