Review – Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2024), ideal seven-seater?

Toyota Smart Connect

In the latest version of the Toyota Highlander, we detect a new infotainment system: the so-called Toyota Smart Connect multimedia system.
This system features cloud-based navigation, with real-time information on road conditions.
Smartphone integration is standard, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Voice Assistant

Thanks to the built-in voice assistant, you give simple commands.
But you can also give smart commands, such as “I’m hot.”
In that case, the air conditioning temperature is lowered.
Each Highlander also has wireless charging capability for smartphones.
The dashboard layout will not be everyone’s taste, but practical it absolutely is!
There is plenty of storage space, ideally!

12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

The Highlander is available with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
As a driver, you can choose from four themes with the necessary personalization options.
The readability of the display is good.

Cypress Green Metallic

Along with the model year update, a new exterior color is also being introduced: Cypress Green Metallic.
The deep dark green color will be available on all versions of the Highlander.
Coincidentally, our test car is finished in this color. The new color also introduces two new interior colors for the SUV: Ochre and Beige. Finally, the Highlander Premium and Business Plus versions are available with high-gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels.

Powerful hybrid powertrain

As always, the powertrain of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid consists of and 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with electropower.
The powertrain’s system output comes out to 182 kW (248 hp) with 270 Nm of torque.
For an SUV weighing at least 2,090 kilograms, that seems on the few side, but it is not too bad in practice.
The car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and the top speed is 180 km/h.
Average fuel consumption fluctuated between 6.0 and 7.0 liters per 100 kilometers during our test drive, depending on load.

Towing weight Toyota Highlander braked

The braked towing weight of the car is impressive at 2,000 kilograms.
The boot has a capacity of 865 liters, but it can grow to 1,909 liters if you fold down the second and third rows of seats.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a length of 4,966 mm, a width of 1,930 mm and a height of 1,755 mm.
The wheelbase is 2,850 mm.
So it really is a hefty car, with considerable interior space as well.
Even the third row of seats is fine to sit in.
With all seats in use, there also remains some luggage space.
The Highlander is spacious, very spacious.
The seats are also comfortable, but have a somewhat “American” character.
This means that they lack a bit of lateral support, something that is nice in a high SUV that bends a bit.
Anyway, the Highlander is not a crack monster, but a comfort cruiser.
It is designed to transport the entire family from A to B in comfort.
As long as you accept that characteristic, the Highlander is a delightful seven-seater.

Price Toyota Highlander

The starting price of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is 73,495 euros for the Style.
Prices go up to 86,195 euros for the Premium version. As with any Toyota, the Highlander is covered by a warranty of up to 10 years and 200,000 kilometers.

Now this is greening the fleet!
– TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID (2024) – AutoRAI TV