2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

Name: 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review
Brand: Toyota
Price: 26463 USD

Price Estimate: $25,654 - $29,937

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited Platinum 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by Dan Frio^{Correspondent
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.}

Pros

Impressive fuel economy for a three-row crossover
Just-right size for many families
Standard accident-avoidance tech adds peace of mind
Quiet and compliant ride

Cons

Third-row seat isn't as roomy as those of many competitors
Touchscreen and other controls require a long reach
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto not available

What's new

Only minor exterior-trim styling changes for 2019
Part of the third Highlander generation introduced for 2014

The concept of the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is pretty straightforward. Take a quiet, comfortable and roomy three-row crossover SUV, add a battery pack and electric power for increased fuel efficiency, and — with a John Madden "boom!" — you get a hybrid version of one of America's most popular three-row crossovers.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
LE 4dr SUV
$29,937
- 37,787 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 6cyl automatic
- Quality Toyota (69 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Third-row seating
Close
Located in Fergus Falls, MN
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
29 Combined MPG (30 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5TDBGRFH6KS067997
Stock: PKS067997
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-01-2025
Price Drop
2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Limited Platinum 4dr SUV
$26,657
good price
$1,056 below market
- 114,161 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 6cyl automatic
- Schwieters Ford of Montevideo (116 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Montevideo, MN
SCHWEET FRESH TRADE! LIMITED TRIM HYBRID HIGHLANDER! HEATED LEATHER, 3RD ROW, AWD, PLATINUM PKG, MOON ROOF AND LOTS MORE! BLUE CERTIFIED!!
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: Yes
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (29 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5TDDGRFH7KS068181
Stock: 068181
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-16-2025

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Like the standard model, the Highlander Hybrid comes with a generous features set, including advanced driver safety aids such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The cabin's spaciousness also extends to total cargo capacity, which isn't compromised by the battery pack (as in some hybrids) and doesn't force a choice between utility and fuel efficiency.

The most significant difference between the two versions is the Highlander Hybrid's powertrain. While the standard model offers a choice of four- or six-cylinder engine, the hybrid comes exclusively with a V6 paired with electric motors. The combination makes 306 horsepower and delivers 28 or 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving, according to the EPA. All-wheel drive is standard, too. A regular AWD Highlander posts about 22 mpg.

If high fuel economy and utility are priorities, the Highlander Hybrid is an obvious pick, not least for its capabilities. While the Highlander Hybrid does cost a little more than a comparable regular Highlander, it also happens to be one of the only three-row hybrid crossovers that don't wear a luxury badge or have the attached luxury price.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid as one of Edmunds' Best Gas Mileage SUVs for this year.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.0 / 10

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid (3.5L V6 hybrid | CVT automatic | AWD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.0 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.5
Utility	6.5
Technology	6.5

Driving

7.0

A stout V6 engine backed with electric power underpins an SUV with surprisingly good handling, towing and off-road capabilities. It's fairly nimble for a vehicle of this size, though it's not sport-oriented. There's also a robust complement of capability for rougher roads.

Acceleration

7.5

The Highlander Hybrid responds quickly to pedal pressure when accelerating modestly. Full throttle unfurls a near-endless racket as the engine races due to the continuously variable automatic transmission. In our testing, we measured a 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds, which is average for a three-row SUV.

Braking

6.5

Brake pedal effort is light and easy to use for regular stops or emergency braking. In panic stops, the SUV wanders and bobs from side to side. It's not very confidence-inspiring, but it behaves much better in routine stops.

Steering

7.0

Not much feel can be discerned through the steering wheel, but it's well-weighted for a three-row SUV. There's a bit too much play around the center. Still, it's stable at highway speeds and exhibits low effort at low speeds such as when parking.

Handling

7.0

The hybrid is surprisingly sporty for a 5,000-pound SUV and feels confident when bending into a turn. It can handle some speed into corners but only up to a point. The eco-oriented, all-season tires grip modestly, but few drivers will ever be inspired to take the Highlander to such limits anyway.

Drivability

6.0

The Highlander Hybrid feels more maneuverable than many other three-row SUVs. You'll notice its bulk in smaller spaces, but it's near flawless on long, open roads. Most times the engine is quiet, and the CVT automatic seamlessly blends electric and gas power.

Off-road

7.5

It doesn't have low-range gears, but a sophisticated AWD system, 8 inches of clearance, hill hold/descent control, and advantageous approach and departure angles give the Highlander admirable off-road capabilities for a unibody SUV.

Comfort

8.0

Providing comfort is what the Highlander is best at. Its front seats are wide, and the ride is soft yet still maintains a tight driving feel. Excessive engine and wind noise creeps in, however. We expect better at this level.

Seat comfort

8.5

The heated leather front seats feel like living room chairs. They are built for comfort whether you're going the distance or grinding through traffic. The second-row seats aren't quite as soft but offer extensive slide/recline range. The third row is good for kids; adults will do OK back there but not for long.

Ride comfort

8.5

The Highlander Hybrid shines here. It's well-isolated from road rumble but still feels taut, without excessive up and down motions when driving over bumps. It shrugs off road rash and irregular surfaces to an impressive degree.

Noise & vibration

7.0

It's pretty quiet at city street speeds, especially in those fleeting moments of EV mode (battery power only). At highway speeds, road and tire noise is well-suppressed, but you'll hear plenty of wind rushing over the windshield. The engine makes a racket under hard acceleration, however. A Lexus it's not.

Climate control

7.5

The control layout is easy to understand. The system heats and cools the cabin with impressive speed, aided by rear ceiling vents and independent temp and fan speed controls for second-row passengers. The seats are also quick to heat and cool, but the seat cooling fans are noisy even at the lowest setting.

Interior

7.5

Loads of room and easy access make the Highlander Hybrid ideal for owners who constantly shuffle people, cargo and child safety seats. Some ergonomic issues remain, and compromised visibility requires more attentive driving.

Ease of use

7.0

Controls arrayed near the steering wheel are easy to find and use. Every automaker should copy Toyota's dead-simple cruise control stalk. But the long stretch required to reach often-used controls (tuning knob, touchscreen) is getting old. Thoughtful icons show how to fold and slide second-row seats easily.

Getting in/getting out

7.5

The large doors and reasonable seat heights make for easy front- and middle-row entry. The second-row seats offer good slide travel and forward-folding for wide third-row access. Adults climbing in and out of the third row will need to be flexible, but kids shouldn't have a problem.

Driving position

7.5

A wide range of seat adjustments and the telescoping steering column allow most people to find a spot that offers a commanding and confident view of the road and over the hood.

Roominess

8.0

The cabin is big and accommodating where it matters. There is plenty of elbow room for the driver and front passenger and ample legroom for second-row riders. The third row is tighter but still livable for kids or short adults.

Visibility

6.5

This is a big vehicle with a limited view out the rear corners. It's disappointing that blind-spot monitoring does not come standard on the base LE trim.

Quality

8.0

Despite an aging interior design, the Highlander Hybrid has excellent fit and finish and consistently tight panel gaps and seams. The doors close with a hollow thump that doesn't inspire a lot of confidence.

Utility

6.5

The Highlander Hybrid's mix of passenger space, cargo space and modest towing ability makes it a versatile all-arounder. The rear seats fold flat for maximum utility (and ideal car camping). Notably, the hybrid battery packaging doesn't affect cargo capacity; it's the same as in the standard Highlander.

Small-item storage

7.5

The unique storage shelf built into the dashboard offers a resting place for phones and small items. It even offers a cord pass-through for charging cables. The massive deep center console is large enough to conceal a laptop or purse. The door pockets can accommodate most midsize bottles.

Cargo space

6.5

Compared to rivals, the Highlander's 14 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third-row seats is a little stingy. The Honda Pilot and the VW Atlas offer more, for instance. But the 84 cubic feet of max cargo capacity is good enough for most cargo-hauling jobs.

Child safety seat accommodation

6.0

The second-row LATCH anchors are easy to find and access. Top tether anchors are clearly marked midway down the second-row seatbacks. There are no lower anchors in the third-row seats, but there is a tether anchor in the seatback.

Towing

6.0

A properly equipped Highlander Hybrid can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Note that the conventional gasoline-powered Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Technology

6.5

The infotainment system is easy to use and navigate, but it's hindered by dated graphics and proprietary software that requires an app download for full use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are absent.

Audio & navigation

6.0

The touchscreen user interface prioritizes function over form. Layout and menu structure are straightforward, but navigation looks like decades-old MapQuest graphics on a relatively low-res display (which tends to wash out in direct sunlight). The 12-speaker JBL audio system is pretty nice, however.

Smartphone integration

6.0

A single USB port and dual charge-only ports keep the driver and front passengers happy, while rear passengers share three charge ports. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are notably absent. Entune smartphone integration requires an app, an account and Bluetooth pairing before use. It's cumbersome and unnecessary.

Driver aids

7.0

You get an appealing set of standard safety features, including forward collision mitigation and lane keeping assist. Given the Highlander's size and limited visibility, we prefer that the blind-spot warning and parking sensors weren't restricted to the upper trims.

Voice control

6.0

Selecting the voice control button displays a list of phrases. The recognition software also recognizes natural speech, but it's not the best and often misses the mark with garbled translations. iPhone users are better off using Siri Eyes Free (accessed by a long push of steering wheel voice button).

Compare 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid models

The 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a three-row SUV available in LE, XLE, Limited and Limited Platinum trim levels. Depending on trim level, it seats seven or eight passengers.

Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with three electric motors, generating 306 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard.

Standard features on the base LE trim include 18-inch wheels, a windshield wiper de-icer, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure intervention, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and ignition, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver's seat, Bluetooth, a 6.1-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker sound system.

Moving up to the XLE adds foglights, a sunroof, a height-adjustable power liftgate, heated power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, second-row sunshades, upgraded interior materials, a second-row household-style power outlet, an 8.1-inch touchscreen, satellite and HD radio, and a navigation system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems also join the standard suite of safety systems.

The next step up is the Limited trim, which adds 19-inch wheels, LED running lights, rear parking sensors, heated and ventilated front seats with perforated leather, driver-seat memory functions, second-row captain's chairs, a rear cargo cover, and a 12-speaker JBL sound system. At the top of the range is the Limited Platinumwith a panoramic sunroof, automatic wipers, front parking sensors, a surround-view parking camera system, heated rear outboard seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The XLE and the Limited can be equipped with a rear-seat entertainment system.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 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 $3.15 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

$135/mo

$177/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

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Toyota Highlander Hybrid Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.3

26 reviews

5(69%)

4(7%)

3(9%)

2(11%)

1(4%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Ugotmesold

Ron Pope, 05/25/2019

2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

What’s everyone complaing about? Gas at over $3.50 a gallon be happy to get 24mph in town and 30 on Highway, I love this hybrid highlander, I agree 3rd row seat a it tight, my advice get smaller friends. I drive on average around 50 miles a day and maybe fill up about 3 times a month, no kindling!!! Sorry, I’ll stick to Toyota suv’s forever. 👍

Amazing!

Grim Meeper, 12/04/2019

2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Incredible gas mileage for an 7 passenger SUV. The panoramic moonroof is cool. Incredible amount of convenience technology and safety features. The little bit extra for the hybrid model is well worth it. Get the 2019 model before the redesign in 2020 reduces the horsepower. 2019 model has 306HP and get 29mpg.

30K and not a single problem

Steve D., 01/29/2019

2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

There are some folks complaining about fuel economy. It did take getting use to, here's my hints. Use cruise control as much as possible. It has a much lighter touch than us mere mortals. Also if highway driving at over 75 mph expect reduced economy. I do agree with road and wind noise complaints. But that is a small negative. Entune feature is a bit annoying at times. Navigation works …

Not what I expected

TREX, 01/22/2020

2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

I purchased this Highlander after driving a non hybrid Highlander for 5 years. The one I traded never had issues aside from needing a battery replacement. I have owned this SUV less than 3 weeks and less than 500 miles and it has already been in the shop 3 time. Leaking fuel, check engine light coming on and getting poor fuel economy. Toyota...this SUV is not living up to your …

See all 26 reviews of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid

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2019 Highlander Hybrid Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$37,520
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$135/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Highlander Hybrid models:

Forward Collision Warning with Auto-Brake: Detects other cars and pedestrians in front of you and automatically brakes to prevent collisions. It's a standard feature this year.
Lane Departure Alert and Steering Assist: Warns you if you're about to deviate from your lane and can even help steer. It's also standard this year.
Driver Knee & Passenger Cushion Airbags: Provides additional airbag protection. Not every competitor has these extra airbags for front occupants.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Acceptable
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

For sale nearby

2019 Toyota Highlander HybridLE 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2019 Toyota Highlander HybridLimited Platinum 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Off-road

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Towing

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which Highlander Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?

2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid models

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Ugotmesold

Amazing!

30K and not a single problem

Not what I expected

2019 Highlander Hybrid Highlights

Safety

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2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
LE 4dr SUV

2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Limited Platinum 4dr SUV