2021
Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Starts at:
$41,535
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New 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • Hybrid LE FWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $38,735
    36 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Hybrid LE AWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $40,335
    35 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Hybrid XLE FWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $41,535
    36 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Hybrid XLE AWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $43,135
    35 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Hybrid Limited FWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $45,490
    36 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Hybrid Limited AWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $47,440
    35 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Hybrid Platinum FWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $48,690
    36 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Hybrid Platinum AWD (Natl)
    Starts at
    $50,640
    35 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric I-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Notable features

New XSE trim level available
Three-row SUV
Seating for seven or eight
V-6 or hybrid drivetrain
Front- or all-wheel drive
Automatic emergency braking standard

The good & the bad

The good

Smooth-revving V-6
Interior quality
Cabin storage
5,000-pound maximum towing capacity (V-6)
Hybrid’s estimated gas mileage

The bad

Automatic transmission kickdown response
Cargo space
Third-row comfort
Brake pedal feel (hybrid)

Expert 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander is a three-row SUV with room for seven or eight, depending on seating configuration. Front- and all-wheel-drive versions are available, and powertrain choices include a 295-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine or a gas-electric hybrid drivetrain rated at 243 total hp. Competitors include the Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Palisade

What’s New on the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

A new sporty XSE trim level joins the Highlander lineup featuring a revised suspension, retuned steering, machined 20-inch wheels with black accents, and updated exterior and interior design cues. All Highlander trims get added safety features, including the ability to detect and react to oncoming traffic when making a left turn, as well as steering assistance to help keep the vehicle in its lane during emergency maneuvers. LED headlights are now standard, too. 

What Features in the 2021 Toyota Highlander Are Most Important?

    • Standard tri-zone automatic climate control 
    • Available second-row captain’s chairs 
    • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system standard; 12.3-inch touchscreen available
    • Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity 
    • Available wireless device charging
    • Automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights standard
    • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert available 
    • 360-degree camera system available

Should I Buy the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

With seating for up to eight and plenty of standard safety features, the Toyota Highlander is a good choice for families. A variety of trims range from basic to upscale, accommodating different needs and budgets. The hybrid variant has very good estimated fuel economy for a three-row SUV. 

2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander is a three-row SUV with room for seven or eight, depending on seating configuration. Front- and all-wheel-drive versions are available, and powertrain choices include a 295-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine or a gas-electric hybrid drivetrain rated at 243 total hp. Competitors include the Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Palisade

What’s New on the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

A new sporty XSE trim level joins the Highlander lineup featuring a revised suspension, retuned steering, machined 20-inch wheels with black accents, and updated exterior and interior design cues. All Highlander trims get added safety features, including the ability to detect and react to oncoming traffic when making a left turn, as well as steering assistance to help keep the vehicle in its lane during emergency maneuvers. LED headlights are now standard, too. 

What Features in the 2021 Toyota Highlander Are Most Important?

    • Standard tri-zone automatic climate control 
    • Available second-row captain’s chairs 
    • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system standard; 12.3-inch touchscreen available
    • Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity 
    • Available wireless device charging
    • Automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights standard
    • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert available 
    • 360-degree camera system available

Should I Buy the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

With seating for up to eight and plenty of standard safety features, the Toyota Highlander is a good choice for families. A variety of trims range from basic to upscale, accommodating different needs and budgets. The hybrid variant has very good estimated fuel economy for a three-row SUV. 

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
16.4%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
16.4%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Battery
8 years / 100,000 miles
Maintenance
2 years / 25,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
2 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
7 years / less than 85,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12, 000 miles
Dealer certification
160- or 174-point inspections

Compare similar vehicles

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  • 2021
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    Seat capacity
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  • 2020
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  • 2024
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    $45,020
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    Front-wheel drive
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  • 2022
    4.0
    Toyota Highlander
    Starts at
    $35,855
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
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    Seat capacity
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  • 2022
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    Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid
    Starts at
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    31 mi.
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    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

4.8 / 5
Based on 32 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.8
Interior 4.6
Performance 4.7
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 5.0

Most recent

Handles well in bad weather, poor interior design

It has been reliable and handles well in the bad weather. I like the app on my phone. That is why I'm not selling it. But I would not recommend it for other women. I am 5"7 woman and the seat at its highest point is rather low. When it was brand new the seat felt a bit higher but as I've used it for 15K miles it seems lower. There is NO place to put my purse. I need to keep it behind my left ankle as I drive. When I get out of the car I DON'T like the reminder system about the back seat or other issues. (I assume this is about leaving a child behind) It just makes the same alarm noise no matter what and I have to guess each time what is up...it is a very vague reminder each time. The seats have deep crevices that are very hard to clean even with a vacuum. No place for water bottles/drinks in rear doors. I get the distinct impression that no women were consulted on this design.
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does not recommend this car
Comfort 3.0
Interior 2.0
Performance 5.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 3.0
Reliability 5.0
41 people out of 52 found this review helpful. Did you?
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I wish I bought the new RAV4.

Third row seats are useless and take too much room from the trunk, the trunk is smaller than the 2011 RAV4 I had. I wish I bought the new RAV4.
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
Comfort 4.0
Interior 2.0
Performance 4.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 4.0
10 people out of 18 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is available in 4 trim levels:

  • Hybrid LE (2 styles)
  • Hybrid Limited (2 styles)
  • Hybrid Platinum (2 styles)
  • Hybrid XLE (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers up to 36 MPG in city driving and 35 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has an average reliability rating of 5.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid owners.

Is the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. 90.6% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 32 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.8
  • Interior: 4.6
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 5.0

Toyota Highlander Hybrid history

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