Toyota has been known for its class of highly reliable cars. Dominating the mid-size SUV segment, Toyota’s Highlander Hybrid is one such quick and agile car that offers ample space and a stellar fuel economy. The vehicle is heavily customizable, which makes it appealing to a large audience. The Highlander Hybrid makes for the perfect family car full of practical and intuitive features, furthering its charm and making it stand out among its competitors.

1. Engine and performance
The Highlander Hybrid is available in two variants: a traditional gasoline engine and a hybrid engine. It is powered by a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with two electric motors producing up to 243 horsepower. This is connected to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with a choice of two-wheel or all-wheel drive. Even with the more fuel-economical hybrid option, the car does not lose out on any pace, faring just a tenth of a second behind in some speed runs.

2. Fuel economy
One of the biggest selling points of any hybrid car is its fuel economy. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid outperforms most of its competitors in this category, with the rear-wheel drive offering a fuel economy of 36 mpg on the highway and 35 mpg in the city. The all-wheel drive is not too far behind, coming in at 35 mpg on the highway and 34 mpg in the city.

3. Interiors
It can comfortably seat up to seven passengers, although passenger space might feel cramped in the third row. Behind the third row, buyers can find about 16 cubic feet of space, which can easily fit up to four carry-on bags. With the third row folded up, this expands to 48.4 cubic feet. The second row can also be folded for more storage, bringing the total space to 84.3 cubic feet.

Even with the lowest trim models, the cabin looks roomy and luxurious, with plush materials abound. The higher trims include leather upholstery, heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats, three-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, sunshades, a power sunroof, etc. The overall design inside the car remains functional and practical. Other desirable features include a hands-free power liftgate, seven USB-C ports throughout the interior, 13 cup holders, and 1500-watt power outlets for camping.

4. Infotainment and technology
The base trims have a basic 8.0-inch infotainment screen and a 7.0-inch information screen. A bigger 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster are available on the more premium trims. The sound comes through a powerful six-speaker audio system, with the option to upgrade to an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

All the Highlander variants are equipped with specs like a SiriusXM satellite radio, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a voice assistant. Buyers can also find a wireless smartphone charging pad and an in-built navigation system on the higher trims. That’s not all. They get access to various assistive technologies, such as Traffic Jam Assist, Digital Rearview Mirror with HomeLink, Panoramic View Monitor, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking.

The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package further enhances these offerings, adding more tech features such as a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Proactive Driving Assist.

5. Safety
Thanks to its sturdy build and safety features, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid has received the highest safety rating from the NHTSA and IIHS. In addition to the tech mentioned above, these include a tire-specific low tire pressure warning, dual-stage driver and passenger front airbags, an airbag occupancy sensor, curtain airbags for all rows, a driver knee airbag and passenger cushion front airbag, and rear child locks.

Those with young children may also be interested in knowing that the car has two complete sets of easy-to-use LATCH connectors for the second-row outboard seats and tether anchors for the second and third-row middle seats.

6. Warranty and maintenance
Toyota offers standard warranty plans for all its cars. The Highlander Hybrid includes a separate hybrid-component warranty with eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage. Buyers also get complementary maintenance for up to two years or 25,000 miles.

7. Price and deals

• Hybrid LE
  It is priced at approximately $42,300.
• Hybrid XLE
  This one costs about $45,500.
• Hybrid Limited
  The car is priced at approximately $49,600.
• Hybrid Platinum
  This one costs about $52,800.

Buyers may also be able to find several offers and deals to finance their Toyota Highlander Hybrid purchase. These may vary by the city in which one is based. Eligible buyers can also get a $500 rebate from these local plans. These deals are available for college students, some alumni, and active military and inactive reserve members. These offers can be combined with other cashback, APR financing, or lease programs.