Does the Toyota Highlander Have a Hybrid Powertrain?
Toyota SUVs are some of the most reliable options on the market, and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is constantly improving. The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has the best of both worlds: excellent fuel economy and reliability. What else sets this hybrid Toyota sport utility vehicle apart from the gasoline version?
Will there be a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is available and comes in five different trim levels. These are the LE, XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum trims. All options have three rows of space and room for seven or eight passengers. Toyota has plenty of ways to configure the SUV from the factory, including second-row captain’s chairs for easier access to the third row.
| Hybrid Trim | Starting MSRP |
| LE | $40,620 |
| XLE | $43,620 |
| Bronze Edition | $46,380 |
| Limited | $47,875 |
| Platinum | $51,075 |
When equipped with front-wheel drive, the EPA-estimated fuel economy for the Highlander Hybrid works out to 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive drops it to 35 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The 2.5L hybrid SUV engine gets 243 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty to power this SUV around town.
What sets the Toyota Highlander Hybrid apart?
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has different driving modes to cater to specific situations. Normal mode is for everyday driving and better fuel economy, and Eco mode is for better efficiency. Sport mode offers better acceleration, and EV mode allows electric-only driving at shorter distances. Those who opt for all-wheel drive also get Trail Mode for added traction.
Front-wheel drive is acceptable and available on the hybrid version of the Highlander, but Toyota’s Electric On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) offers more capability. Adding all-weather capability is helpful for those who might experience longer winter conditions or want more traction. The AWD system uses a dedicated electric drive motor for the rear wheels, offering improved traction on the road.
The 2023 Highlander is quiet and comfortable thanks to the new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform. Upgraded framework and sound-damping materials make the cabin quieter on the road.
Is Highlander a safe vehicle?
The 2023 Highlander gets the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assistance systems. This includes Toyota’s Pre-Collision System With Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert With Steering Assist, and Automatic High Beams. Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, and Lane Tracing Assist are also standard.
This helped earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick award for 2023. The Toyota Highlander earned high markets in all main crashworthiness tests like small overlap, moderate overlap, and roof strength. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also gave the Highlander a five-star safety rating.
These are just a few reasons the hybrid powertrain Highlander is a good option, but this SUV is a best seller for a reason. If you spend much time driving the family around or want some extra space without sacrificing fuel economy, this Toyota Highlander Hybrid checks all the boxes.
