The 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a three-row crossover that seats seven and comes standard with all-wheel drive. It shares some components with the similar Lexus RX 450h hybrid - although that vehicle only seats five passengers. As a hybrid, the Highlander competes directly with vehicles like the Audi Q5 Hybrid, Infiniti QX60 Hybrid and Volvo XC90 Hybrid.
Powering the Highlander Hybrid is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that combines with several electric motors and a battery pack to provide 280 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission is standard. Given appropriate charge, the Hybrid's battery pack can drive the Highlander in electric mode at slow speeds for short distances and is recharged by regular driving, so there is no need to plug in. Towing capacity is 3500 pounds.
The Highlander Hybrid is available in Limited and Limited Platinum trim levels. The Limited starts at $47,870 and the Limited Platinum starts at $50,485. Standard equipment on the Limited includes 19-inch alloy wheels, sunroof, roof rails, LED running lights, foglights, flip-up rear hatch window, adjustable-height power liftgate, a rear spoiler, keyless ignition and entry, ambient interior lighting, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, eight-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver memory functions, a four-way power passenger seat, second-row table between the captain's chairs and retractable second-row sunshades.
The Limited also includes navigation system, blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, back-up camera, 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a 12-speaker JBL audio system with satellite radio, HD radio and iPod/USB connectivity. Limited options include the Driver Technology package, which adds Toyota's Safety Connect telematics, adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation system with automatic braking, lane departure warning system and automatic high-beam control headlights.
The Highlander Hybrid Limited Platinum includes Platinum standard and optional equipment as well as panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats. A rear-seat Blu-ray entertainment system with a 9-inch display is offered as a stand-alone option. Highland Hybrid is assembled in at Toyota's plant in Indiana and has a $900 destination charge.
Dynamically, Toyota's Highlander is a typical midsize crossover. It has very car-like manners and is easy to maneuver and park. Certainly, there is more body lean in turns than your average sedan, but the brakes and steering are wonderfully integrated into the hybrid drive system, so much so that you'll hardly notice it working to save gas.
Step on the gas and it goes step on the brake and it stops, Highlander Hybrid has plenty of power and good passing punch. Unlike most hybrids, the Highlander comes with a powerful V6 engine that does most of the work and leaves the hybrid system to help out on the highway and when cruising/coasting. You can drive in EV mode at slow speeds or if you choose to accelerate very slowly away from stoplights. For the most part the hybrid system acts as an assist to the gas engine.
As you might expect, fuel economy is a plus with the Highlander Hybrid garnering EPA ratings of 27 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Real-world suburban commuting will likely net 28 mpg and you can even push 30 mpg if you drive with an eye toward fuel savings. On one particularly eco-friendly 40-mile commute the trip computer registered 35 mpg - impressive indeed for a large crossover.
First- and second-row captain's chairs are quite comfortable, boasting ample head and leg room for large adults. Visibility is excellent to all directions and getting in and out is easy, despite the slightly raised ride height. The third-row seat is best used by children.
The interior sports a modern and clean design that's, for the most part, class competitive. Materials are appropriate, when compared to other crossovers, but falls short of the polished trim in some luxury hybrid competitors. Controls and gauges are well thought out easy to use, but we'd rather see Toyota integrate with Apple Car Play and Android Auto than its own entune infotainment system.
Cargo space is good once you fold the third-row seats, just adequate with them in use. Gas-only competitors generally have a bit more usable space out back. Interior storage is great with lots of open and covered bins throughout and a large center console and glove box.
Overall, the Highlander Hybrid in an interesting proposition for midsize crossover shoppers. It competes with more luxurious offerings, and, in doing so, comes at a more reasonable price point - if you call $50,000 reasonable for a midsize crossover. Dynamically it doesn't disappoint, it has a quiet and comfortable ride, reasonable road manners, good acceleration and is very fuel efficient. Though fuel prices are low right now, they will certainly go back up. Given today's lengthy loan terms it makes sense to protect yourself over the long run and make sure you get a vehicle that is as frugal as possible.
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