2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a mid-size SUV that offers a spacious and comfortable interior, advanced safety features, and a range of modern technology and infotainment options. The Highlander Hybrid has a reputation for reliability, practicality, and versatility, making it a popular choice among families and individuals in need of a spacious and efficient vehicle. With a 2.5-liter gas-and-electric hybrid powertrain driving the wheels, this 243-horsepower SUV isn't the fastest hybrid SUV around, but it's commendably light on fuel. In this review of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, we see if competitors such as the Kia Sorento Hybrid and Ford Explorer Hybrid upstage this fuel-saving Toyota and whether the Highlander Hybrid still has what it takes to take on the rest of the hybrid crowd.

This three-row hybrid SUV is far from being the pinnacle of handling prowess, and Toyota has specifically designed this vehicle to be comfortable, unexciting, and predictable. Behind the wheel, the Highlander Hybrid feels planted and sure of itself, especially in all-wheel drive guise, and feels comfortable on the highway. The light steering makes the city easy to navigate, but the turning circle could be tighter. When driving with enthusiasm, the Highlander fails to impress; the steering isn't very responsive when turning in at speed, and the body will lean through corners, followed by some understeer. It's perfect for delivering kids to school and going on road trips, but won't excite the senses or deliver the punch of the far more powerful Explorer Hybrid.

Toyota knows full well that the mid-size SUV class is packed with some impressive competition, so it has done what it does best with the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: create a good all-rounder that does everything pretty well but nothing particularly great. This car won't stand out in a full parking lot, but it's not ugly either, and the fairly spacious interior is well-equipped, even on the base model. The level of tech is also impressive for the new model year. Behind the wheel, the Highlander Hybrid could do with some more excitement, but the overall driving experience is solid and will satisfy most SUV drivers' needs. The power is enough, but it's the fuel economy that really impresses here. In terms of asking price, the Highlander Hybrid won't break the bank, but it's not the cheapest compared to the Sorento Hybrid. And if you're after something with a bit more kick, the Ford Explorer Hybrid is a good option.