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GREEN CHOICE

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

EPA MPG: 28 mpg
Average Retail Price
$10,150 - $13,150

First Take
Most of the qualities that make the conventional Highlander such a good choice carry over to the Hybrid. Its 3.5-liter V6 returns an impressive 26 mpg overall, the best of any SUV. The full hybrid system allows the SUV to propel itself solely on electric power at low speeds. Handling is sound and secure, but not particularly agile and the steering feels vague. It has roomy second-row seats and a tight but usable, third-row seat. 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. A longer and wider redesign arrives in early 2014.
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2013 SUVs Reliability

This Car
NA
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

2013 Midsized SUVs 3-row Ratings

$10,200 - $13,200
economy-icon
EPA MPG 28 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$6,275 - $7,800
economy-icon
EPA MPG 19 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$4,925 - $6,450
economy-icon
EPA MPG 19 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$7,200 - $9,000
economy-icon
EPA MPG 19 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$8,525 - $10,775
economy-icon
EPA MPG 20 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    4-door SUV
Seating
2 front, 3 rear, 2 third
Drive Wheels
AWD
Engines Available
  • 3.5-liter V6 hybrid (280 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • CVT
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2008-2010
2008 Redesign Year

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.

2020-
Current Generation

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 are standard on all versions except the base trim. 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. 

2014-2019
2014 Redesign Year

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.

2011-2013
2011 Redesign Year

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.