Version: 2008
  • On GameSpot: $299 PS3 Slim and price cut announced!
advertisementSimplify your laptop buying

2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Reviewed by
Brian Douglas
on 06/14/2005
overview front engine interior

See all Toyota products

Add to my list Product summary

The good: Powerful hybrid system; extremely low emissions; comfortable driving experience.

The bad: High initial cost; limited in-dash electronics.

The bottom line: The Highlander Hybrid delivers efficient power and drives better than the average SUV, but it skimps on dashboard gadgets.

Read full review

Compare this suv to:

CNET editors' review

  • Reviewed by:
    Brian Douglas
  • Edited by:
    Wayne Cunningham
  • Reviewed on: 06/14/2005
The Highlander Hybrid fits perfectly into Toyota's plan for leadership in the emerging hybrid category. Unlike the Toyota Prius, the Highlander looks just like its nonhybrid siblings, appealing to buyers who may not want to shout their green credentials. Combined with two electric motors, the Highlander Hybrid's V-6 engine delivers power and fuel economy, all in a spacious and comfortable SUV. Its Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle rating, a rare distinction for an SUV, affirms its friendliness to the environment. We like the nice balance of this efficient people hauler, but wish Toyota had included a few more technology touches inside to complement the technology under the hood. We tested a four-wheel-drive Limited model loaded with a $2,000 touch-screen GPS navigation system, which also displays hybrid use and fuel economy, and the Preferred Accessory Package, which adds floor mats, a cargo net, a first-aid kit, and a glass-breakage sensor for $426. Port-installed tube steps ($459), an emergency-assistance kit ($70), a Valor exhaust tip ($64), and a $109 hood protector brought the MSRP to $42,983, placing the Highlander Hybrid between the Lexus RX 400h and the Ford Escape Hybrid.

An unassuming dashboard
In the cabin, the Highlander Hybrid lacks a number of technology features found in the more expensive Lexus. Toyota has provided a simple keyless remote but not the SmartAccess entry and starting system, which allows the key and the remote to remain in a pocket or a purse. Bluetooth connectivity is also missing, along with HID headlamps. The navigation option in our test vehicle offered voice-route guidance and was easy to operate. Navigation shares the center LCD screen with Toyota's power-flow animation, also seen in the Prius.


The center-console touch-screen LCD shows navigation or a hybrid power chart.

A perfectly competent eight-speaker JBL audio system with an in-dash CD changer and steering-wheel controls is standard in the Limited. It's also available in the base model, though it costs a breathtaking $1,770 because it's bundled with a moon roof, fog lights, and a rear spoiler. There's no provision in the current Highlander audio mix for portable music players or MP3 recordings--an oversight that the company should correct.

The big front seats are supportive, heated, and power adjustable. With fore and aft adjustment, the middle-row seating provides some comfort for moderate distances, while the third row of seating is best for small children or corporal punishment. All are leather upholstered in Limited models and covered in a quality cloth in the base edition.

Power at a discount
For technology consumers, there's a lot to like under the Highlander Hybrid's hood. Toyota's full hybrid system allows the gas engine, the electric motor, or both to power the SUV. The Highlander's gas engine is a powerful 3.3-liter V6, detuned just a bit for clean emissions, mated to a 123-kilowatt electric motor. In four-wheel-drive models, an additional 50-kilowatt electric motor powers the rear wheels when needed. Both electric motors become generators when the throttle is lifted or the brakes are applied.

Continue reading

Most helpful user reviews

Submit your review

Log in or create an account to submit your review for:

2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

 ORLog in with your Facebook account
1. Rate this product:
(Mouse over the stars to rate this product and click to set your rating.)
2. One-line summary:(Summarize your review in one line. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 55 characters
3. Pros:(Tell us what you like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 250 characters
4. Cons:(Tell us what you don't like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 250 characters
Bottom-line summary:(Explain to us in detail why you like or dislike the product, focusing your comments on the product's features and functionality, and your experience using the product. This field is optional.)
0 of 5000 characters

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks are prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

Submit

Compare prices for 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

This product is currently not in stock at any of our online merchants.

Email me when this product is available

advertisement
Click Here

Recent user reviews

Submit your review

Log in or create an account to submit your review for:

2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

 ORLog in with your Facebook account
1. Rate this product:
(Mouse over the stars to rate this product and click to set your rating.)
2. One-line summary:(Summarize your review in one line. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 55 characters
3. Pros:(Tell us what you like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 250 characters
4. Cons:(Tell us what you don't like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 250 characters
Bottom-line summary:(Explain to us in detail why you like or dislike the product, focusing your comments on the product's features and functionality, and your experience using the product. This field is optional.)
0 of 5000 characters

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks are prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

Submit

Special sponsor stores

2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Reviews & advice
Site map
Editorial policies
Meet the editors
How we test
Forums
Internet speed test
Popular topics
Apple iPhone
Apple iPod
Cell phones
Dell
GPS
LCD TV
CNET sites
CNET Site map
CNET TV
Downloads
News
Reviews
Shopper.com
More information
Newsletters
CNET Mobile
Customer Help Center
RSS
CNET Widgets
About CNET
sponsored