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2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review
Price Range: $27,500 - $52,998
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Good
7.8
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
There are few options when it comes to midsize three-row hybrid SUVs. Luckily, Toyota just happens to make one that's really good. The 2021 Highlander Hybrid effectively starts with the solid foundation of the regular Highlander and simply adds excellent fuel economy. It's adequately quick and nimble, and it loses no passenger or cargo space compared to the regular Highlander. Its third-row seat is small by midsize SUV standards, but that's one of few drawbacks.
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What's new
- No significant changes for 2021
- Part of the fourth Highlander generation introduced for 2020
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 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 $2.71 per gallon for regular unleaded in Texas.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$95/mo for Highlander Hybrid LE
Highlander Hybrid LE
vs
$154/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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Toyota Highlander Hybrid Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(55%)
4(20%)
3(9%)
2(9%)
1(7%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Only had for a few days, but WOW! Vs. Venza.
5 out of 5 starsLuckyme, 05/09/2021
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I made a rash decision and purchased a 2021 Venza Limited, fully loaded. They, as the Highlander are in high demand, and dealers did not have either Hybrids to test drive. I chose the Venza based on a sleeker look in photos, on line review, etc. But, after just 3000 miles on the Venza, I knew I made a mistake. The Venza was too small, rides a bit stiff and road noise was irritating from … a Luxury-like vehicle. May be the tires, but the insulation from road noise is just not there. Not at all feeling like a $42K vehicle. I’ve owned numerous Toyota Hybrids, and the Venza felt more like a Prius with lipstick and high heals to dress it up. Nothing wrong with the Prius, it has a purpose.
This brings me to the Highlander. I traded the new Venza (took my hit), for the Highlander Platinum, and I wish I’d have gone with the Highlander first. I did not look at it seriously due to the family hauler aura, style was not my favorite, and 3 rows of seating. We are semi-retired and I did not think I needed the space, but I did. It’s a solid vehicle, feels much more substantial and drives much smoother than the Venza. Quiet for a Hybrid (Not quite as refined as my wife’s Lexus ES300 Hybrid) and has plenty of power. The first drive from the dealer, about 120 miles of highway at 70-78 mph resulted in 32 MPG. I’m OK with that. It looks to be maybe 35 mpg in mixed driving (Venza was about 39) so I’m happy with that. So much more space, infotainment and technology is a step up with some knobs and buttons, as I don’t like 100% touch screens. Interior fit and finish is excellent (Kudo’s to our friends building these in Indiana, USA!). Toyota Hybrids are some of the most dependable cars on the road, and I believe we have a winner. Update 11/22: 30K miles and not a single issue. Nothing needed but the 10K oil service. Well made vehicle.
A Real Dream Boat
5 out of 5 starsSarah Audrey, 03/21/2021
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
You should not make your first impression of the mpgs of this vehicle in the dead of winter. Hybrids are known to struggle with mpgs below freezing. I got my Highlander Hybrid in December, and have been getting around 28mpg on the coldest days, but once the outside temperatures reach 45 and up, I'm getting well over the estimated 35mpg, often 38mpg with combined suburban and highway … driving. Besides, no conventional engine 7 or 8 seater touches this vehicle's winter mpg, even. My only complaint is there is a bit of a whistling noise at high speeds, maybe from the driver's side mirror, or the roof rails. I like that the rear ac/heat vents are placed above the seats, this is an ideal position for passengers who are still in rear-facing carseats. You could pay just as much or more on the competition Japanese rival vehicles, and will be putting much more gas into them even in winter, and making more maintenance trips without the hybrid engine due to stress on components like brake parts, etc. I cannot stress enough what a great vehicle this is. I've owned Swedish, German, Korean, and American vehicles but I keep coming back to Toyota. The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum AWD is the best car I've ever owned.
Great SUV So Far
5 out of 5 starsJohn_B, 02/26/2021
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I ended up trading in my 2011 Toyota RAV4 (non-hybrid) for a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid because I needed more cargo space but didn't want to take a bit hit on gas mileage considering most of my driving is local/city. During the first week I had the Highlander Hybrid I will admit I was a bit disappointed I was only getting 26 - 29 mpg given that I was trying to maximize the fuel … economy. Up to that point I was only driving a few miles each way. Then I had to go into the office, which is a 12-mile trip each way, and I got 43 mpg going to office and 34 mpg coming back. So even though initially I was only getting 26 - 29 mpg, my final mpg is around 35 mpg, which agrees pretty well with the rated gas mileage. The lesson I learned from this was that it's hard to get good gas mileage for short trips because the gas engine will run during initial startup until the engine and hybrid battery warm up. However, for longer trips the warmup period represents a smaller fraction of time. Anyway, don't let short trips persuade you into thinking you're getting poor gas mileage because the chance are you wouldn't be getting more than 15 mpg with a non-hybrid mid-size SUV.
Apart from the gas mileage, I find the ride to be quite comfortable and quiet. Yes, the engine gets noticeably louder the harder you press the gas pedal or go uphill, but it doesn't bother me too much considering how quiet it is the rest of the time. My wife has originally wanted bench seats for the 2nd row, so those were the seats in the model we test drove. However, we ended up getting a good deal on a 2021 Highlander Hybrid that came with captain's chairs, and now my wife really likes the captain's chairs.
Right now the only negative I have is pretty minor and not worth taking a star from my review. The minor comment has to do with the design of the hood. Personally I really like the way the Highlander looks, but I don't know what the Toyota engineers were thinking when they designed the hood. When looking at the front hood from the side, it almost looks as if the hood is open because there is a noticeable gap between the headlights and the hood. You could literally stick your hand in between. If there was a reason for that design I would certainly like to know what it was.
Perfect for seniors
5 out of 5 starsDon Price, 04/30/2021
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Our new Highlander met my hopes and exceeded my expectations. It is very easy to enter and exit for we older folk. It is very comfortable and quiet. One of the biggest pluses for me was that it hit the advertised 36 mpg right on the head when using cruise control at the posted speed limit of 70mph. (Actually set cruise at 72 and 73). First new car I’ve had in 25 years and was not … disappointed after getting over the sticker shock. This my third hybrid and I think they are worth the money if you’re going to keep them awhile. Besides the great fuel economy, one major benefit is that because of the regenerative braking system, the actual wheel brakes don’t get much wear. My Prius had 200k when I gave it to my granddaughter and still on the original brakes that look barely used. I had similar results on my Ford Fusion. Quite happy!
2021 Highlander Hybrid Highlights
LE
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $38,735 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Hybrid |
| Combined MPG | 36 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $95/month |
| Seating | 8 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.0 cu.ft. |
front wheel drive | |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Highlander Hybrid models:
- Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection
- Warns of an approaching vehicle or pedestrian, providing additional braking force or applying the brakes automatically if necessary.
- Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Follows the vehicle ahead at a preset distance, with the ability to operate at low speeds or all the way up to 110 mph.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Alerts the driver of possible unintended lane departures and can apply small corrective steering inputs to keep the vehicle in its lane.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover16.4%
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