The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers a wonderful 40/20/40-split second-row bench seat. With all rear seats stowed away, the Highlander Hyb...
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid base grade offers a new Leather Package that includes leather-trimmed front seats with front seat heaters, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, power moonroof, HomeLink, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, plus an engine immobilizer with security alarm.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid Base grade comes with standard easy-clean fabric seating, along with an eight-way power driver’s seat, the Tech Audio, the third-row seat and manual rear climate control.
All Toyota Highlander Hybrids are all-wheel-drive, although the model is offered in both standard and Limited trim levels. The upgrade package adds 19-inch alloy wheels (that replace 17-inch alloy wheels), automatic climate control, a power liftgate and perforated leather seats.
Well, there is now, and it's the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. This year also brings more standard features for the base trim, including a power driver seat, an upgraded audio system, rear climate control and a standard third-row seat (that thankfully now features a 50/50 split/folding design that allows for greater cargo/passenger flexibility).
Compared to other hybrid SUVs, the Highlander Hybrid rates just 1 mpg less in combined driving than the much smaller, five-passenger Ford Escape Hybrid, and 7 mpg better than the full-size, truck-based Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (and its GMC Yukon Hybrid twin) that doesn't offer much more in the way of cargo or passenger space. Lastly, the Highlander Hybrid's AWD system is powered by a separate electric motor, so it's theoretically less capable in snowy conditions than the full-fledged gasoline AWD Highlander.
For 2011, the midsize Toyota Highlander Hybrid crossover SUV is offered in two trim levels: base and Limited.The Limited can be had with the JBL sound system, the navigation system and the rear seat DVD entertainment system.
Powering the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a hybrid system consisting of a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine and a trio of electric motors. Properly equipped, the Highlander Hybrid can also tow trailers up to 3,500 pounds.
The 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front side airbags, active front-seat head restraints, a driver knee airbag and full-length side curtain airbags. The 40/20/40-split second-row seat slides fore and aft and features reclining seatbacks. For hauling purposes, the Highlander Hybrid offers a maximum of 94 cubic feet of cargo room with the second- and third-row seats folded. The 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid features a smooth ride and secure if uninspiring handling.
