2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

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$38,735

starting MSRP

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Key specs

Base trim shown

SUV: Body style
35-36: Combined MPGe Combined MPGe
Miles per gallon-equivalent is how the EPA provides efficiency ratings for battery-electric vehicles in a way that can be used in comparison with gasoline-powered vehicles. Actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.
Related: Top 10 Most Efficient Electric Cars
8: Seating capacity
194.9” x 68.1”: Dimensions
Front-wheel drive: Drivetrain

View all 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid specs .

Overview

(32 reviews)

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)

LE
$38,735
XLE
$41,535
Limited
$45,490
Platinum
$48,690

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best SUVs for 2024

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

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.

Consumer reviews

(32 reviews)

90% of drivers recommend this car

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 4.8
Interior 4.6
Performance 4.7
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 5.0

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Most recent consumer reviews

Handles well in bad weather, poor interior design

March 21, 2022

By Jea Fleis from Fort Washington, PA

Owns this car

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.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 3.0
Interior 2.0
Performance 5.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 3.0
Reliability 5.0

Purchased a New car
Used for Transporting family
Does not recommend this car

38 people out of 49 found this review helpful. Did you?

Yes

I wish I bought the new RAV4.

March 18, 2022

By S. He from Edmonton

Owns this car

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.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 4.0
Interior 2.0
Performance 4.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 4.0

Purchased a New car
Used for Commuting
Does not recommend this car

8 people out of 15 found this review helpful. Did you?

Yes

I LOVE this car!

May 27, 2021

By musiclaughing from Charlotte, NC

Owns 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!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):

Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0

Purchased a New car
Used for Transporting family
Does recommend this car

19 people out of 20 found this review helpful. Did you?

Yes

See all 32 consumer reviews

NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings (scores out of 5)

Based on the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid base trim.

Combined side rating front seat: 5
Combined side rating rear seat: 5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver: 4
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger: 4
Overall frontal barrier crash rating: 4
Overall rating: 5
Overall side crash rating: 5
Risk of rollover: 16.4%
Rollover rating: 4
Side barrier rating: 5
Side barrier rating driver: 5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat: 5
Side pole rating driver front seat: 5

New car program benefits

Bumper-to-bumper: 36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion: 60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain: 60 months/60,000 miles
Hybrid electric: 96 months/100,000 miles
Maintenance: 24 months/25,000 miles
Roadside assistance: 24 months/unlimited distance

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Maximum age/mileage: 7 years/less than 85,000 miles
Basic warranty terms: 12 months/12, 000 miles
Powertrain: 7 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required: 160- or 174-point inspections
Roadside assistance: Yes

View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

Visit the manufacturer's website

All model years for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid

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2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Key specs

Overview

4 trims

Notable features