EPA rates the Highlander Hybrid at a somewhat unusual trifecta: 28 MPG city, 28 MPG highway, 28 MPG combined. That’s pretty good for a midsize crossover that will seat seven people– two of them hopefully “little persons” in order to fit comfortably in the way-back– but lags behind some competitors in its size class with traditional powertrains.
The Highlander’s ability to schlep seven might make the difference for shoppers, but those practicality-minded shoppers are also likely to be concerned on matters of cost. Getting into the 280-horsepower Highlander Hybrid will cost you at least $40,000 if you plan to buy outright. Since I used the Equinox as an example earlier, it bears mentioning here that the fully-loaded Equinox LTZ with the General’s 3.6-liter, 301-horsepower V6 clocked a $37,000 MSRP.
