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.
In This Article...
How dependable are hybrid Toyota Highlander models?
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.
How many miles can a Toyota Highlander travel?
One of the most durable midsize SUVs on the market, the Toyota Highlander can keep going for up to 300,000 miles after you drive it off the lot.
How far can a Toyota hybrid drive?
If properly maintained and driven, a Toyota Corolla hybrid should last at least 200,000 miles and possibly even over 300,000. If you drive 15,000 miles annually, you can anticipate 20 years of dependable service before it needs expensive repairs.
What are the drawbacks of the hybrid Toyota Highlander?
The 2022 Toyota Highlander is one of the more well-liked options for a third-row SUV, even if it is only a few model years into its current generation. Although the Highlander was already extremely proficient at handling, even for a big bulky SUV, the sporty new XSE trim level from the previous year added a sport-tuned suspension. Having a powerful V6 engine and comfortable seats as standard equipment is a major plus.
The Highlander’s main issue, though, is the third row of seats. The crowded third row persisted in being crowded despite the revamp in 2020. Additionally, for a third-row SUV, the cargo space feels really limited behind that. Some of the Highlander’s main competitors offer significantly more room for both freight and passengers.
In spite of this, the Highlander is a peaceful and cozy vehicle (provided you’re not crammed into the third row, that is). The V6 engine produces a respectable amount of power while exhibiting respectable fuel efficiency for this market. Although there are many driver aids to aid with outward vision, this SUV is very easy to see out of.
Will the Highlander, however, suffice for your needs? We’ll discuss what’s new for 2022, what we like and want to alter about the Highlander, and how it compares to some of its primary competitors.
The Toyota Highlander for 2022 hasn’t undergone any revisions from Toyota. A complete makeover that took place in 2020 added increased cargo room and smartphone app connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new XSE trim level, which is sporty, debuted in 2021.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Toyota HighlanderThe Pros
1. The V6 Responds With Power
The strong yet strangely fuel-efficient V6 engine of the 2022 Toyota Highlander is the one feature that really sticks out about the vehicle. This 3.5-liter V6 engine produces a respectable 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque when mated to an 8-speed automated transmission that sends power to the front wheels. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which is faster than the majority of third-row SUVs. In fact, that puts the Highlander and the quick Kia Telluride neck and neck.
2. Above average Handling
The Highlander’s handling exceeds what you might anticipate from a third-row SUV. Toyota made an effort to make sure that this new generation could better manage winding roads and had superior body roll control. Choosing the torque-vectoring AWD system gives power to certain rear wheels to increase grip and improve handling balance. Although choosing the adaptive suspension improves handling significantly, it is still enough without it.
3. Comfortable Ride Features
The Highlander provides a fairly comfortable ride quality that is compliant and smooth. On the highway, the suspension avoids feeling floaty and promptly absorbs both big and little bumps. Overall, the ride is comfortable and pleasurable enough for long distances.
4. A Peaceful Cabin
The Highlander’s cabin maintains its calmness even when you accelerate it down the highway. The engine runs softly, and very little road or wind noise enters the vehicle. You won’t have to stress about turning the music up loud or having trouble hearing your children in the third row.
5. Unobscured Outside Visibility
There is a wide field of view from the cockpit. The narrow roof pillars and large windows of the Highlander provide you a good view of everything around it. While cornering, you can see pretty clearly, which is something not all large SUVs allow you to accomplish. You have an excellent view of what is behind and to the side of the Highlander thanks to the rear-view camera and optional blind-spot monitoring system, if you need it. Even though you get a clear vision from every angle thanks to the top-down 360-degree surround-view camera, you probably won’t need it.
6. A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is available.
The conventional 8-inch touchscreen system functions flawlessly and has less glare, but the 12.3-inch infotainment display offers large, bright readouts with crisp graphics. The user interface is straightforward, and you can easily navigate the menus. Those who aren’t very tech-savvy should find the short learning curve appealing.
7. Many Driver Aids Are Included as Standard
Toyota includes a ton of common driver assistance features. Every trim level of their vehicle comes standard with their Safety Sense suite, which includes automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, a traffic sign reader, and front collision mitigation. Blind-spot monitoring is added by moving up one trim to the LE, while front and rear parking sensors are added by moving up to the Limited. Adaptive headlights, a digital rearview, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, and a head-up display are included with the Platinum trim, which is the top of the line.
8. Generous Spaces for Storing Small Items
There are many suitable locations for storing small items throughout the cabin. Large drinks may fit in the cupholders, and one of the two dash-mounted shelves has a phone wire holder built into it. You may store your iPads, iPhones, and books in the pockets, which are also quite roomy.
9. A user-friendly LATCH system
It’s easy to install child safety seats in the second row using the LATCH system. There is ample space for even rear-facing seats to fit back there. It’s simple to go to the anchors. Getting the second row captain’s seats available streamlines the procedure even further.
10. Outstanding Fuel Economy
The Highlander’s V6 engine achieves an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 23 mpg for all-wheel drive models and 24 mpg for front-wheel drive vehicles. Even while this offers around 1-2 more miles per gallon than the competition, in this market, that is a significant difference. Real-world testing confirms The Higlander’s EPA projections.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Toyota HighlanderThe Cons
1. Navigates Like a Heavy Vehicle
The 2022 Toyota Highlander moves like a big vehicle because it is one. Driving the Highlander through congested parking lots will make you aware of it. If you’ve never operated a third-row SUV before, you might feel more like the captain of a boat than the driver of a car for the road.
2. A Squeezing Third Row
The third row of the Highlander is constrained, and even the 2020 makeover couldn’t provide it much more room. Small children might fit back there, but older kids or adults are very clearly not its intended audience. Since you will require more cargo room, it is usually advisable to remove the seats from the third row if you don’t use it frequently.
3. Limited Cargo Room
Behind the third row, there is only 16 cubic feet of cargo room. This is really small for the segment and gives you very little room to maneuver. The third row can be removed to provide a better-than-average space with 48.4 cubes, though. If you need the cargo capacity, just don’t anticipate using the third row much.
4. Less economical than other third-row SUVs
Comparing the Highlander to its competitors, it is generally lacking in value. It is a little more expensive and has fewer basic amenities than other third-row SUVs. When compared to comparable vehicles in its segment, the interior materials and general design are also only mediocre. Some models’ build quality may also be in doubt because buyers or those who have tested the car have mentioned hearing little creaks on the driver’s side.
buying advice
Compare prices online before buying a new car to avoid paying too much. Find out the price in advance before entering a dealership. The following free services are suggested by us: Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect, and Motortrend.
These free sites will provide you the best deals and provide you with numerous price quotations from rival businesses. Before visiting the dealer, you will be aware of the best pricing.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition:
The 2022 Kia Telluride is a formidable vehicle, offering owners a smooth ride and seats that are designed for all-day enjoyment. You get a ton of standard entertainment features and driving aids for the price you pay. It’s perfect for families who want a roomy third row because the interior space feels far larger than that of many third-row SUVs. There aren’t many places you can utilize to store little items, which is its one flaw.
Another formidable contender in the third-row SUV market is the 2022 Honda Pilot. The Pilot provides a lot of value despite having a few extra-sensitive driver aids (particularly adaptive cruise control and the collision warning) and a tight third-row entrance. It boasts roomy seats in both rows of the backseat and is quite versatile both within the cabin and in the cargo area. You still have a compliant and smooth ride, and this car gets respectable fuel efficiency.
The third-row SUV market is fiercely competitive in 2022 thanks to the Toyota Highlander. It rules with a strong V6 engine that also provides exceptional fuel efficiency. This is a significant benefit in a market where fuel efficiency is a concern. The Highlander is designed for the daily driver who has a family to transport. It is padded for comfort and provides a smooth ride. Just don’t expect the children to be too comfortable on the third row of seats. Additionally, even with all of the seats upright, the cargo room might not be big enough. In some ways, The Highlander is a mixed bag. But a lot of buyers are drawn to the mixed bag.
Which year of the Toyota Highlander should you stay away from?
Toyota’s Highlander Hybrid has been a well-liked SUV among customers since 2006. You should first be aware of which Toyota Highlander Hybrid model years to avoid if you’re considering purchasing one.
The Highlander Hybrid is a well-built car that has delivered consistently since it was introduced. 2006 and 2008 were the only “off years” it experienced. The Highlander Hybrid has shown to be an exceedingly dependable SUV in all prior years.
The 2008 model of the Highlander Hybrid is the poorest of the two distinct years that it fell. It not only receives the most complaints, but also the most expensive repairs.
Let’s look at what these concerns are really about and why you should pay special attention to them.
Is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid a Good Vehicle to Buy Used?
Having only two models with complaints for an SUV that is almost 20 years old is a pretty good sign of a reliable car.
As a result, searching for a Toyota Highlander on the secondhand market is a terrific idea. It routinely receives favorable ratings for its faultless performance, comfortable ride, high level of dependability, and ample power.
Minor drawbacks like a cramped third-row seating arrangement and a greater price are simpler to overlook when the Highlander Hybrid performs so well overall.
Even better, as seen below, you can effectively flip a coin to determine which year to purchase:
- Highlander Hybrid from 2007
- Highlander Hybrid from 2009
- Highlander Hybrid 2010
- Highlander Hybrid from 2011
- Highlander Hybrid 2012
- Highlander Hybrid from 2013
- Highlander Hybrid 2014
- Highlander Hybrid 2015
- Highlander Hybrid 2016
- Highlander Hybrid 2017
- Highlander Hybrid 2018
- Highlander Hybrid 2019
- Highlander Hybrid 2020
2010 would have to be the year we picked as the most problematic from the list above. Even then, there aren’t many complaints that have been filed.
Nevertheless, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) claims that the service brakes have a history of issues, according to CarComplaints. The ABS not functioning when the brakes are applied is most notable.
CarComplaints claims that some drivers encountered soft brakes when attempting to stop. Making matters worse, the typical cost to fix this problem is close to $4,200.
The 2013 Highlander Hybrid also has a few complaints about the brakes and electronic stabilizer, and the 2017 model has two complaints about engine problems.
It’s important to note that the 2017 Highlander Hybrid’s engine issues happened at incredibly low mileage. When these problems started, the typical distance was about 1455.
It’s also crucial to note that comparatively few drivers have reported these issues. Therefore, it is impossible to say for sure whether or not the typical driver has to be concerned about this.
Consumers have a long history of being satisfied with the performance and dependability of the remaining Highlander Hybrids. It follows that you are likely to have the same experience.
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Toyota Highlander Hybrid Years to Avoid
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).
You might not be particularly knowledgeable about your car’s brakes unless you’re a mechanic or a super-committed auto enthusiast. How much time do they usually last? How frequently should brakes be replaced? We have solutions.
Overview of Toyota Highlander Hybrid Problems by Year
Fortunately, the Highlander Hybrid has only a small number of issues. Let’s have a look at the recognized concerns in general.
Highlander Hybrid: Faulty Brakes
According to information on the 2006 Highlander Hybrid provided by CarComplaints, the NHTSA has received 165 complaints regarding brake issues. There are also an additional 13 customer complaints.
The NHTSA records 76 complaints in total, of which 40 are about hydraulic brakes, 24 are about electronic stability control, and 21 are about electric service brakes.
A couple of complaints regarding the traction control system turning off when it gets slick are among the less well-known documented issues. Although this problem shouldn’t be disregarded, it isn’t nearly as common as the aforementioned brake issues.
37 customer complaints and 142 NHTSA complaints totaling 179 for the 2008 Highlander Hybrid. The main issue is that a bad actuator is keeping the ABS light on.
For the Toyota Highlander Hybrid model years to be avoided, the average cost of brake repair is $2,970 and $4,170, respectively.
Remember that these stated issues often don’t appear in either model until higher mileage. As a result, you shouldn’t be too concerned about low-mileage used Highlander Hybrids, especially if you invest in versions other than those from 2006 and 2008.
These are the ideal vehicles for college students since they can transport you, your friends, and your belongings everywhere you need to go, whether you need to squeeze into a small campus parking space or transport ten loads of laundry home.
In Closing
Toyota has a reputation for building dependable cars, and the Highlander Hybrid is no exception. This top-of-the-line SUV will definitely impress you because to its pleasant ride and exceptional power and features.
The fact that you are investing in a Toyota must be kept in mind at all times. No matter your opinion of your preferred manufacturers, there’s no doubting that Toyota produces some of the most durable products available.
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