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• Exterior
• Interior
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• Reliability

Toyota Highlander Hybrid - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid ranks 14 out of 31 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 63 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Highlander Hybrid offers a spacious interior, smooth ride, and refined hybrid powertrain. However, even with excellent fuel economy, many reviewers say its steep price as compared to the conventional Highlander isn't justified in fuel savings.

 

The Highlander Hybrid is an excellent family vehicle because of its great fuel economy and spacious third-row seat -- but that utility comes with a steep price. With a base price of nearly $35,000, the Highlander Hybrid is the most expensive non-luxury hybrid vehicle on the market. Further detracting from its value is the fact that the conventional Highlander costs nearly $9,000 less.

The hybrid's 27/25 mpg fuel economy leads the affordable midsize SUV class and is definitely an improvement over the conventional Highlander's 18/24 mpg rating. However, it would still take many years (probably even more than most people would keep the car) to make up for the cost of that $9,000 premium in gas savings -- prompting many reviewers to say the Highlander Hybrid isn't worth it unless you're a die-hard environmentalist. Several other hybrid SUVs offer even better fuel economy at lower prices.

The Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid boast 34/31 mpg ratings that top nearly every other SUV on the market. Even better, they cost about $5,000 less than the Highlander Hybrid. However, these are both compact SUVs and don't offer third-row seats. In fact, the Toyota is the only hybrid in its class to offer seating for seven, so it may be the best deal if a third-row seat is essential for you.

The Highlander Hybrid is unchanged for 2010, so you may want to consider a 2009 model. You could snag a discount as dealers make room on their lots for the 2010s. Be sure to check out our Toyota deals for current incentives. The Highlander Hybrid is available in two trims -- the base and Limited -- with either five- or seven-seat configurations.

• "Fortunately, everything we like about the regular Highlander is present in the hybrid version: excellent interior versatility, a strong powerplant, carlike refinement, and a handsome and spacious interior." -- Car and Driver
• "Don't buy this car expecting to save on gas. It's doubtful that you will ever come close to recouping the added initial vehicle cost in fuel savings." -- Boston Globe
• "[T]he Highlander is definitely the most efficient of the mid-large crossovers and provides good utility for those who need ample space for five plus two on occasion." -- Autoblog Green
• "The...Toyota Highlander Hybrid is an ideal choice for shoppers wanting a vehicle that offers high fuel economy and seven-passenger practicality." -- Edmunds

 

Highlander Hybrid Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)

The Highlander Hybrid offers a smooth ride with plenty of power -- a rare combination for a hybrid vehicle. "Built on a unibody architecture, like a car's, the Highlander hybrid can be considered a crossover," says Car and Driver. "This endows the Highlander hybrid with driving dynamics similar to those of a large car, but with a high seating position."  Read More

Highlander Hybrid Exterior - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The Highlander Hybrid's exterior doesn't stand out in a sea of similar SUVs. "The Highlander Hybrid is sleek and features smooth sides," says Cars.com. "...Styling differences between the gas-only Highlander and the Highlander Hybrid are minimal; the hybrid has a different grille and taillight styling and unique hybrid badges."  Read More

Highlander Hybrid Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)

The Highlander Hybrid's five-seat (seven-seat optional) interior is spacious and stocked with standard features. "Even compared with heavier full-size sport-utility vehicles, the Highlander features competitive interior space and comfort for seven occupants, and the third-row seat is even sort of usable this time around," says Car and Driver. That said, reviewers still have mixed opinions about seating comfort and some cheap interior materials, not to mention the disappointing base stereo system.  Read More

Highlander Hybrid Safety - 9.3 (Excellent)

The 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid does well in federal government crash tests. It's standard safety features include equipment that is rare for the class, such as a driver's knee airbag. Read More

Highlander Hybrid Reliability - NA

The Highlander Hybrid is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty.  Read More