Toyota makes some of the best SUVs on the market. The Japanese automaker produces several impactful nameplates for different vehicle segments. One Toyota midsize SUV provides incredible value, and its best configuration is a hybrid trim. Here’s why the Toyota Highlander Hybrid beats its gas-only alternative.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the best version

Toyota’s hybrid version of the Highlander is arguably better than the gas-only version. 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrids start at $40,620, and they use 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines with two electric motors to make 243 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Toyota’s midsize hybrid SUV achieves up to 36 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Highlander Hybrid is praised for its incredible fuel economy and many standard features. Additionally, the hybrid version of the Highlander has an incredible driving range thanks to its efficiency.

Toyota’s Highlander Hybrid comes standard with a leather-trimmed steering wheel, a blind-spot monitor, and hill start assist control. It also includes a tire pressure monitor system, heated power outside mirrors, and keyless entry. Lastly, models feature standard electronic on-demand all-wheel drive, Drive Mode Select, and dynamic radar cruise control.

Toyota Highlander vs. Highlander Hybrid

Hybrid Highlanders cost $5,600 more than internal combustion engine Highlanders. Hybrid models come with more creature comforts and tech features. The addition of all-wheel drive also makes the price difference between the two models less significant.

Gas Highlander models start at $36,620 and use a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to make 265 horsepower and 309 lb-ft of torque. The 2023 Toyota Highlander gets up to 22 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway.

Although it falls short in terms of fuel economy, the Highlander is more powerful than the hybrid version. Toyota’s hybrid version is much more efficient, so if you value gas mileage over power, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the way to go. If you want to save a few thousand dollars at the time of purchasing and don’t mind paying more for fuel over time, the OG Highlander is the better choice.

Why do drivers like the Hybrid midsize SUV?

Drivers enjoy the Toyota Highlander Hybrid because it is loaded with standard features for an affordable price. Highlander Hybrid models have 17.9-gallon gas tanks. As a result, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid can travel for over 626 miles on a full tank of gas thanks to its hybrid powertrain system.

When it comes to family SUVs, fuel economy is extremely important to some consumers. High gas prices have made efficiency a huge issue for drivers on tight budgets. Hybrid midsize SUVs like the Highlander Hybrid allow families to take long road trips without worrying about the cost of refueling as much as with an internal combustion engine vehicle.

Toyota hybrid vehicles have opened up a new world of possibilities for millions of drivers worldwide. The Japanese automaker has mastered hybrid tech, and consumers are reaping the benefits of its innovations. In terms of value, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is easily one of the best midsize SUVs on the market.