Toyota Highlander Hybrid

After racking up 3,000 miles on my 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, I can say that I am extremely pleased with my vehicle choice. I love that I drive a vehicle that is not only good for the environment, but also good on my wallet with the money saved on gasoline. I can seat as many as seven people in my vehicle, but passenger space can easily be converted into cargo space if needed. For those interested in hybrid technology, but also desire the comfort and style of an SUV, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a perfect choice.

However, the Highlander Hybrid does not come without a few negative aspects.

First, the color choices are limited. With only six bland exterior color options and two interior fabric color choices for the Highlander Hybrid, some may be disappointed in the inability to get brighter, bolder color schemes.

Second, the third row seating is uncomfortable for trips of any length. With the seat only inches from the floorboard, even tween-aged kids can quickly become uncomfortable with their knees up to their chests.

Also, if you need it, there is no easy way to access the third row seating. The only way to get to the rear seat, is to fold down flat one side of the 60/40 split second row seating while the occupants enter to use the third row seating. Vehicle owners have to constantly raise and lower the seat, if they will be using both rows of seating. As a mother with two children still in car seats, the entry to the third row seating becomes even more difficult. Users still have the option of entering through the hatch and climbing over the seat, which may be a possible option for some owners with young children.

Finally, the expected gas mileage for the vehicle is listed as 27 miles per gallon highway, 31 miles per gallon city, but even using all the gasoline-saving tricks in the book, the gauge in my vehicle only records an average of around 27 miles per gallon, with my mixed driving. Moreover, when I do the math, my actual gas mileage is closer to twenty-five miles per gallon.

Even with all the downfalls listed above, I would recommend the Toyota Highlander Hybrid to everyone. The gas mileage is still greater than you will find with any other non-hybrid SUV. The vehicle is stylish, reliable, and a smart choice for those concerned with the environment.