2021
Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Starts at:
$38,735
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New 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • Hybrid LE FWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $38,735
    36 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Hybrid LE AWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $40,335
    35 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Hybrid XLE FWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $41,535
    36 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Hybrid XLE AWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $43,135
    35 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Hybrid Limited FWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $45,490
    36 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Hybrid Limited AWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $47,440
    35 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Hybrid Platinum FWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $48,690
    36 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Hybrid Platinum AWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $50,640
    35 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Notable features

New XSE trim level available
Three-row SUV
Seating for seven or eight
V-6 or hybrid drivetrain
Front- or all-wheel drive
Automatic emergency braking standard

The good & the bad

The good

Smooth-revving V-6
Interior quality
Cabin storage
5,000-pound maximum towing capacity (V-6)
Hybrid’s estimated gas mileage

The bad

Automatic transmission kickdown response
Cargo space
Third-row comfort
Brake pedal feel (hybrid)
See all specifications

Expert 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander is a three-row SUV with room for seven or eight, depending on seating configuration. Front- and all-wheel-drive versions are available, and powertrain choices include a 295-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine or a gas-electric hybrid drivetrain rated at 243 total hp. Competitors include the Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Palisade. 

What’s New on the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

A new sporty XSE trim level joins the Highlander lineup featuring a revised suspension, retuned steering, machined 20-inch wheels with black accents, and updated exterior and interior design cues. All Highlander trims get added safety features, including the ability to detect and react to oncoming traffic when making a left turn, as well as steering assistance to help keep the vehicle in its lane during emergency maneuvers. LED headlights are now standard, too. 

What Features in the 2021 Toyota Highlander Are Most Important?

    • Standard tri-zone automatic climate control 
    • Available second-row captain’s chairs 
    • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system standard; 12.3-inch touchscreen available
    • Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity 
    • Available wireless device charging
    • Automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights standard
    • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert available 
    • 360-degree camera system available

Should I Buy the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

With seating for up to eight and plenty of standard safety features, the Toyota Highlander is a good choice for families. A variety of trims range from basic to upscale, accommodating different needs and budgets. The hybrid variant has very good estimated fuel economy for a three-row SUV. 

2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander is a three-row SUV with room for seven or eight, depending on seating configuration. Front- and all-wheel-drive versions are available, and powertrain choices include a 295-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine or a gas-electric hybrid drivetrain rated at 243 total hp. Competitors include the Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Palisade. 

What’s New on the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

A new sporty XSE trim level joins the Highlander lineup featuring a revised suspension, retuned steering, machined 20-inch wheels with black accents, and updated exterior and interior design cues. All Highlander trims get added safety features, including the ability to detect and react to oncoming traffic when making a left turn, as well as steering assistance to help keep the vehicle in its lane during emergency maneuvers. LED headlights are now standard, too. 

What Features in the 2021 Toyota Highlander Are Most Important?

    • Standard tri-zone automatic climate control 
    • Available second-row captain’s chairs 
    • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system standard; 12.3-inch touchscreen available
    • Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity 
    • Available wireless device charging
    • Automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights standard
    • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert available 
    • 360-degree camera system available

Should I Buy the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

With seating for up to eight and plenty of standard safety features, the Toyota Highlander is a good choice for families. A variety of trims range from basic to upscale, accommodating different needs and budgets. The hybrid variant has very good estimated fuel economy for a three-row SUV. 

Available cars near you

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Safety review

Based on the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
16.4%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
16.4%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Battery
8 years / 100,000 miles
Maintenance
2 years / 25,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
2 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
7 years / less than 85,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12, 000 miles
Dealer certification
160- or 174-point inspections
See all CPO program details

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Consumer reviews

90% of drivers recommend this car
4.8 / 5
Based on 32 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.8
Interior 4.6
Performance 4.7
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 5.0

Most recent

  • By Jea Fleis from Fort Washington, PA
    Owns this car
    March 21, 2022

    Handles well in bad weather, poor interior design

    It has been reliable and handles well in the bad weather. I like the app on my phone. That is why I'm not selling it. But I would not recommend it for other women. I am 5"7 woman and the seat at its highest point is rather low. When it was brand new the seat felt a bit higher but as I've used it for 15K miles it seems lower. There is NO place to put my purse. I need to keep it behind my left ankle as I drive. When I get out of the car I DON'T like the reminder system about the back seat or other issues. (I assume this is about leaving a child behind) It just makes the same alarm noise no matter what and I have to guess each time what is up...it is a very vague reminder each time. The seats have deep crevices that are very hard to clean even with a vacuum. No place for water bottles/drinks in rear doors. I get the distinct impression that no women were consulted on this design.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    41 people out of 52 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By S. He from Edmonton
    Owns this car
    March 18, 2022

    I wish I bought the new RAV4.

    Third row seats are useless and take too much room from the trunk, the trunk is smaller than the 2011 RAV4 I had. I wish I bought the new RAV4.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    10 people out of 18 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By musiclaughing from Charlotte, NC
    Owns this car
    May 27, 2021

    I LOVE this car!

    Beautiful ride, inside and out. Great features, insanely good gas mileage, no complaints! I absolutely love the blueprint color, and the roominess with three kids- I love the three rows!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    19 people out of 20 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Jim R from Suffolk, VA
    Owns this car
    May 5, 2021

    Wonderful Car

    The car is roomy, comfortable, stylish, for a hybrid it has a lot of pep. I would highly recommend the car. I look forward to my first road trip.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Pilotwill from Felch, Mi/Bellevue, NE
    Owns this car
    May 3, 2021

    Nice Hybrid

    The trim package is XLE. This car replaced another XLE Hybrid model which did not have AWD. We mainly drive between Nebraska and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The AWD on this vehicle is great and kicks in without you even noticing it. The fuel mileage in the beginning was not great (29-32) due to trips made in the winter. Have not made a trip lately, but our current mileage is 42 with mostly hybrid type city driving (slow acceleration and coasting stops). There is an engine noise when accelerating which we did not have in our other hybrid, but our other vehicle is a truck, so it does not bother us. However, the generated noise while in reverse on only the electric engine is loud & annoying. One complaint is that the XLE trim is not standardized across Toyota models or within a model.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    10 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Kathy S from Kalispell MT
    Owns this car
    May 2, 2021

    Our second Highlander Hyburd

    We knew we would purchase another Highlander hybrid after owning our first one. The new 2021 Highlander does not disappoint! It has all the latest features and is an overall great vehicle.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Jim E from Carmel, IN
    Owns this car
    April 26, 2021

    Terrific Vehicle

    I purchased the hybrid Toyota Highlander XLE. This is our second highlander. The product is rock solid, reliable, comfortable, and gets 35 mpg in the city and on the highway. Love it.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By John from Vienna, VA
    Test drove this car
    April 24, 2021

    A Big Surprise!

    Toyota makes reliable cars but unfortunately, this Highlander Hybrid was a big disappointment. I test drove this car and felt like I was driving a cheaply built car. The quality of the materials used in this car is VERY poor! The engine was very loud too. I was ready to buy it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    6 people out of 20 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By BrucieP from Calera, AL
    Owns this car
    April 12, 2021

    Highlander Hybrid

    Although vehicle is brand new based on my experience with Toyota’s I expect it will run well with routine maintenance. I was especially impressed with Toyota advances in Hybrid technology as reflected by the extended battery and parts warranty.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Jane and Jim from Olney, MD
    Owns this car
    April 11, 2021

    Smooth drive.

    We have only had it a couple days but it is great so far. Great acceleration and is very comfortable. Drives very smoothly. Great amenities.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Todd from Napa Ca
    Owns this car
    April 7, 2021

    Great vehicle

    Very roomy, well set up and comfortable ride. Excellent price for all the inclusions. First time Toyota buyer but very happy and recommend to anyone looking for a well balanced car.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By k26thomas from Eagle, ID
    Owns this car
    April 1, 2021

    I Finally got My Toyota Highlander Hybrid!

    I have wanted the Toyota Highlander Hybrid for years but would not purchase it earlier because it only came with 2nd row Captains Chairs which were a deal breaker. They finally offered the bench seating as an option and the timing was right. With gas prices going back up we got rid of my much hated Volvo XC 90 and got my Highlander Hybrid. I love it so far!!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
See all reviews

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Expect to see more hybrid powertrains from Toyota in 2021 as the automaker continues its commitment to more fuel-efficient vehicles.
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Toyota dealers near you

See all Toyota dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is available in 4 trim levels:

  • Hybrid LE (2 styles)
  • Hybrid Limited (2 styles)
  • Hybrid Platinum (2 styles)
  • Hybrid XLE (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers up to 36 MPG in city driving and 35 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has an average reliability rating of 5.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid owners.

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. 90.6% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 32 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.8
  • Interior: 4.6
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 5.0

Toyota Highlander Hybrid history

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