2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV

　　

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Video Shorts

by zzdcar Test Team

　　

2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　, rating written byMark TakahashiDirector, 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.

　　There are plenty of small SUVs with fuel-efficient hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains, but what if you need something bigger? Three-row midsize SUVs deliver more capabilities and versatility, but there are only a handful of hybrids that qualify and the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is likely the best candidate for your needs.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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) - $40,620 MSRPLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $42,220 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $43,620 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $45,220 MSRPBronze Edition 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $46,380 MSRPBronze Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $47,980 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $47,875 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $49,825 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $51,075 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $53,025 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　The Highlander Hybrid is estimated to return up to 36 mpg in combined city and highway driving, beating the smaller Kia Sorento Hybrid and larger and more expensive Ford Explorer Hybrid. It's also sensibly priced compared to the non-hybrid Highlander, making it a smarter pick since you could conceivably recoup the added hybrid upfront costs within nine months and save as much as $900 in fuel costs every year after that.

　　The 2023 Highlander Hybrid holds an insurmountable advantage over the Kia Sorento and Ford Explorer hybrids, but it's not perfect. We cover the good, the not-so-good and every other topic that's important in our Expert Rating below. That said, if you're seeking a fuel-sipping three-row SUV, you should start your search with the Highlander Hybrid.

　　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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below