NOTE: Pricing based on data collected March 2011. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology
Vehicle Summary
Toyota introduced the Highlander Hybrid in model year 2006 and only makes it as a four-wheel-drive (4WD) model. The midsize SUV seats seven people and gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 28 miles per gallon (mpg)—an increase of 2 mpg from last year’s model. It remains the most fuel-efficient seven-passenger vehicle currently on the U.S. market. The Highlander Hybrid is a full hybrid, offering electric-only operation under certain conditions, idle stop/start, power assist, and regenerative braking.
Environmental Improvement Score
With a 32 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional Highlander, the Highlander Hybrid is not only a class leader, but trails only the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Lexus CT 200h, and Ford Fusion Hybrid for greatest global warming emissions reduction among all hybrids. This impressive performance does come with a caveat, however. While the closest conventional counterpart for the Highlander Hybrid 4WD is a six-cylinder gasoline engine, the conventional Highlander is available in a four-cylinder variety. This more efficient model gets a combined EPA estimated 22 mpg versus the 19 mpg of the 4WD conventional model we used for our comparisons. Given the predisposition that hybrid buyers have for maximizing fuel economy over power, Toyota would be wise to consider wedding its Hybrid Synergy Drive to the more efficient four-cylinder engine in future models.
The low smog-forming emissions of the Highlander Hybrid earn an EPA air pollution score of 8. These factors give the Highlander Hybrid an overall environmental improvement score of 7.1, a very solid overall performance, but with room for improvement in both global warming and smog-forming emissions reduction categories.
Scorecard Environmental Improvement Score methodology
Hybrid Value
Toyota is charging $5,230 for the hybrid system in the Highlander Hybrid. With a 32 percent reduction in global warming emissions, this gives the Highlander Hybrid a “Good” Hybrid Value rating. While the Highlander Hybrid certainly achieves a much greater global warming emissions reduction for the money than muscle hybrid SUVs like the Volkswagen Touareg and BMW ActiveHybrid X6, Toyota has shown with the Prius, Lexus CT 200h, and Lexus HS 250h that it can provide hybrids with a much higher hybrid value. Toyota could offer a lower-priced, more fuel-efficient hybrid by switching from the six-cylinder to the four-cylinder engine, much like it has done with the CT 200h and HS 250h. It should be striving to bring that level of value across its fleet, especially in a relatively expensive yet non-luxury vehicle such as the Highlander Hybrid.
Scorecard Hybrid Value methodology
Forced Features
Toyota actually slid backward with regard to forced features on the Highlander Hybrid, meriting an extra “$” as compared with the 2010 model. Last year’s model had a modest $280 in added features, while the 2011 Hybrid comes with $2,115 in added features from the base model, in the form of a mandatory “Tech Package” that includes an upgraded sound system with XM radio, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, a multi-information display with backup camera, and a steering wheel with audio, multi-information display, and Bluetooth® hands-free phone controls. Click to see full list of forced features.
Scorecard Forced Features methodology
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Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.
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