2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid review

What We Like 

• Good fuel economy: The Highlander Hybrid offers about 7 mpg more than the standard Highlander

  ^†
  , with very little downside. The interior space of the SUV is the same, and the perceived engine power is about the same. All-wheel drive is standard, which makes the Highlander Hybrid an excellent choice in all climates. 

• Good engine power: With 306 horsepower on tap between the V6 engine and the electric motor, the Highlander Hybrid has plenty of power to climb hills or cruise on the freeway. The continuously variable transmission is optimized to make the best use of the power, distributing it to all four wheels for maximum traction. 

• Driver assistance: As a family vehicle, the Highlander Hybrid is equipped to stop accidents before they happen. Adaptive cruise control follows the prevailing traffic speeds, while features like lane keeping assistance and precollision braking are always active and helping the driver manage traffic. 

What Needs Improvement 

• No support for smartphone connectivity: Toyota was late to the game with interoperability, instead supporting its own Entune^™ system after most of the industry had made smartphone integration primary. Paired with a touchscreen that's sometimes difficult to reach, the infotainment system is the weak point of the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.