MSRP: $38,715 - $44,370
Invoice: $35,617 - $40,598
MPG: 28 City / 28 Hwy
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Toyota Highlander Hybrid Performance

Scorecard

Overall: 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid U.S. News Best Cars 7.8
Critics' Rating: 7.7
Performance: 7.8
Interior: 7.9
Safety: 9.4
Reliability:
How we calculate scores
Research analyzed for this review

Awards

Pros & Cons

  • Good fuel economy
  • Good interior build quality
  • Fairly smooth ride
  • Comfortable first- and second-row seats
  • Lifeless driving dynamics
  • Small third row
  • Some cheap-feeling interior materials

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Review Last Updated: 4/25/13

Reviewers say that the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a fuel-efficient means of transportation, though it’s not very entertaining to drive. Still, if fuel economy means more to you than blistering acceleration or composed handling, the Highlander Hybrid is a fine choice.

  • "There’s no excitement in the driving experience, but trying to maximize mileage can be entertaining." -- Car and Driver
  • "Bring your own pulse because you won't find one here.” --  Edmunds
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Acceleration and Power

The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes with a 3.5-liter V6 that is paired with an electric motor. This combination pushes out 280 horsepower. According to the EPA, the Highlander gets 28 mpg in both city and highway driving. Reviewers praise this powertrain’s seamless operation, and they say that it has enough power for most drivers.

  • “The Highlander Hybrid charged up hills without any hesitation.” -- Cars.com

Handling and Braking

Test drivers write that like the gas-only Toyota Highlander, the Highlander Hybrid is no fun to drive. It has more body lean in the corners than most SUVs in its class, and it lacks steering feel. Both trim levels of the Highlander Hybrid come standard with four-wheel drive.

  • "The ride is super-smooth, but the Highlander Hybrid has a roly-poly feeling through twisty roads, which was a bit unnerving and encouraged slower driving on my part.” -- Cars.com
  • "The Highlander Hybrid changes direction when we turn the wheel, but that's the only way to know it's connected to anything because there's precious little sensory feedback through the column.” --  Edmunds
  • "It’s mostly about fuel economy, so it’s not too thrilling to drive.” -- Car and Driver

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