2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Consumer Reviews

Low MPG For New Hybrid

Written by: joe on 10/09/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I purchased a 2009 highlander Ltd Hybrid with the expectation that I would experience MPG at or above the sticker stated 27 city and 25 highway. It seems that there is a problem with the electric motors or the computer which controls the timing of the electric and gas motor operation. Toyota specifications indicate that the three electric motors come on line in higher torque needs such as when starting from a light or going up grades to minimize the use of the gas engine. This car does not do that. The gas engine is forced to run in almost all situations because only the front electric motors operate. The car acts like a standard gas vehicle instead of a hybrid.

Favorite Features

We like the Nav system but have yet not learned how to use it.

Suggested Improvements

I didn't want damage from gravel etc. so I have added black mud flaps which blends with the side step and a clear coat film from Ziebart over the front grille, hood fender, front post and mirrors.

1 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Awesome car

Written by: John on 07/22/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I've owned this car for about 1 month now. Very smooth ride in city and highway. MPG is about 27 average. The MSRP was 49k and I paid 37k for a company demo model with 14k miles and I still got the 0% financing. I cannot complain much about this car but Navigation has a not so good user interface. Overall, if I have to buy a car, I will buy this again but MSRP $49k on highlander seems bit too high.

Favorite Features

Keyless entry, backup camera, roomy interior, expected reliability, smooth ride overall.

Suggested Improvements

Navigation user interface / usability, more leg room for 3rd row seating.

25 out 26 people found this review helpful

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Navigation big disappointment

Written by: Don on 07/16/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I purchased the navigation system and entered a destination only to find out a major interstate that opened in Nov. 07 is not included on the DVD. I have version 8.1 (the latest version). The navigation system sends me the wrong direction because there are no current updates. I have a $250.00 TomTom that is updatable on the internet and a much more useful tool than the $2000.00 navigation system from Toyota. The Sirius/XM is over priced from the dealer, I went online and found a $400.00 kit that I installed in 20 min. and works just like the OEM version.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage beats my GMC Envoy Denali which got 15 MPG. I am averaging 26.5 with the AC on and 28 with the AC off. Very happy with these results.

Suggested Improvements

Get online updates for the Navigation system, I complained to Toyota about this and they replied it could take 5 years to have I-355 (a major tollway in the Chicago area) appear on the DVD. I will have to buy the next version of the DVD when it comes out at a cost of $200.00 plus.

24 out 24 people found this review helpful

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Love it

Written by: Inland Northwest on 07/11/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

We've had it 4 months and 5000 miles. It's awesome to drive, and has plenty of room for family of four (2 teenagers) and dog to go on vacation. More than that, you'd need a car-top carrier for stuff. Third row seat is okay. Our mileage has been pretty good; we're averaging 24-25 overall. 28 on highway and 23 or so in town (we live in a small, very hilly town so anywhere we need to go is uphill and less than a mile away. Doesn't help us take advantage of hybrid very well). It drives beautifully. When we need to merge we turn off "econ" and boy, do we zoom. It's more comfortable than any car I've owned (including other Toyotas).

Favorite Features

Econ mode; comfortable seats; roominess in front and middle seats; overall drive experience; all wheel drive system

Suggested Improvements

get rid of blind spot at front left and right (difficult when turning)

13 out 13 people found this review helpful

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Better than expected!

Written by: Bill on 07/05/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Bought a new fully loaded Limited Hybrid. Hoped to get the EPA est. gas mpg and with about 2200 miles I'm getting way better than that. Best trips are fairly low speed, 40 and under which usually yield 33 to 36 mpg! Highway trips top out around 29 mpg. I live far out suburban, little city driving, and I keep up with traffic. Very smooth and comfortable, very QUIET. Mastered the nav. It's okay, not great. A tall step in, had to get running boards for my wife. Goofy hump for rear wiper and small rear windows restrict rear vision. All else better than expected. Intend to keep it 10 years like the Ford Expedition it replaced. Lost a little space, use half the gas, no regrets.

Favorite Features

Comfortable, smooth riding, very quiet. Nice tall wagon. Handsomely styled interior. Keyless feature is a stitch on a car that when you press START the only things that happens is the ready light goes on. Then you take off like rolling down a hill without the engine on. I'll never tire of that.

Suggested Improvements

Vehicle sits too high off the ground, should be lowered 2" for ease of entry. Tough to learn navigation, even then not one of the better ones. Rear vision restricted by small rear side windows and hump for rear wiper.

21 out 21 people found this review helpful

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Poor Navigation System

Written by: Scott on 06/22/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

We love the soft leather seats and smooth ride. The Navigation System is difficult to use and not very intuitive. The Nav System in my 2006 Acura MDX is far superior...easier to use....has much greater utility. Wish I had saved the $2K and bought a $200 hand-held GPS instead. We always have to mapquest destinations because of the Highlander's frustrating nav system. Other than that, nice vehicle, although getting the advertised MPG is a challenge, so far, unachievable....best we've gotten is around 23MPG combined.....you really need to drive conservatively to get close.

Favorite Features

Smooth leather seats, lots of legroom in the front and back seats.

Suggested Improvements

Scrap the Nav System -- use what Acura uses which is far superior. Make the vehicle a bit longer, adding more storage behind the 3rd row seat. Many of the smaller SUVs should consider a slightly longer vehicle. There is hardly any storage space behind the 3rd row -- can barely stash golf clubs.

21 out 21 people found this review helpful

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Yukon to Highlander

Written by: Tom on 06/19/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Great room for a big guy. Seats very comfortable. All the bells and whistles, maybe a little too much. Having a hard time with the quiet start and the sound of all the hybrid stuff.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

3 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Up and coming

Written by: music man on 02/06/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Although I have only about 400 miles I am extremely pleased with my purchase so far. Traded a Lexus and this vehicle is far more comfortable and roomy.

Favorite Features

My favorite features has to be the navigation system and the rear window easy open latch.

Suggested Improvements

I would like to see memory for both power seats, and a hydraulic lift for the hood.

35 out 44 people found this review helpful

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Best Car I've Owned

Written by: Jerry on 01/05/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I have had my Highlander for 11 months and have little over 12,000 miles. The car is great to drive it handles better then any if my previous SUVs (Suburban, 4 Runner, 2002 Highlander Limited). The mileage in town (all city driving) is between 23.5 to 25. There is a sweet spot for the EV at 35-40 MPH.

Favorite Features

The car is loaded with options but one I really like is the back up camera. I don't think I will own another car without it. I also enjoy the safety of knowing I am surrounded by air bags.

Suggested Improvements

I have found the front windshield pillars to create a blind spot at intersections and pulling into driveways at night.

48 out 49 people found this review helpful

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Still early, but lovin' it!

Written by: wvgasguy on 12/02/2008

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I'm at about 1000 miles and still breaking it in. Averaging 24.5 in winter weather so extremely happy with that. Traded a Camry Hybrid in after 63,000 miles so I know how to maximize this from the "get go". It's so much more functional than the Camry, and I wanted an awd for the wife who is now driving daily in all types of weather and needs the space to haul the grandkids around. I am pleasantly surprised at how much more comfortable it is over the TCH. It is extremely versatile yet an economical vehicle to drive. You do have to "baby it" to maximize the mileage, but even my wife is getting around 23.5 and she does nothing special.

Favorite Features

Second row seats have excellent leg room! Does not drive like an SUV, holds to the road well (I do have the 19" wheels and big tires which I'm sure make some difference)

Suggested Improvements

Would like leather without having to buy the loaded Limited models. Would be nice to have a few "stripped" Limiteds shipped in. They don't seem to exist.

39 out 39 people found this review helpful

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