Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review - Solid - Test Drive | Everyday Driver

[@garfieldirwin]

I echo others comments -- great video. We test drove a V6 Highlander a year ago and thought it was nice but nothing special at the time. We've been test driving various SUVs ever since and were focusing in on a Rav4 hybrid as being "good enough" for our needs. If there wasn't a 4 year wait for a Rav4 Prime it would probably be at the top of our list. Anyway, we did another test drive with a Highlander the other day and realized how much nicer it is than the Rav4 -- seemed worth the extra $13k CAD. Anyway that sealed the deal so we got on the list for a 2023 Platinum Highlander Hybrid, expecting a year wait. I just hope they bring back the electronic rear-view mirror for 2023 -- a must have for a 3-row SUV IMO. Again, nice video Guys!

[@sudeeptaghosh]

You are the first person who made sense talking about lines in a car .. in the history of automotive journalism I am telling you the way you explain what lines makes you feel and you able to give words to that in a concise manner that I never heard before … great Job ❤️

[@TestDriveVideos]

Paul has a background in car design, and we love that he can share that background with our viewers. Glad it worked for you, and thanks for watching!

[@alastairclarke]

We ended up selling our Hyundai and got the Highlander Hybrid (Limited). SO NICE! Love it. It is perfect for our 2 kids and 2 labs. And I only have to gas up .... maybe once a month! Amazing.

[@markfeldman6509]

Just bought the Limited version in same exact color scheme three weeks ago. About $5 k less. Incredible vehicle. First hybrid I have ever owned and it is awesome. Toyota got it right in every aspect.

[@artiphoria]

Congrats. I'm planning to buy the same exact car and even color. Your comment even encouraged me more to proceed.

[@markfeldman6509]

@@artiphoria ...I have had mine for months now and drove it ,to Florida from New England for the winter. It is even better than expected. Enjoy your new vehicle. You won’t regret it.

[@joshuamogel9382]

@@markfeldman6509 how many times did you have to fill up going down. I live in PA with a similar drive.

[@markfeldman6509]

@@joshuamogel9382 I drove from cape cod to boca raton. 1500 mile trip. I drove approximately 450 miles on each tank of gas.so it was 3 full tanks plus a little extra. Your drive is 300 miles shorter. Just under three tanks will get you there. Got 36 mpg going around 70 mph average in a very heavily packed vehicle with a few bikes hanging off rear on a bike rack

[@thosetwodudes]

MSRP is about $42K did you have to pay dealer markup?

[@lisahughes865]

We decided to go test drive the Hybrid because of this amazing well done video! It took couple trips back to the dealer to finally decide which one to get. It was difficult because I would have liked to get the Platinum with the awesome HUD and Panoramic Roof, but the captains chairs just don't work for me. Ordering one with a bench would have taken too long, so Limited it is!

[@TestDriveVideos]

Glad to hear this was helpful to you. Thanks for watching and congrats on your Highlander!

[@thosetwodudes]

10:00 lol I'm reminded of the Price is Right game That's Too Much!!!! I'd love to see a review of the LE AWD Hybrid

[@budmonk2819]

Great video. Enjoyed the banter and long range shots. The Highlander moves(glides) like a red bullet through the dusty landscape. Just placed my order today for the Hybrid XLE. The expected wait time is 8-12 months.

[@Yeahitsmeagain92]

Hey man, don’t worry about wait time. I was very specific on what i wanted, blacked out AWD hybrid highlander XLE and after 2 months they contacted me and said it will be at the dealership in 2 months (4 total). I think they are putting a longer lead time just incase they run into more supply chain issues. Good luck!

[@thosetwodudes]

3:35 great point thank you! I don't like CVTs either, I'm actually a manual guy, and I'm sorta okay with the 10 speed automatics also, but with hybrids, "the CVT makes it glide" thank you!

[@jagtan13]

If you're looking for a cvt, the highlander has the ecvt different from a regular cvt. It uses magical trickery to get infinite variability by varying engine speed and electric motor speed on a planitary gear set. A regular cvt has the belt, the ecvt solely relies on gears, and even then, no clutch packs other than for the input to the transmission. On toyotas other regular cvt, they use an actual first gear to get the corollas going, which reduces wear on their regular belt drive cvt.

[@dshepard05]

Great production value. Photography. Showing the ride and size of the Highlander compared to the passengers. Good comments as well

[@TestDriveVideos]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching!

[@janh.4479]

Being a long-time Highlander owner I can't wait to move up to the XLE hybrid. Great review, thanks!!

[@yvonnerugh7545]

I will have mine soon... the Highlander Platinum Hybrid AWD 2022. Thank you guys for the good review... an insight for me that I ordered a good one and I made a right decision. This is the closest car I can afford... compared to the new luxury Gold Color SUV Range Rover that I fell in love, which is twice the price of the Highlander Platinum' Hybrid. I am sure I will fell in love with this car too. Love find its way... 😁😁😁

[@BillBurnette]

"Glide" is the perfect description! That's exactly how our 2021 HL hybrid Platinum feels!

[@shdmc73]

Just purchased a 2021 Highlander Hybird LE about a month ago. I really like this Highlander, I've had three previous Highlanders. Toyota has really upped their game with this Highlander. Wish they'd fix the wind noise I hear out of the front windows, but otherwise, no complaints.

[@thosetwodudes]

did you have to pay any dealer markups? on the website it says MSRP is $42K (AWD)

[@javiignz]

@@thosetwodudes I'm trying to get a 2023 hybrid LE AWD, msrp is 45600 plus 1k markup. Or a 2023 2.4T XLE AWD msrp 47800, dealer asking 46800. I'm stuck between them two

[@thosetwodudes]

@@javiignz I just called my local Toyota store, they were actually very honest with me - they don't do dealer markups or market adjustments, just any pre-installed accessories. And she confirmed what I already knew, that it's nearly impossible to negotiate on price (i.e. below MSRP) but that they can be flexible on the trade value. So here it is, the new normal, is don't pay $1 above MSRP, and negotiate hard on your trade value!

[@misterkhush]

I think there is one thing missing, so there is no proper video on KZbin that explains the difference between all types of sound systems that come with highlander. Specifically, what’s the difference between XLE and platinum infotainment. One has 6 speakers and other has 11. Demo of how they sound and a difference will be nice. Can you guys please do that demo, it will be super helpful for the potential customers.

[@joshuabryant1187]

Good review. Just bought this car and happy with it so far.

[@thanhhungrestaurant8348]

Is it me or the Hybrid - 4 Cyl engine growls quite significantly louder than the V6?

[@TwiStedZaP]

Waiting for my 21 Highlander platinum to come into the dealer. Can’t wait to take it out for a spin!

[@RealEstateUwithDean]

I have a 2020 Hybrid Hylander XLE. Mine gets 33-34 mpg. Love the car. I have 43k miles. Since new and now with more frequency; Several times a week; Some times several a day; When going over 40 or 45 mph and I approach an intersection or a turn braking on a decline between 15-30 mph the braking feels like it releases or car shifts in neutral for a second. I have had the car in to dealers four times and have escalated to Toyota Corp. Downloads of data to Corp show nothing. Now what? Was thinking this needs reported to NTSB. Suggestions?

[@02hreblue30]

great summary

[@Percent-fn1mo]

How's engine noise when getting on a highway? See notations on the net saying the engine on the hybrids are very loud - why is that??

[@imyourhuckleberry3369]

It’s not a “CVT” per say. The engine assists charging the battery. Wheels are turned only by electric motors. MG1/MG2.

[@rockyraab8290]

We just bought one as our travel car - in Moon Dust color. LOVE it. There is engine noise at lower speeds and higher acceleration (such as going up a ramp from a near stop) but only then. We live near where you filmed this, and I'm delighted to see familiar scenery. Traded in a Lexus RX 350, which lowered the sticker shock quite a bit.

[@sandeepsalunkhe5992]

I am planning to buy this, how has been your experience so far

[@rockyraab8290]

@@sandeepsalunkhe5992 Nothing but positives.

[@scriptedhuman]

I test drove this car as a joke because I was comparison shopping against the RAV4 and other compact SUVs, and I also felt guilty about how much I liked driving this car. Even when you drive the car like a maniac around corners, it doesn't handle like a gigantic SUV. The compact SUVs felt very top heavy and bouncy, while the highlander didnt.

[@Hernsama]

It’s NOT a CVT it is a ECVT

[@Bluesfan4_life]

I have a 2020 XLE AWD Hybrid. I traded in a 2019 RAV4 Hybrid. I really like how it drives but to be honest mileage is 33-34 with city/ highway.....50/50....so ok on mileage but close to advertised. Tank is weird too which RAV4 had. 17.5 gallon tank and shuts off early and DTE only 485 miles so what is with that .... not advertised 600 miles.

[@02hreblue30]

mpg ratings are still at 55mph. Maybe you didn't know that

[@creditcardhelp8824]

It’s not a standard cvt. It’s ecvt

[@Rowdy94610]

Hey Guys, Great video! I'm looking for a hybrid SUV, but my requirements are a bit different than most. I use a power wheelchair and will need adaptive devices installed in whatever vehicle I select. The devices would be easy enough to add; a left foot accelerator and a steering wheel knob, but the main thing I need is in the cargo area in the back for my chair. My Quantum chair weighs 328 pounds and is 42 inches tall. There are lifts or hoists made by Bruno that can be installed to lift a chair into and out of the back of larger SUVs like GMC Yukons. How would the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid compare in cargo space (and bay opening) to the GMC? Do you think it would work for me? I don't need that 3rd row of seats and am perfectly fine giving that up for my special cargo. That will give me the independence to get around on my own. I could then walk around to the front of the vehicle, using my cane, and drive the car like a regular guy! Please let me know.

[@rdiamond655]

I was surprised by this, the hybrid is better

[@buddysteve5543]

REMEMBER... Toyota vehicles are VERY RELIABLE VEHICLES!! That should be a HUGE decision factor on deciding which brand to go with! Cannot go wrong with a Toyota!!!

[@Dugger1991]

Awesome!!!

[@taden2007]

Had to check to see if this was sponsored by Toyota

[@BillBurnette]

This car is awesome- and it looks great. The Kia and Hyundai are butt-ugly.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

They are over styled. They won’t look good in 5 years.

[@caravelaskynaut9827]

Funny my wife said the same thing about the Telluride and Palisades. She thinks the Highlander Hybrid looks sexy front and back.

[@ajipet]

Why is nobody talking about the obnoxious insurance rates on hybrid Highlander.

[@jamesshomesolarmore2223]

The Highlander is a nice vehicle. But the hybrid system doesn’t deliver the fuel economy that is claimed. Maybe if you live in the flat lands. But we live in the mountains in Oregon. We have already signed paperwork to trade ours in. Ours is a 2022 ….

[@ornative7514]

What did you get in place of this vehicle?

[@jamesshomesolarmore2223]

@@ornative7514 we got the Ford Escape plugin hybrid. On normal mode we were getting 185 miles per gallon. Now we are running it in ev only mode. So we shall see how it does. Since we have solar it is so very cheap to operate.

[@02hreblue30]

moronic post. Look up details of cafe MPG tests. You simply know zero

[@buttonman1831]

I don't understand why anybody would rather the characteristics of a regular automatic over a CVT.

[@donbrloks3959]

Actually, CVT is a misnomer. There is no transmission. Only electric motor and planetary gears. To go backwards, just reverse the electric motor. You don’t go far backwards anyway. So many things are different on a hybrid. No starter. Motor/generator takes care of that. No belts on the engine. Everything on engine is electric or direct mounted.

[@g1rd4p]

in my opinion xle version is more effective. its around 40k usd

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

It rides better to and won’t leave you stranded on bad roads. The tires on the higher grades do not have enough sidewall.

[@markholle3450]

Sit in the third row and see if your review is so glowing guys. Toyota lost us since we needed space for adults.

[@justinhammond8465]

I’m 6’2 and I fit just fine back there with the middle seats scooted up. Did you even try sitting back there?

[@garfieldirwin]

If you're putting adults back there, you really need a minivan.

[@markholle3450]

@@garfieldirwin …or buy a VW Atlas like we did. I sit back there a lot since my wife and I haul our moms in a regular basis. It can be done but Toyota has chosen to make it just for kids. We loved our Highlander but it wasn’t going to work for us with that third row.

[@mobgma]

Evidently (it seems) you are confusing the distinction between eCVT and CVT as the eCVT not requiring metal belt driven pulleys. All the term eCVT means is that it is electronically controlled and capable of providing manual shift points mimicking a conventional multi gear ratio automatic transmission using servos and planetary gear sets with distinct gear rations - not that it is a solely gear driven CVT. A solely gear driven transmission hooked up to a gasoline engine requires constant changing of a distinct number (not infinitely continuous) gear ratios to match the engines peak rpm performance range. It uses a stepping function to change gears while a continuously variable CVT means that gear ratio infinitely changing linearly with engine rpm. This requires a system using pulleys with variable radii to develop different ratios between drive and driven shafts. Here again one must either believe physics or ones lying eyes. Following video shows a real life teardown of a Toyota P-314 eCVT transmission and bares the internal components contained a Toyota eCVT. In particular take note after the case is opened of the metal belt removed from the drive pulley at time frame 16:34 and placed sitting on the table in front of the mechanic between frames 16:45 and 16:55. That is the metal belt used by Toyota eCVTs and CVTs on their front transaxles, not to be confused with the sole electric motor(s) gear driven rear axle. kzbin.info/www/bejne/faPSdp2Xj6ytg6M

[@celticsoulman]

I was just thinking that myself.

[@SIGINT007]

Stop posting false information as you don’t know what you’re talking about. There is no metal belt in these Hybrid transmissions. There are two motor/generator assemblies (one for motive power and one for starting/charging) and a planetary gear train. It literally took 10 seconds of searching Weber University videos to see a video of a Toyota eCVT. The video you posted is of a gas engine non-hybrid CVT.

[@geraldmoore6257]

no belt, it's all gears in a hybrid Highlander.

[@buddysteve5543]

The "SUV" looks like a Subaru, honestly!

[@alkarim5890]

I wonder how much those fancy electronics complex systems repair 👨‍🔧 will cost after once the warranty is expired !

[@zarmindrow5831]

Nice to see proper butt buddies do a car review.

[@MyExRebirth]

I own a '18 V6 Highlander and a 3rd GEN Prius, but this hybrid highlander didn't impress me at all! The engine is really struggling and you can easily hear the loud engine noise in the video! Besides, the advertised 35mpg is for driving in the city, not for long trips driving.

[@9.peanut]

You might want to get enlightened, then. The 2020+ i4 Hybrid is 36 city 35 hwy. The very old 3.3L in your Highlander is not a fuel miser.

[@MyExRebirth]

@@9.peanut Of course it's not fuel efficient, but it doesn't struggle to haul the weight of the vehicle either. The actual real-life MPG of the hybrid highlander is way lower than 35-36

[@BillBurnette]

@@MyExRebirth our 2021 hybrid doesn't struggle at all. Power is perfectly adequate for normal driving.

[@tojsiabvang1000]

@@MyExRebirth Bro, I've been driving my 2021 Highlander Platinum Hybrid for four months now and can tell you with 100% certainty that it is at least 35 MPG city and 36 MPG Highway. I have averaged 42 MPG on some city trips as well as 38 MPG on 5 hour highway trips.....the catch?.......learning to drive it efficiently as advertised.

[@geraldmoore6257]

@@tojsiabvang1000 I too have averaged between 36 and 41 mpg per tank. I've had mine for nearly a year.

[@killabandit]

I didn't buy the hybrid and don't regret it. Rather have the power than a little gas mileage savings. V6 is quieter anyways.

[@BillBurnette]

The hybrid is quicker off the line from a standing start.

[@killabandit]

@@BillBurnette definitely not quicker to 60 though.

[@RichardsWorld]

@@killabandit This is the wrong vehicle to worry about 0-60 times. I usually have a car for 0-60 times and a car for good fuel mileage.

[@Great_America]

Comparing Toyota to Kia or Hyundai is an insult. Neither have anywhere near the resale value, reliability or longevity of Toyota.

[@MrDaxxenos]

Please stick to the points of the car. I am not interested in anything personal.

[@trumpisastump9382]

Your personal comment is noted.

[@MrHKN76]

Hybrid is crap we need Diesel Engine or i dont buy it.... Mercedes GLE 400 Diesel its better than...... Toyota you lose 👎👎👎

[@astarodub]

No. Thanks for the good laugh though))

[@SIGINT007]

Right-o, m8 👍🏻 🤣

[@MrHKN76]

yes 😉👌

[@garfieldirwin]

LOL see the price of diesel lately?