2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid consumer reviews

As current Lexus owners, my wife and I really wanted another Lexus. However after reading many reviews, driving both vehicles and comparing the bottom line there was no way I was going to pay12 K+ more for an automobile that delivers less. In my opinion the 2020-2021 Highlander should serve as a good proof of concept vehicle for the 2022 Lexus RX. After just completing a 500 mile move with the interior packed to the roof with heavy boxes of household goods, this is what impressed me the most about the 2021 Highlander. 1. Interior. Real stitching on the soft touch dashboard. Comfortable heated and ventilated leather seating 12.3" touch screen display. Excellent sound system. Good amount of cargo space but not best in class as some critics have pointed out. 2. Performance/Handling. Lets' not kid anyone this is a 6,000 lb. GVW hybrid SUV, not a Toyota Supra. It gets you onto the highway safely and easily passes vehicles in the slow lane but it will never be mistaken for a Porsche Macan or BMW X7, nor should it. At 70 mph the cabin is quiet and the ride soft, very Lexus like. So far it slightly exceeds the city/highway average MPG 35.4/34.2 actual, compared to 35/34 estimated. I do not remember any vehicle I ever owned meeting, much less exceeding, the MPG estimate. However, the hybrid takes a little getting used to driving compared to my non-hybrid Lexus. 3. Styling. I will admit, the appearance of this vehicle took me some time to appreciate. I hope I do not offend anyone, but I can best describe my thoughts on the appearance with a simple analogy- Lexus RX450hL/Country Club; Toyota Highlander/Country Farm. The great thing about this look is the fact as you look at the end of the hood from the drivers seat, that is the end of the vehicle. There is no sloping forward point from the hood line making a minor front end kiss less likely. To me that flat nose says truck not SUV and it fits in quite nicely with the rest of the styling and where I live. 4. Value. It is hard to believe a vehicle that stickers for more than 50K is a value. However you need to pay to play. If you want all of the great features available in a three seat SUV, not to mention that it is a hybrid, you have to be willing to pay for it in either the Limited or Platinum trim. This time around, I believe, it is the Lexus that lacks value, not the Highlander. Hint: If you want to save 2k under the Platinum cost and you do not care about a moon roof, heads up display or a rear view camera view in in your rear view mirror, order the limited trim and add the 12.3" touchscreen with birds eye view camera, perimeter scan and curb view for $1,050.00.

The vehicle has all I wanted in a car - room, seating, comfort, technology, and good gas mileage. I miss not having a "binder" to keep all the manuals secure in one place.