Anybody out there own a 2016 or 2017 Hybrid Highlander?
Consumer Reports gushes over it, but I want to hear from someone who actually owns one. We are thinking of going from a late model 4Runner to a Highlander, and the hybrid model intrigues me. There’s an $8,000 uplift for the hybrid version, but the gas mileage improves considerably with no apparent power loss, at least according to the salesperson.
I live in Montana where there is snow on the ground for 5 months out of the year if that matters.
Pros:
Accommodating interior and simple controls make it easy to live with
Standard backup camera
Standard advanced safety equipment
Handles better than previous models
Lots of features for the money
Has been very reliable
Hybrid version provides excellent fuel economy
2016 updates yield a Good rating in the difficult IIHS small overlap crash test
Cons:
Limited model will only seat seven
Some interior trim looks a bit low-rent
Not as quiet or plush-riding as previous generation
According to CR “Overall, the Highlander is an appealing choice that does a lot of things well. A history of good reliability and good resale value makes it an easy choice for many people.”
Not exactly the same vehicle, but I’ve never regretted buying my Escape hybrid and I’m in Utah. It’s handled everything beautifully, weather-wise, and I haven’t seen but a few being sold used over the years. People like theirs and keep them. I love getting 40+ mpg in my SUV!
I bought it, btw, in the last week of its model year. If you have financing in hand and you know what’s in the dealer’s inventory when you walk in you hold all the bargaining chips. They don’t want 2016 models on the lot January of 2017.