The 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid pretty much says it all with its name. As a more fuel-efficient version of its standard, three-row counterpart, the Highlander hybrid undoubtedly deserves a compliment. With a relatively quiet, spacious, and comfortable interior, the crossover comes with a row of standard equipment, that includes the latest driver safety aids.
The Powertrain
As shared by the Eagle Toyota dealer, the 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid as a hybrid vehicle combines a gasoline V6 engine with an electric motor to attain a total horsepower of 306 that can drive 29 mpg in a combined trip. The 2018 Toyota Highlander hybrid continues to be the only non-luxury vehicle to have a three-row midsize cabin. Just note that the Hybrid costs more. If you’re buying one new, it’s going to take you a few years to recoup the cost (compared to a regular Highlander) in fuel savings alone.
Interior Comfort and Convenience
The 2018 Highlander Hybrid from Toyota didn’t compromise with comfort and convenience when it came to design its interior. The doors of the cabin are large enough to let you in with ease while the seats are placed at a reasonable height, so that the getting in and out of the cabin doesn’t need any struggle. The array of controls inside the cabin are easy to use. The space for the first and second rows is abundant, though the third row needs to have some more space to accommodate adult passengers who are obese or taller. The quality of materials is the best among the class. The utility value of this Toyota Hybrid crossover rises up with its overall cargo capacity that is at the higher end of the segment, providing large families and their belongings having abundant room. Even for the smaller items the cabin has a versatile storage system. The seat comfort gets heightened up with the heated leather front seats offering lots of options to adjust as per your preferences, including an extendable thigh support. The second row gets firmer even with the slides and can recline at a wide angle.
Driving Impressions
When we took a test drive at the Eagle Toyota dealership, the 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid proved to have got a competent hybrid powertrain, with proficient and intuitive brakes, an albeit numb steering. Moreover, it exhibits good highway manners, which has an appreciable towing capability along with decent off-road driving capacity that make it more appealing. The powerful V6 engine of the Highlander Hybrid in tune with the electric motor, is able to move the vehicle off the line promptly. While commuting daily, the pedal engagement and the steering response reassure you especially when you ask it to corner and the same efficiency can be observed with its straight-line stability on the highway.
The Bottom Line
The three rows of seating and a high fuel economy together make the 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid an irresistible family hauler. The ride comfort in an utterly silent atmosphere makes every ride a pleasant experience. So, if you are looking for a vehicle with high fuel efficiency and if utility is one of your main priorities, then this Highlander Hybrid could be one of the best picks for you.