Highlander Hybrid SUV Review

By: Rob Adams
Staff Writer
Published: Oct 21, 2009

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Electric Drive

The Highlander Hybrid is one of the best SUVs on the market. I never cared much about hybrid SUVs until I recently drove the Highlander. My first impressions when sitting in the cab was remarkable, but as things got off to a good start, I was more impressed with how it handled.

My test-drive took me around town where I began my journey. The Toyota Highlander immediately switched to EV mode, which operates from its electric battery under certain conditions, and it was hard to believe it was running. The SUV is so quiet, that I could only hear the tires as I made turns.

The Highlander Hybrid can seat up to seven passengers, including the driver. The midsize SUV handles very well on pavement and off-road conditions. I certainly didn't tell the Toyota Dealer where I drove it, but let's just say the off-road driving was fun, and as smooth as pavement.

The hybrid engine is most impressive and delivers 208 horsepower. It's a 3.3-liter double overhead cam providing 212 lb.-ft. as a V6. However, Toyota claims that the vehicle has a maximum torque of 247 lb.-ft. using a high-torque electric drive motor-generator.

Another nice feature in the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the unique instrument panel. It was eye-candy to me, and it provided me with real-time information including an energy monitor. The energy monitor can assist the driver in maximizing fuel economy.

You can also activate the EV mode directly from a switch located on the front center console. The electric mode is perfect when running at low speeds or in certain stop-and-go driving conditions. The resulting benefit is reduced fuel consumption, emissions and noise.

A new ECON drive mode switch located next to the EV Mode switch activates a throttle control program that smoothes out the throttle response. This action helps limit excessive acceleration thereby helping to enhance fuel economy. A third new fuel saving feature is a Hybrid System Indicator located on the left side of the Optitron combination meter which will provide the driver with a guideline to reduce fuel consumption.

The Hybrid System Indicator consists of two automatic modes: "normal" and "acceleration." The "normal mode" reveals three white LED dashes, located on the outer edge of the power meter, when driving at slower speeds. Keeping the power meter needle within the three white dashes allows the driver to maintain a constant speed and acceleration level that helps achieve maximum fuel economy.

As the driver increases vehicle acceleration, the Hybrid System Indicator automatically switches to "acceleration mode." The "acceleration mode" encourages the driver to keep the power meter needle within five white dashes to help achieve maximum fuel economy.

Overall, this SUV drove so well that I might have to purchase one. As I said earlier, I never cared for SUVs, but driving the Toyota Highlander sold me. The vehicle provides plenty of room and offers great mileage.