ToyotaHighlander Hybrid

　　

2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioDirector, Vehicle Testing

　　Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at zzdcar, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.

　　The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is pretty much just what it sounds like. The Highlander is Toyota's midsize three-row SUV, and the Hybrid version has a hybrid powertrain that provides improved fuel economy. That right there is a pretty intriguing proposition, and it's further bolstered by high levels of comfort and many standard driver assist features to help make driving easier. A tight third row limits its utility, but if you only plan for children to ride back there, it's a nonissue.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$108/mo  for Highlander Hybrid LE

　　Highlander Hybrid LE

　　LE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $40,720 MSRPLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $42,320 MSRPLE Nightshade 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $41,720 MSRPLE Nightshade 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $43,320 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $43,870 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $45,470 MSRPXLE Nightshade 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $44,870 MSRPXLE Nightshade 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $46,470 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $47,975 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $49,925 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $51,175 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $53,125 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Going hybrid pays for itself

Deciding on a hybrid or a non-hybrid comes down to some math and whether the hybrid can shave your fuel costs. The Highlander Hybrid makes a compelling argument with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 36 mpg combined. That's 12 mpg more than the gas-only Highlander. Toyota doesn't price the Highlander Hybrid much more than the regular Highlander so it's quite possible for you to recoup your costs within a couple of years of driving. After that you'll enjoy the continued fuel savings. The Highlander Hybrid doesn't dazzle with speed or handling, but it's ideal for both the daily grind and long miles on the highway.

　　

Competitors to consider

The Highlander Hybrid is one of just a few hybrid three-row SUVs on the market. The Kia Sorento Hybrid is a top rival. It costs less and gets slightly better fuel economy, but it's smaller overall with less cargo space. Another option is the Mazda CX-90. It offers a plug-in hybrid version with impressive power and handling, and about 26 miles of all-electric driving. But it's pricey and short on cargo space. Finally, if you like the Toyota but simply need more third-row space, the new Grand Highlander Hybrid is an intriguing alternative.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Highlander Hybrid drive? The three-row Highlander has the same hybrid powertrain as the RAV4 Hybrid, though Toyota juiced it up a bit to handle the added weight. Our test Highlander accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. That's certainly respectable considering some SUVs with V6s take as much time and are far less fuel-efficient. Emergency braking power is also on par.

　　Around turns, this hybrid is surprisingly composed. The Highlander Hybrid isn't as athletic as the hybrid version of the Ford Explorer, but handling isn't usually a strong selling point for three-row SUVs. What's more important is ease of driving, and the Highlander Hybrid nails it. Power is readily available and smoothly delivered, and the brakes are smooth and don't exhibit the grabbiness found in some other hybrids.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Highlander Hybrid? The Highlander Hybrid's ride quality is plush. It smooths over most road imperfections yet remains controlled without much float at higher speeds. The wide front seats are pretty comfortable even on long drives, and the available second-row captain's chairs deliver nearly the same level of comfort. Alas, the third-row seats remain one of the Highlander's greatest liabilities. Thin padding, a very low seat cushion and limited legroom make them a no-go for most adults.

　　We like the Highlander's excellent climate control system. It's easy to use and can quickly heat or cool the cabin. At highway speeds, the Highlander is nicely insulated from wind and road noise. The gas engine sounds unrefined when you go full throttle, but otherwise it's not intrusive.

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