2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review
Ever wish that charming Highlander SUV from Toyota had a well-developed hybrid powertrain for enhanced efficiency near Worcester, Auburn, and Shrewsbury? If so, you’re in luck. While the Highlander has been around for some time, its available hybrid powertrain is more recent. So what type of performance can you expect from this fuel-sipping SUV? Our 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will lay it all out for you.
We’ll be going over the hybrid motor and the type of fuel economy return you can expect from it. And because folks usually ask about interior space for the model when speaking with our Harr Toyota team, we’ll be discussing that also!
Fuel Economy for the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
While having capable power and a refined ride quality are all still important, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s main goal is fuel efficiency. And the results, according to EPA estimates, show the SUV has succeeded, as it offers 36 city /35 highway MPG.1
It’s able to reach an EPA-estimated 35 city/35 highway MPG in all-wheel drive configuration, too. That’s important, as it gives your SUV steady traction and all-around poise even as you traverse slick roads in the winter months. If you prefer, you can enjoy the Highlander in front-wheel drive format.
Additional Performance Qualities
There are a few other keys to the performance of the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid that allow it to appeal to such a diverse target market. First, the hybrid powertrain utilizes electric motors in confluence with a 186 horsepower, 175 lb-ft of torque 2.5L engine to reach a system net horsepower of 243. The SUV registers as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle with this setup, too.
Instead of the 8-speed transmission mated to the non-hybrid Highlander, the hybrid utilizes an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) complete with sequential shift mode.
Finally, if you want to do a bit of towing, the hybrid Highlander peaks at 3,500 pounds of maximum towing capacity.
Three Spacious Rows
There’s room for everyone in the Toyota Highlander Hybrid in all its rows.
Legroom measures 42 inches up front, 41 inches in the middle row, and 27.7 inches in the third row. And for the cargo holding, you can use the rear trunk with all three rows standing which offers 16 cubic feet of space. Or, if you need to, you can fold the third row flat resulting in 48.4 cubic feet of cargo, or even fold the second and third rows resulting in 84.3 cubic feet of cargo.
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Thrives
From the efficiency to the smartly designed interior space, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid excels at being a family SUV. If you want, our Harr Toyota team will happily get you behind the wheel and onto the Worcester, Auburn, and Shrewsbury streets for a test run!
1 EPA-estimated 21 city/29 hwy/24 combined mpg for 2021 Highlander; 20 city/27 hwy/23 combined for 2021 Highlander AWD; 36 city/35 hwy/36 combined mpg for 2021 Highlander Hybrid. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See fueleconomy.gov.