The Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Is it Trustworthy? The projected dependability rating for the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is 82 out of 100. A predicted reliability score from J.D. Power of 91 to 100 is regarded as the best, 81 to 90 as great, 70 to 80 as medium, and 0-69 as fair and below average.
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What are the drawbacks of the hybrid Toyota Highlander?
1. Limited Legroom in the Third Row
Speaking of the third row, it is likely the biggest shortcoming of the 2021 Toyota Highlander. Of fact, this is a typical problem for the group. However, the lack of leg room in flat seats simply serves to emphasize that only small children would fit back there. The top two rows are best for adults.
2. Limited cargo room
The Highlander has a limited amount of cargo space as well. The load area behind the third row is only 16 cubic feet, which is not much for a third-row SUV. A considerably better-than-average 48.4 cubic feet can be obtained by removing the third row of seats. Unfortunately, this implies that there is not much room for cargo if all seats must be kept upright.
3. You can feel the weight.
Despite its poise under pressure, the Highlander may still feel its weight. In some circumstances, particularly while moving around on crowded city streets, it can feel clumsy. Imagine that you are in control of a boat with wheels.
4. Longer panic stops
It seems like panic stops take too long on this segment. Driving requires a lot of work to be put into braking, so try to timing your stops as efficiently as you can.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition:
With its extensive list of standard equipment, lovely interior made of premium materials, user-friendly infotainment system, standard AWD, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the 2021 Subaru Ascent could provide fierce competition for the Highlander. A few problems prevent it from truly competing, most notably the extremely sensitive gas pedal and the cramped conditions in the second and third rows. And that’s not to mention the fact that you will feel a lot of resonance as bumps make it inside the cabin.
The Honda Pilot from 2021 is the Highlander’s most formidable rival. The Pilot has a lot going for it, despite the third row being difficult to access due to its narrowness and some driver aids being a little overly sensitive. The roomy cabin has broad seats, a comfortable and smooth ride, and excellent fuel efficiency. Additionally, the cargo room offers a great deal of mobility, and the interior of the cabin has intelligently constructed spaces for storing small items.
The third-row SUV category should see a strong competitor in the Toyota Highlander by 2021. Despite a few drawbacks, this is a situation where benefit exceeds evil. Additionally, we believe that drivers will find the new XSE trim level to be an even stronger argument for purchasing the Highlander.
What is the lifespan of a Toyota Highlander hybrid?
With regular maintenance and cautious driving, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid should last at least 200,000 miles and possibly even over 300,000 miles. Your Highlander should provide 20 years of dependable service if you travel 15,000 miles each year before the expense of repairs becomes prohibitive.
What issues are there with Toyota Highlanders?
Similar problems with the motorized tailgate and air conditioning system plagued the Toyota Highlander’s previous version from 2008 to 2013. A few owners have also complained of oil leaks from the engine and clunking sounds they hear when rotating the steering wheel.
What was the Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s worst year?
The Highlander Hybrid has established itself as a strong competitor in the congested SUV market during the course of its already protracted existence. However, there are two Toyota Highlander Hybrid model years to avoid, as was mentioned in the introduction.
- Highlander Hybrid from 2006
- Highlander Hybrid 2008
For a car that is more than 15 years old, that run is surprisingly impressive. As previously established, the worst Highlander Hybrid is the 2008 model.
CarComplaints reports that the NHTSA and consumers have the most complaints about it right now. The main cause for concern is brake failure, which is a very significant issue. Braking failure has contributed to about five car accidents so far.
In addition, the typical price to fix this problem is $4,170. The good news is that when these issues cropped up, vehicles had an average mileage of 119,800.
The Highlander Hybrid from 2006 is another option. It also has a considerable number of brake issues. The multiple reports of a faulty brake actuator are of particular note.
This will typically cost roughly $2,970 to fix. However, similar to the 2008 model, the 2006 Highlander Hybrid’s brake difficulties usually appear at high mileage (165,300 miles).
What are the drawbacks of a hybrid vehicle?
Less power: Hybrid vehicles combine an electric motor with a gasoline engine, with the gasoline engine acting as the primary source of power. As a result, neither the gasoline engine nor the electric motor operate as effectively as they do in standard gasoline or electric cars. But regular drivers who often navigate the city do just fine with hybrid vehicles.
Hybrids are generally more expensive to purchase than regular vehicles at first.
Higher operating costs: Due to their engine and the constant advancement of technology, it may be difficult to locate a technician with the necessary skills. Additionally, they might charge you a little bit more for upkeep and repairs. Moreover, replacing the battery has the highest running cost.
Poor handling: Compared to normal vehicles, hybrids have additional machinery, which adds weight and lowers fuel economy. In order to save weight, hybrid car makers had to create smaller engines and batteries. However, the vehicle’s power and body and suspension support are reduced as a result.
Risk of electrocution: Because hybrid batteries have a high voltage, there is a higher chance that accident victims and first responders will be electrocuted.
High Voltage system repair costs may be more expensive.
Although hybrid cars may need less frequent maintenance, they can be expensive to repair when something goes wrong, especially if the high voltage system is involved. Depending on the battery type and the precise make and model of your vehicle, replacing a dead or damaged high voltage battery could cost thousands of dollars.
Hybrid vehicles are loaded with complicated parts in addition to the usual technology found in ICE vehicles, including massive high voltage battery packs, inverters, electric motors, and enhanced cooling systems. Hybrid repairs can be more expensive because of these intricate mechanisms, and not all mechanics have the tools and expertise to fix them correctly.
Fortunately, Firestone Complete Auto Care mechanics are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out everything from routine maintenance on hybrid cars to repairs to high voltage systems. Today, give your neighborhood Firestone Complete Auto Care a call to see if they provide these high voltage system repairs.
They may have a higher upfront cost.
You might have to pay more up front when converting to a hybrid car. Despite a decreasing sales price range, these vehicles frequently continue to be more expensive than ICE-only equivalents. Fortunately, you might be able to use tax breaks, government incentives, cheaper operational costs, and fuel savings to offset this upfront investment.
They may have less power when compared to standard ICE vehicles.
Hybrid cars are rarely made for racecar-like acceleration and speed; instead, they are produced for fewer CO2 emissions and better fuel efficiency. Many of the performance advancements on traditional cars that effect maximum horsepower are often sacrificed.
For instance, space and dimensions are often modified as hybrid cars have two propulsion options. The result: Hybrid vehicles frequently accelerate more slowly at the high end than their conventional counterparts.
How dependable are hybrid Toyota cars?
Toyota is known for producing some of the most dependable engines, and the Prius is no exception. A remarkable 10-year/150,000-mile warranty is included with its hybrid battery. It is one of the most trustworthy automobiles available because to its low operating expenses and smooth hybrid powertrain.
How much does a Toyota hybrid battery replacement cost?
You will adore the strong blend of power and fuel efficiency that the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offers drivers. Toyota will offer car purchasers an amazing warranty scheme that will cover hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) like the hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai in the unlikely case of a battery malfunction thanks to the state-of-the-art hybrid technology found inside. You will receive a 10-year/150,000-mile Enhanced Hybrid Battery Warranty from the date of first use when you buy a Toyota hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or FCEV for model year 2020. The current 8-year/100,000-mile Toyota Hybrid Battery Guarantee will be replaced with the expanded warranty.
What Does It Cost to Repair or Replace a Hybrid Battery?
The two battery typesLithium-ion and Nickel-Metal Hydridethat power the electric motor, which is a key part of the hybrid powertrain, will be found in Toyota hybrid entrants. The hybrid battery pack in your Toyota Prius is a crucial component of Toyota hybrid powertrains and is built to last, but it is expensive to replace and can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000 when you buy a new battery. The cost to replace a used Toyota hybrid battery can range from $1,500 to $3,500. Please note that problems are uncommon because these hybrid batteries are built to endure the lifetime of the vehicle.
Are hybrid engines more durable?
Hybrids do last for a long time. Compared to other cars, they typically have longer warranties. For instance, the Toyota Prius has a guarantee that lasts for eight years or 100,000 miles (sometimes more in certain states). Given their lengthy warranties, hybrid vehicles are built to survive longer than the average vehicleand they do.
Which Toyota Highlander model is the best?
The 20082013 edition is most likely the best option. You get more interior room, more features, a more potent engine lineup, better safety ratings, and better crash test results with this generation.