2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

The Highlander is a crossover SUV first introduced for 2001. In 2004, the Highlander received a significant engine upgrade to a 3.3-L V6. It also received a five-speed automatic transmission. In 2006, a hybrid model became available. The next generation of Highlander is scheduled to debut for 2008. The Highlander has won numerous awards, including J.D. Power’s 2002 initial quality award, Consumer Reports’ “Best Midsized SUV” in 2002, and Car and Driver’s “Best Large Sport Utility Vehicle” in 2001.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a great choice for families. Its available third row seat makes it possible to carry seven, and its excellent safety offerings sweeten the deal. Combine that with traditional Toyota quality, and you have a vehicle that will save you a lot of money in the long run. However, it is rather pricey, and lacks some amenities found in its non-hybrid competitors. Toyota also states the Highlander Hybrid is not intended for off-road use.

What’s New For 2007:

What is the Predicted Reliability:

Toyota has an excellent reputation for reliability. J.D. Power gives it a perfect initial reliability rating. Two minor problems affected the early Highlander: Engine noise and erratic warning lights. It has had three major recalls: one for a vacuum in the master cylinder, another for a clamp that could cause a fuel leak, and again for a child safety lock that could inadvertently unlock. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Highlander earned perfect five-star government crash test ratings. The IIHS gave it a “Good” score for frontal impacts and “Marginal” for rear impacts. All models come with full side airbags, anti-lock brakes, brake assist, tire-pressure monitoring, whiplash preventing head restraints, and traction and stability control.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Excellent reliability
+ Great crash test scores
+ Available third-row seating

Cons
– Pricey
– Aging feature list
– Hard to access third row seat

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Chrysler Pacifica Limited delivers a DVD player, CD changer, leather seats, and a larger engine for the same price, but gets half the gas mileage the Highlander does. The Ford Explorer Limited serves up a larger eight-cylinder engine, CD changer, and leather seats, but costs $500 more and gets as little has half the gas mileage as the Highlander. The Honda Pilot costs just a bit less, and adds a CD changer, leather seats, and a moonroof, but also gets pathetic gas mileage next to the Highlander.

What Others Are Saying:

“As much a comfortable station wagon as an SUV, the Highlander fits nicely between the mini-utes and the gargantuan gas-guzzlers.” – About.com

“What we liked best about our Highlander test-vehicle was its practicality. Like most mid-size SUVs, the Highlander is made for the urban jungle. True, it’s equipped with four-wheel drive, but that’s more for icy streets and wet freeways rather than pitted dirt roads. With seating for seven, a car like ride and loads of safety features, the Highlander is at home escorting the kids to little league practice, swimming lessons and trips to grandma’s house.” – The Family Car

“The Highlander’s interior is generally quiet and comfortable. Visibility is above average thanks to the high perch and thin body pillars. Ergonomics are superb; instrumentation and controls are simple and easy to read. The overall dash design was daring when introduced and has aged well.” – Automobile Magazine

Read more about the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid at the Toyota manufacturer web site.