Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV Review


SUV Reviewer

It is not surprising to see a twenty year old Toyota on the road and still running as if it just came of the lot brand new. This company is synonymous for quality workmanship, affordability and great gas mileage. It is no wonder that the company decided to go green by offering the Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV to the public. The 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV has been made over from their previous versions and this is a good thing as the former models had some serious issues. This year, Toyota is bringing the Highlander into the electronic age by adding some extras like Bluetooth, XM Radio, and an USB port along with a camera that shows the rearview to aid in reversing. Most of these are standard on all models while others are considered options and will add to the price tag. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV is one of the quietest crossovers that seats seven plus the exterior has been revamped to include an updated look to the grill, tail lights, fenders and hood. This has created a new style that is fitting for this century. The addition of SmartStop truly makes this crossover safer because the brakes override the accelerator when the brake is applied at the same time.

There are various engine sizes associate with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV from the standard 2.7 liter engine with one hundred and eighty seven horse power up to the 3.5 liter engine which boasts two hundred and seventy horses for those who require or want more power. The standard model is only offered in two wheel drive while the larger engines come in front wheel drive. The transmission in the base model Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV is a five speed with overdrive and the 3.7 liter has a six speed transmission. Both models get decent gas mileage at 20 miles in the city and twenty five miles on the highway which would be expected of any hybrid vehicle and which is much better than a non-hybrid SUV. The interior is roomy and can seat seven with the back seats in the up position. When the seats are down, there is more cargo space. The back two seats are a bit cramped so seating seven adults may not be as comfortable as they would be for smaller children. Overall, the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV is a step up from the previous models while the price tag does reflect these improvements.

When it comes to comfort and styling, the new Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV has gained by leaps and bounds past the older models. With the onboard fuel/power Energy Monitor Consumption Screen, drivers know exactly how far they can go before needing to refuel or recharge the batteries. The ride quality is smooth with easy handling and the interior is quiet, much quieter than other mid-sized SUVs; in fact, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV has been shown to be one of the quietest to date.