Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Review

Plenty of automakers offer midsize three-row SUVs, but only a handful bother to offer a hybrid version. One of them is Toyota with its 2021 Highlander Hybrid. It's fair to say the Highlander Hybrid is the originator of the class since Toyota has come out with four generations since 2006. The latest debuted just last year with a more efficient engine, a little more interior space and new technology features.

Powering the Highlander Hybrid is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that's paired to a hybrid system. Combined, they make 243 horsepower. While that's underwhelming compared to the typical V6-powered SUV, the Highlander Hybrid does get an excellent EPA-estimated 35-36 mpg in combined driving. Is the trade-off in power for greater fuel efficiency worth it? Get our in-depth take on the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid by reading our Expert Rating below.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a three-row midsize SUV offered in four trim levels: LE, XLE, Limited and Platinum. Seating for eight is standard on the base LE trim. Optional for the XLE and Limited and standard for the Platinum are second-row captain's chairs, which reduce total seating to seven. Feature highlights include:

LE Starts you off with:

• Four-cylinder hybrid system (243 horsepower)
• Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)
• Front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
• LED headlights
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Power liftgate
• Three-zone climate control
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Six-speaker stereo
• Five USB ports
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Wi-Fi hotspot

Every Highlander Hybrid also comes standard with:

• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Toyota and the car in front)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

XLE Adds more upscale features, including:

• Sunroof
• Roof rails
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Adjustable lumbar on driver's seat
• Heated front seats
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Wireless phone charger
• Second-row window sunshades

Limited Includes the above, plus:

• Front and rear parking sensors
• Hands-free liftgate
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Leather upholstery
• 11-speaker audio system
• Navigation system

Platinum The range-topping Highlander Hybrid Platinum further adds:

• Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
• Automatic wipers
• Panoramic sunroof
• Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Heated second-row seats
• Head-up display
• 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Highlander and its surroundings for tight parking situations)