Base Price: $25,705
Price as Tested: $35,535
Why We Drove It: The Toyota Highlander is among the most fuel efficient SUVs in its class and is a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
 
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a midsize crossover SUV equipped with a gasoline-burning V-6 engine and an electric assist battery pack that helps conserve fuel under certain conditions. The Highlander is a  full  hybrid, meaning that it can operate on the battery pack alone at speeds up to 25 mph. It is also capable of seating up to seven passengers with its optional third-row seat. Because the Highlander was completely redesigned for 2008, there are no changes for the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.


The 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is available in base or Limited trim levels. Choosing the Highlander Hybrid Limited adds 19-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, upgraded interior fabric, a third-row seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-disc CD changer and satellite radio pre-wiring, a power tailgate, and unique trim detailing inside and out. Choosing Limited trim is also the pathway to options like leather upholstery, a JBL audio system, a rear DVD entertainment system, a navigation system, automatic climate control, and a power sunroof.


The 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is powered by a 3.3-liter V-6 engine making 209 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 212 lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm. The engine is mated to electric drive motors and a sealed nickel metal hydride battery pack. Combined, this hybrid powertrain delivers a total of 270 horsepower to all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission. Towing capacity is 3500 pounds.


Standard safety features on the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid include seven airbags with rollover sensing for occupants in all three rows and knee protection for the driver, ABS with Brake Assist, traction and stability control, Hill Start Assist, and a reversing camera.


Based on classification as a midsize multi-activity vehicle by J.D. Power and Associates, the Highlander Hybrid competes against the short-lived Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid.
