2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert 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.

　　

What's new

Only minor exterior-trim styling changes for 2019Part of the third Highlander generation introduced for 2014

　　The concept of the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is pretty straightforward. Take a quiet, comfortable and roomy three-row crossover SUV, add a battery pack and electric power for increased fuel efficiency, and — with a John Madden "boom!" — you get a hybrid version of one of America's most popular three-row crossovers.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 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 $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$131/mo  for Highlander Hybrid LE

　　Highlander Hybrid LE

　　LE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $37,520 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $42,580 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $46,060 MSRPLimited Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $49,180 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Like the standard model, the Highlander Hybrid comes with a generous features set, including advanced driver safety aids such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The cabin's spaciousness also extends to total cargo capacity, which isn't compromised by the battery pack (as in some hybrids) and doesn't force a choice between utility and fuel efficiency.

　　The most significant difference between the two versions is the Highlander Hybrid's powertrain. While the standard model offers a choice of four- or six-cylinder engine, the hybrid comes exclusively with a V6 paired with electric motors. The combination makes 306 horsepower and delivers 28 or 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving, according to the EPA. All-wheel drive is standard, too. A regular AWD Highlander posts about 22 mpg.

　　If high fuel economy and utility are priorities, the Highlander Hybrid is an obvious pick, not least for its capabilities. While the Highlander Hybrid does cost a little more than a comparable regular Highlander, it also happens to be one of the only three-row hybrid crossovers that don't wear a luxury badge or have the attached luxury price.

　　Notably, we picked the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid as one of zzdcar' Best Gas Mileage SUVs for this year.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.0 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (3.5L V6 hybrid | CVT automatic | AWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.0 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.5
Utility	6.5
Technology	6.5

　　

Driving

7.0

　　A stout V6 engine backed with electric power underpins an SUV with surprisingly good handling, towing and off-road capabilities. It's fairly nimble for a vehicle of this size, though it's not sport-oriented. There's also a robust complement of capability for rougher roads.

　　

Acceleration

7.5

　　The Highlander Hybrid responds quickly to pedal pressure when accelerating modestly. Full throttle unfurls a near-endless racket as the engine races due to the continuously variable automatic transmission. In our testing, we measured a 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds, which is average for a three-row SUV.

　　

Braking

6.5

　　Brake pedal effort is light and easy to use for regular stops or emergency braking. In panic stops, the SUV wanders and bobs from side to side. It's not very confidence-inspiring, but it behaves much better in routine stops.

　　

Steering

7.0

　　Not much feel can be discerned through the steering wheel, but it's well-weighted for a three-row SUV. There's a bit too much play around the center. Still, it's stable at highway speeds and exhibits low effort at low speeds such as when parking.

　　

Handling

7.0

　　The hybrid is surprisingly sporty for a 5,000-pound SUV and feels confident when bending into a turn. It can handle some speed into corners but only up to a point. The eco-oriented, all-season tires grip modestly, but few drivers will ever be inspired to take the Highlander to such limits anyway.

　　

Drivability

6.0

　　The Highlander Hybrid feels more maneuverable than many other three-row SUVs. You'll notice its bulk in smaller spaces, but it's near flawless on long, open roads. Most times the engine is quiet, and the CVT automatic seamlessly blends electric and gas power.

　　

Off-road

7.5

　　It doesn't have low-range gears, but a sophisticated AWD system, 8 inches of clearance, hill hold/descent control, and advantageous approach and departure angles give the Highlander admirable off-road capabilities for a unibody SUV.

　　

Comfort

8.0

　　Providing comfort is what the Highlander is best at. Its front seats are wide, and the ride is soft yet still maintains a tight driving feel. Excessive engine and wind noise creeps in, however. We expect better at this level.

　　

Seat comfort

8.5

　　The heated leather front seats feel like living room chairs. They are built for comfort whether you're going the distance or grinding through traffic. The second-row seats aren't quite as soft but offer extensive slide/recline range. The third row is good for kids; adults will do OK back there but not for long.

　　

Ride comfort

8.5

　　The Highlander Hybrid shines here. It's well-isolated from road rumble but still feels taut, without excessive up and down motions when driving over bumps. It shrugs off road rash and irregular surfaces to an impressive degree.

　　

Noise & vibration

7.0

　　It's pretty quiet at city street speeds, especially in those fleeting moments of EV mode (battery power only). At highway speeds, road and tire noise is well-suppressed, but you'll hear plenty of wind rushing over the windshield. The engine makes a racket under hard acceleration, however. A Lexus it's not.

　　

Climate control

7.5

　　The control layout is easy to understand. The system heats and cools the cabin with impressive speed, aided by rear ceiling vents and independent temp and fan speed controls for second-row passengers. The seats are also quick to heat and cool, but the seat cooling fans are noisy even at the lowest setting.

　　

Interior

7.5

　　Loads of room and easy access make the Highlander Hybrid ideal for owners who constantly shuffle people, cargo and child safety seats. Some ergonomic issues remain, and compromised visibility requires more attentive driving.

　　

Ease of use

7.0

　　Controls arrayed near the steering wheel are easy to find and use. Every automaker should copy Toyota's dead-simple cruise control stalk. But the long stretch required to reach often-used controls (tuning knob, touchscreen) is getting old. Thoughtful icons show how to fold and slide second-row seats easily.

　　

Getting in/getting out

7.5

　　The large doors and reasonable seat heights make for easy front- and middle-row entry. The second-row seats offer good slide travel and forward-folding for wide third-row access. Adults climbing in and out of the third row will need to be flexible, but kids shouldn't have a problem.

　　

Driving position

7.5

　　A wide range of seat adjustments and the telescoping steering column allow most people to find a spot that offers a commanding and confident view of the road and over the hood.

　　

Roominess

8.0

　　The cabin is big and accommodating where it matters. There is plenty of elbow room for the driver and front passenger and ample legroom for second-row riders. The third row is tighter but still livable for kids or short adults.

　　

Visibility

6.5

　　This is a big vehicle with a limited view out the rear corners. It's disappointing that blind-spot monitoring does not come standard on the base LE trim.

　　

Quality

8.0

　　Despite an aging interior design, the Highlander Hybrid has excellent fit and finish and consistently tight panel gaps and seams. The doors close with a hollow thump that doesn't inspire a lot of confidence.

　　

Utility

6.5

　　The Highlander Hybrid's mix of passenger space, cargo space and modest towing ability makes it a versatile all-arounder. The rear seats fold flat for maximum utility (and ideal car camping). Notably, the hybrid battery packaging doesn't affect cargo capacity; it's the same as in the standard Highlander.

　　

Small-item storage

7.5

　　The unique storage shelf built into the dashboard offers a resting place for phones and small items. It even offers a cord pass-through for charging cables. The massive deep center console is large enough to conceal a laptop or purse. The door pockets can accommodate most midsize bottles.

　　

Cargo space

6.5

　　Compared to rivals, the Highlander's 14 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third-row seats is a little stingy. The Honda Pilot and the VW Atlas offer more, for instance. But the 84 cubic feet of max cargo capacity is good enough for most cargo-hauling jobs.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

6.0

　　The second-row LATCH anchors are easy to find and access. Top tether anchors are clearly marked midway down the second-row seatbacks. There are no lower anchors in the third-row seats, but there is a tether anchor in the seatback.

　　

Towing

6.0

　　A properly equipped Highlander Hybrid can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Note that the conventional gasoline-powered Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

　　

Technology

6.5

　　The infotainment system is easy to use and navigate, but it's hindered by dated graphics and proprietary software that requires an app download for full use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are absent.

　　

Audio & navigation

6.0

　　The touchscreen user interface prioritizes function over form. Layout and menu structure are straightforward, but navigation looks like decades-old MapQuest graphics on a relatively low-res display (which tends to wash out in direct sunlight). The 12-speaker JBL audio system is pretty nice, however.

　　

Smartphone integration

6.0

　　A single USB port and dual charge-only ports keep the driver and front passengers happy, while rear passengers share three charge ports. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are notably absent. Entune smartphone integration requires an app, an account and Bluetooth pairing before use. It's cumbersome and unnecessary.

　　

Driver aids

7.0

　　You get an appealing set of standard safety features, including forward collision mitigation and lane keeping assist. Given the Highlander's size and limited visibility, we prefer that the blind-spot warning and parking sensors weren't restricted to the upper trims.

　　

Voice control

6.0

　　Selecting the voice control button displays a list of phrases. The recognition software also recognizes natural speech, but it's not the best and often misses the mark with garbled translations. iPhone users are better off using Siri Eyes Free (accessed by a long push of steering wheel voice button).

　　

Which Highlander Hybrid does zzdcar recommend?

　　Although the Highlander Hybrid comes well-equipped even at the LE base trim level, the midlevel XLE is worth the stretch. In addition to standard safety features, the XLE adds desirable features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, an upgraded 8.1-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery, and a height-adjustable liftgate, among other items.

　　

2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid models

　　The 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a three-row SUV available in LE, XLE, Limited and Limited Platinum trim levels. Depending on trim level, it seats seven or eight passengers.

　　Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with three electric motors, generating 306 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard.

　　Standard features on the base LE trim include 18-inch wheels, a windshield wiper de-icer, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure intervention, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and ignition, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver's seat, Bluetooth, a 6.1-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker sound system.

　　Moving up to the XLE adds foglights, a sunroof, a height-adjustable power liftgate, heated power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, second-row sunshades, upgraded interior materials, a second-row household-style power outlet, an 8.1-inch touchscreen, satellite and HD radio, and a navigation system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems also join the standard suite of safety systems.

　　The next step up is the Limited trim, which adds 19-inch wheels, LED running lights, rear parking sensors, heated and ventilated front seats with perforated leather, driver-seat memory functions, second-row captain's chairs, a rear cargo cover, and a 12-speaker JBL sound system. At the top of the range is the Limited Platinumwith a panoramic sunroof, automatic wipers, front parking sensors, a surround-view parking camera system, heated rear outboard seats, and a heated steering wheel.

　　The XLE and the Limited can be equipped with a rear-seat entertainment system.

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2019 Highlander Hybrid Highlights

Trim: LEXLELimitedLimited PlatinumLE

　　

Base MSRP	$37,520
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$131/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles