2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

There are several Highlander Hybrid models to choose from. The base LE has LED headlights, a height-adjustable power liftgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, and heated mirrors, with roof rails and a sunroof added to the XLE. Stepping up to the Limited adds a hands-free power liftgate and 20-inch wheels. The top-level Platinum model also has the 20-inch wheels, and it comes with a panoramic sunroof and adaptive headlights.

Power for the Highlander Hybrid comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and either one or two electric motors. Combined, these generate 243 horsepower. A continuously variable automatic transmission works with the hybrid setup, and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available for all models.

The Highlander Hybrid is fuel-efficient for a large SUV. It's easy to handle and offers a smooth and quiet ride. The CVT has a similar feel to a regular transmission and will quickly accelerate from a stop. The innovative all-wheel-drive system will send up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels when it senses that they need more traction over slippery roads. When equipped, the Highlander Hybrid can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

There are three rows of seats in the Highlander Hybrid and room for up to eight, depending on the Highlander's configuration. Second-row captain's chairs are available, reducing seating to seven. The cabin features high-quality materials and comes standard with a power-adjustable driver's seat and tri-zone automatic climate control. The XLE adds SofTex faux leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and adds power lumbar support for the driver. Genuine leather comes in the Limited and Platinum, which also gain ventilated front seats. The Platinum adds to all this with a heated second row.

Technology features in the Highlander Hybrid start with an 8-inch touch screen display. It also comes standard with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay, along with five USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a six-speaker stereo. The XLE adds wireless charging, and the Limited has an 11-speaker JBL stereo system as well as the Driver Easy Speak system that uses the speakers to send the driver's voice to the back of the vehicle. Choose the Platinum, and you'll get a massive 12.3-inch touch screen display.

Every Highlander Hybrid comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ group of safety systems. It includes forward-collision warning with automatic braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and lane tracing assist. This group also has automatic high beams, left-turn intersection assist, road sign recognition, and a partial autonomous driving mode.

The top-level Platinum adds to all this with a 360-degree surround-view camera system, a digital rearview camera, and a head-up display.