2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV

　　2025 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.

　　11/30/2023

　　Overview

　　Toyota has been at the hybrid game longer than most, and the Highlander Hybrid sits right in the middle of its SUV lineup. It's supported by the smaller RAV4 Hybrid on one side and the larger Grand Highlander on the other. This fourth-generation Highlander Hybrid has been around since 2020, and if predecessors are any indication, it may be due for a styling update to keep it in line with its newer siblings. 

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Efficient and affordable

Offering up to an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, the current Highlander Hybrid is one of the mileage leaders among midsize three-row SUVs. Compared to the gas-only model, you won't have to pay a huge premium to go hybrid and the savings can be significant enough to recoup the added cost within the first year of ownership. Since both Highlanders deliver similar driving experiences, it really does make more sense to go hybrid.

　　

Competitors to consider

Up until last year, we would have recommended the Toyota Highlander Hybrid for buyers considering a fuel-efficient three-row SUV. With the introduction of the larger Grand Highlander Hybrid, we're suggesting shoppers consider upsizing to get more passenger and cargo space. Outside of these Toyota twins, the Kia Sorento Hybrid offers similar fuel economy (up to 37 mpg combined) but the Ford Explorer Hybrid doesn't come close to matching any of them efficiency-wise.

　　zzdcar says

　　The Toyota Highlander Hybrid brings impressive efficiency to the three-row midsize SUV class, but we suggest also checking out the newer and larger Grand Highlander Hybrid if fuel economy is a top priority.