2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

　　

2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

byTravis LangnessReviews Editor

　　Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.

　　Plenty of automakers offer midsize three-row SUVs, but only a handful bother to offer a hybrid version. One of them is Toyota with its 2021 Highlander Hybrid. It's fair to say the Highlander Hybrid is the originator of the class since Toyota has come out with four generations since 2006. The latest debuted just last year with a more efficient engine, a little more interior space and new technology features.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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 $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$107/mo  for Highlander Hybrid LE

　　Highlander Hybrid LE

　　LE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $38,735 MSRPLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $40,335 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $41,535 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $43,135 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $45,490 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $47,440 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $48,690 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $50,640 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Powering the Highlander Hybrid is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that's paired to a hybrid system. Combined, they make 243 horsepower. While that's underwhelming compared to the typical V6-powered SUV, the Highlander Hybrid does get an excellent EPA-estimated 35-36 mpg in combined driving. Is the trade-off in power for greater fuel efficiency worth it? Get our in-depth take on the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid by reading our Expert Rating below.

　　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 noninvasive.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The first and second seating rows provide ample space. Unfortunately, the Highlander's third row is one of the most confining by midsize three-row SUV standards. If you're planning on regularly using the full passenger capacity, be sure it meets your needs first.

　　Adjusting the driver's seat is quick and easy, and there's ample range of adjustment. Tall drivers will likely want the steering wheel to telescope out a little more. Outward visibility, especially for a vehicle this size, is great. The windshield roof pillars are thin, helping you see around turns or in tight parking situations.

　　The Platinum trim, which is what we tested, also comes with some very useful features such as a camera-based rearview mirror that allows you to see out of the back even if you've fully loaded up the rear cargo area. There's also an available surround-view camera system. It has sharp resolution and can be rotated to look around the vehicle.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? In recent years, Toyota has trailed other manufacturers when it comes to tech. This latest Highlander Hybrid makes big strides in the right direction, but it still has some minor drawbacks. The optional 12.3-in touchscreen is huge (an 8-inch screen is standard) and it responds quickly to inputs. But its high-gloss surface makes it prone to reflections and smudges. Our Highlander Hybrid Platinum tester had five USB charge ports for the first and second rows but none for the third row.

　　All Highlanders come standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids. We like the natural operation of the adaptive cruise control, but we found the lane departure warning slightly too sensitive and the lane centering ineffective at highway speeds.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Cargo space is a bit of a mixed bag with the Highlander Hybrid. Behind the third row, there's only 16 cubic feet of space, which is a bit less than what the Ford Explorer provides. Behind the second row, it expands to a better-than-average 48.4 cubic feet. The liftover height is about average for a midsize SUV.

　　There's decent space for your things, with a few useful shelves across the dash. If you have a phone charging on the wireless pad in the center bin, you have to remove it to access the space beneath. We didn't find it that cumbersome, but you might.

　　Got small children? You can easily install a large rear-facing car seat in the second row thanks to the generous amount of fore-and-aft movement of the available captain's chairs. The car seat anchors are also easy to locate and access for all types of seats, though there are no anchors in the third row.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The top trims for the all-wheel-drive Highlander Hybrid get an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined. Front-wheel-drive versions are a little more efficient at 36 mpg combined.

　　On our relatively traffic-free evaluation route, we traveled 115 miles at an efficiency of 33 mpg. That's really good for a big three-row SUV, though it's obviously slightly below the EPA estimates. It's still significantly more efficient than the Ford Explorer Hybrid we tested (EPA estimate: 25 mpg combined), which returned 23.3 mpg on average.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the Highlander Hybrid a good value? The Highlander's interior is solidly put together with soft, padded surfaces where they matter most. Toyota's hybrids have a track record for running long and strong, so odds are high this Highlander will serve you loyally. There's good value here, too, whether you're cross-shopping against a Ford Explorer Hybrid or even a regular gas-only Highlander.

　　Toyota's warranty coverage is pretty common for the class with three years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and five years/60,000 miles for the powertrain. Hybrid components are covered for eight years/100,000 miles, and Toyota has extended its hybrid battery coverage for 2020 model year vehicles to a generous 10 years/150,000 miles. The first two years of scheduled maintenance are also free.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　The Highlander Hybrid isn't something we'd choose for a winding road but it's no less composed than the lighter, non-hybrid version of itself. It's something you'd look forward to taking a long trip in, though, and some might consider that fun.

　　The Highlander's new styling gives it a more aggressive vibe overall, but we're not sold on the bold details traveling down the side of the car. To us it looks overdone, but to each their own.

　　

Which Highlander Hybrid does zzdcar recommend?

With the Highlander Hybrid, we recommend the Limited trim. It's one of the more expensive trim levels — only the Platinum costs more — but you get a bunch of appealing features that would otherwise be optional or not available on the LE and XLE.

　　

2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid models

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a three-row midsize SUV offered in four trim levels: LE, XLE, Limited and Platinum. Seating for eight is standard on the base LE trim. Optional for the XLE and Limited and standard for the Platinum are second-row captain's chairs, which reduce total seating to seven. Feature highlights include:

　　LE

　　Starts you off with:

　　Four-cylinder hybrid system (243 horsepower) Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) Front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive LED headlights Keyless entry and ignition Power liftgate Three-zone climate control 8-inch touchscreen Six-speaker stereo Five USB ports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Wi-Fi hotspotEvery Highlander Hybrid also comes standard with:

　　Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Toyota and the car in front) Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)XLE

　　Adds more upscale features, including:

　　Sunroof Roof rails Auto-dimming rearview mirror Adjustable lumbar on driver's seat Heated front seats Simulated leather upholstery Wireless phone charger Second-row window sunshadesLimited

　　Includes the above, plus:

　　Front and rear parking sensors Hands-free liftgate Heated and ventilated front seats Leather upholstery 11-speaker audio system Navigation systemPlatinum

　　The range-topping Highlander Hybrid Platinum further adds:

　　Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves) Automatic wipers Panoramic sunroof Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area) 12.3-inch touchscreen Heated second-row seats Head-up display 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Highlander and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

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2021 Highlander Hybrid Highlights

Trim: LEXLELimitedPlatinumLE

　　

Base MSRP	$38,735
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	36 MPG
Cost to Drive	$107/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles