Cons: Pricing is fairly high, especially when you go up the ladder and start adding extras. Given the Highlander Hybrid's weight and girth, handling in tight corners is limited. Also, the rear passenger quarters (third row) are not the most accessible or spacious.
2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Price: There are three trim levels to choose from including the base LE at $45,930, the mid-level XLE at $48,355, and the top-of-the-line Limited at $54,905.
2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Fuel Economy : Expect your Highlander Hybrid to achieve 8.6L/100km in the city and 8.5L/100km on the highway.
Improvements and Changes: There are no significant updates for 2015 since the Toyota Highlander Hybrid was completely redesigned in 2014.
2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Powertrain: Under the hood of the Highlander Hybrid is a 3.5L DOHC V6 engine mated to an electric motor. Together, they produce 280 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Unlike the regular Highlander, towing capacity amounts to 1,587 kilos (3,500 lbs).
Cargo Capacity: The trunk alone will swallow 390 litres of cargo. Folding the third-row seats will expand the area to 1,198 litres. If that's not enough, drop the second-row seats and enjoy up to 2,370 litres.
Safety: Standard features include stability and traction control, disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, eight airbags, and hill-start assist. In Limited trim, you also benefit from a lane departure warning system, pre-collision system, blind spot monitor, and rear cross traffic alert.
Comparing the 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: The only direct threat comes from the Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid. Other alternatives include the efficiency-minded Ford Explorer EcoBoost, Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel (5 passengers), and Volkswagen Touareg TDI (5 passengers).
