Summary:
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has not fared so well according to reviews. Given a seven out of ten rating, it is praised for its powerful hybrid system; extremely low emissions; and comfortable driving experience. However, the high initial cost and limited in-dash electronics contributes to its poor rating. Its Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle rating, a rare distinction for an SUV, affirms its friendliness to the environment. The added weight of hybrid mechanics results in mediocre handling. The engine can be noisy, poor access to third-row seat. Overall, the Highlander Hybrid delivers efficient power and drives better than the average SUV.
With a rating of eight by users, it seems Toyota may have missed the mark on this vehicle. Driving a 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a lot like driving a regular V6 Highlander; it’s just a lot quicker. Still, ride quality is as smooth as ever, but with the extra weight of the hybrid system, handling is even less athletic than it is on the regular Highlander
Engine:
Combined with two electric motors, the Highlander Hybrid’s V-6 engine delivers power and fuel economy Toyota’s full hybrid system allows the gas engine, the electric motor, or both to power the SUV. The Highlander’s gas engine is a powerful 3.3-liter V6.
MPG:
33 miles per gallon city; 28 miles per gallon highway
Interior:
The big front seats are supportive, heated, and power adjustable. With fore and aft adjustment, the middle-row seating provides some comfort for moderate distances, while the third row of seating is best for small children or corporal punishment. All are leather upholstered in Limited models and covered in a quality cloth in the base edition.
The Highlander Hybrid lacks a number of technology features. Bluetooth connectivity is missing, along with HID headlamps. The midsize Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV is offered in base and limited trim levels. Both are available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Five-passenger seating is standard on both, but an optional third-row seat increases capacity to seven. The base model is nicely equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, a windshield wiper de-icer, air-conditioning, a six-speaker CD stereo, a power driver seat, cruise control and full power accessories.
Exterior:
Some of the standard features of the Highlander Hybrid are body side molding, body color front and rear bumpers, day time running lights, heated mirrors, luxury trim, roof rails, rear platform step, tinted glass and trailer towing preparation.
Safety Features:
The Highlander’s solid construction, strategic crush zones, and generous complement of air bags work well for passive safety when a collision is unavoidable. Front-seat side airbags and first and second-row side curtain airbags are standard on all Highlander Hybrids. Also standard are antilock disc brakes with brake assist, traction control and stability control. The regular Highlander’s crash test ratings apply to the Hybrid model. In NHTSA crash testing, the Toyota Highlander scored five stars for frontal-impact protection. In side-impact tests, it again received five stars for both front and rear passengers.
Warranty:
It comes with a basic warranty of 36 months/36,000 miles plus a warranty of 60 months/60,000 miles on the power train and eight years/100,000 miles on the hybrid power train.
