Review
Introduction
For those seeking more fuel economy from their seven-passenger, mid-size sport-utility vehicle, Toyota offers the Highlander hybrid. For 2008, the Highlander lineup, including the hybrid, was completely redesigned. The more luxurious interior boasts Lexus-like levels of luxury and refinement. The redesign wrought a larger Highlander that boasts nearly 150 cubic feet of interior space. Even compared with heavier full-size sport-utility vehicles, the Highlander features competitive interior space and comfort for seven occupants, and the third-row seat is even sort of usable this time around.
The gasoline-electric powertrain of the Highlander hybrid is similar in concept to the powertrain of the fuel-sipping Toyota Prius. A continuously variable transmission connects to a 3.3-liter V-6 and two electric motors. The Highlander hybrid can be driven on electric power alone, gasoline power, or any combination of the two. The Highlander hybrid also has the ability to shut off the gasoline engine when coming to a stop or when stopped. The system works unobtrusively and is largely transparent in most situations. There is no need (or functionality) to plug in the Highlander hybrid, as it recharges its battery pack while the vehicle is braking and by running the gasoline engine. The battery pack is mounted below the second-row seats and requires no maintenance or extra attention.
Built on a unibody architecture, like a car’s, the Highlander hybrid can be considered a crossover. This endows the Highlander hybrid with driving dynamics similar to those of a large car, but with a high seating position. The suspension is fully independent and tuned to give a quiet and supple ride that will absorb most road imperfections with ease, even when equipped with the optional 19-inch wheels. Four-wheel drive is standard on the Highlander hybrid and is provided by a third electric motor, which powers the rear wheels.
Next to the standard V-6 Highlander, the hybrid version boosts city fuel economy from 17 to 27 mpg and bumps the highway number from 24 to 25. Most of the benefit of the hybrid system can be realized in urban, low-speed driving where the electric motors can work more often and take the load off the gasoline engine. Although the hybrid’s 3.3-liter V-6 makes less horsepower than the standard Highlander’s V-6 (209 horsepower versus 270 horsepower), the hybrid version’s electric motor boosts overall power to match the standard Highlander’s output. Thanks to the responsive torque of the electric motor, the Highlander hybrid has brisk acceleration. Our only major gripe with the Highlander hybrid is a slightly touchy brake pedal that results from the regenerative braking function.
Hybrid-SUV competitors to the Toyota Highlander hybrid include the Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid, Dodge Durango hybrid, Ford Escape hybrid, and Lexus RX400h.
Verdict
Although the Highlander hybrid costs several thousand dollars more than the standard Highlander, the fuel efficiency and ego-inflating nature of the hybrid version might just be worth it to some buyers. Fortunately, everything we like about the regular Highlander is present in the hybrid version: excellent interior versatility, a strong powerplant, carlike refinement, and a handsome and spacious interior.
Click here to read our full review of the Toyota Highlander hybrid.
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What’s New for 2009
The Highlander hybrid is unchanged for 2009.
Highlights and Recommendations
Shoppers may be in for some sticker shock as the bottom of the Highlander hybrid lineup is priced higher than the regular top-of-the-line Highlander Limited. Fortunately, the Highlander hybrid comes with a lot of amenities and has standard four-wheel drive. Buyers seeking more luxury equipment such as a leather interior, a sunroof, a premium stereo, or satellite navigation might want to step up to the hybrid Highlander Limited, but beware, as you’ll soon find yourself paying in the mid-$40,000 range for what is essentially a nondescript mid-size SUV plus a hybrid system.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front-seat active headrests, three-row curtain airbags, front-seatbelt pretensioners, tire-pressure monitoring, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control are all standard on the Toyota Highlander hybrid.
