2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid review
Toyota Highlander Hybrid highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- High fuel economy
- Comfortable ride
- Good standard feature set
Cons
- Small third-row seat
- Limited cargo space behind third row
- Rough engine sound at full throttle
Mileage (EPA estimate)
35 city, 34 highway, 35 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid hauls eight with fuel efficiency
Toyota knows better than to mess with success, so the 2021 Highlander Hybrid is essentially unchanged from the 2020 model year, when it received a full redesign. The hybrid version of the Highlander midsize SUV is available in four trim levels ranging from basic and economical to luxury. All trims are delivered with front-wheel drive as standard equipment, or with available all-wheel drive.
The point of the Highlander Hybrid is to haul up to eight passengers with better fuel economy than a strictly gas-fueled SUV. According to the EPA, the 2021 Highlander Hybrid is rated to return up to 36 mpg in real-world combination city and highway driving. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Actual mileage will vary based on things like battery age, vehicle condition and history, driving and charging habits, accessory use, and driving conditions. Battery capacity may decrease with time and use. See fueleconomy.gov for more info. The Highlander seats three passengers in the second-row bench seat, and three more in the third-row seat, although quarters will be very tight unless those three people are very small. However, the Highlander is a go-to SUV for large families.
All Toyota Highlander Hybrid years
What is new for the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
- Highlander Hybrid trims have been upgraded with Remote Start as standard equipment this year.
- The Limited trim now comes with Android Auto as standard equipment.
- The LE trim now comes with Android Auto as standard equipment.
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid trims
LE:
- 243-hp, 175-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
- Lane Departure Warning
- Power Mirrors
- Smart Key
- Rear View Camera
- Traction Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Seats
- Blind Spot Monitor
- View our Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE inventory
XLE:
- Includes all features available on the LE
- Rear Sunshade
- Leatherette Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Sunroofs
- View our Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE inventory
Limited:
- Includes all features available on the XLE
- Memory Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- A/C Seats
- Leather Seats
- Parking Sensors
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- JBL Sound System
- View our Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited inventory
Platinum:
- Includes all features available on the Limited
- Quad Seats
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Head Up Display
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Navigation System
- View our Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum inventory
Toyota Highlander Hybrid photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
What We Like
Fuel economy: According to EPA tests, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid with front-wheel drive gets an estimated 36 mpg in combined city and highway driving, and all-wheel-drive models get an estimated 35 mpg.
That negligible difference is a result of smart use of the electric motors in partnership with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.Comfortable: As a comparatively large midsize SUV, the Highlander has enough weight to deliver a smooth ride. Toyota also provides comfortable seating in the first and second rows with plenty of elbow room, at least in the front row. Highlanders equipped with the available second-row captain's chairs are even more comfortable, at the expense of one seating position.
Features: The list of standard features is good on the 2021 Highlander Hybrid, and it includes Toyota’s package of advanced driver-assistance features. That includes adaptive cruise control, which follows the prevailing traffic speed. An eight-inch infotainment screen is also standard, with an available 12.3-inch screen on higher trim levels.
What Needs Improvement
Small third-row seat: While the Highlander Hybrid will seat up to eight passengers, the rear seat is small and suitable only for children. Many midsize SUVs have small third-row seats; for those who need more space, a full-size SUV may be a better choice.
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Ratings & reliability
Toyota Highlander Hybrid features and specs
LE 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Cloth Seats
- Full Roof Rack
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
243
Torque (ft-lbs)
175
Engine type
Hybrid
Fuel capacity
17.1
Wheelbase
112.2"
Overall length
194.9"
Width
76"
Height
68.1"
Leg room
F 42"/M 41"/R 27.7"
Head room
F 41.2"/M 39.4"/R 36.1"
Front tires
P235/65VR18
Rear tires
P235/65VR18
Seating capacity
8
Max towing capacity
350/3500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid FAQ
The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- LE: 36 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- XLE: 36 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- Limited: 36 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
- Platinum: 36 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a maximum towing capacity of 3500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid:
- Remote Start
- Android Auto
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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