Toyota Highlander 2.5 Hybrid (2021) Review

Today I’m diving into the 2021 Toyota Highlander, a self-charging hybrid SUV with a 2.5-litre petrol engine. I managed to clock in over 100 miles on this seven-seat beast, and I’m here to give you an honest review on whether it's worth its premium price tag. Let’s find out if the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the perfect match for your family!

Spacious, Practical, and Comfortable

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a seven-seat SUV with tons of space, making it a great option for larger families or those needing that extra cargo room. With all seats in use, the Highlander still offers 366 litres of boot space. Fold the third row down, and that figure nearly doubles to 800 litres. You can even fold down the second row for more space – almost transforming the Highlander into a van-like capacity!

If you’re hauling kids around, the second and third-row seats offer plenty of adjustment options for a comfortable ride. There are also two USB ports and rear A/C controls, ensuring the little ones stay charged and cool during long trips.

Driving Experience

Now, on to the driving performance. I’ve tested the Highlander on various terrains – from motorways to tight backroads – and it handles quite well for its size. However, it’s not built for sporty driving, and Toyota doesn’t pretend that it is. This SUV prioritizes comfort, and the suspension offers a smooth ride, although it can feel a bit fidgety on those twisty country roads.

It’s no surprise that the Highlander is massive – in terms of width and length, it feels like a true giant on the road. Despite its size, the handling is decent, and you’ll feel confident whether you’re on a long motorway drive or navigating urban streets.

If you’re in the market for a reliable, spacious, and surprisingly premium family SUV, the Highlander should be at the top of your list.

Powertrain & Fuel Efficiency

The 2.5-litre petrol engine is paired with Toyota’s trusted self-charging hybrid technology. No need to worry about plugging in – just drive. The car has an official 39.2 MPG rating, and I managed to get 38 MPG during my test drives, even with four people and luggage on board. For a car weighing nearly two tons, that’s pretty impressive!

Toyota’s CVT gearbox performs surprisingly well here. It can get a bit noisy when you push it, but if you’re buying a Highlander, you’re not trying to race off the line, right? The engine note is pleasant, and it gives the SUV a surprisingly engaging feel when you put your foot down.

Interior Quality and Technology

Here’s where the Toyota Highlander Hybrid really shines – the interior. Although it’s a Toyota, the fit and finish feel almost Lexus-like. The materials are top-notch, and the build quality is superb. It’s the kind of car that will still feel premium years down the road.

However, not everything is perfect. The infotainment system is where the Highlander drops the ball. The 8-inch screen feels outdated, with a look that reminds me of old TomTom and Garmin GPS systems. The U.S. version gets a much larger 12-inch screen, which would have been a better fit for the Highlander’s size. Luckily, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, so you can bypass Toyota’s clunky interface.

A small quirk – the screen is slightly tilted toward the passenger side. It’s a minor annoyance, but something Toyota should’ve tweaked for the right-hand drive version.

Features and Value

This car comes loaded with features, including a reversing camera, lane keep assist, heated seats, and even a heated steering wheel. You won’t feel like you’re missing out on any creature comforts.

When comparing it to rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq or Kia Sorento, the Highlander feels a bit more premium and spacious, but it does come with a higher price tag. This particular model is priced around £50,000, which puts it in the territory of premium SUVs like the Audi Q7 or BMW X5. However, for that price, the Toyota Highlander offers almost the same level of luxury and more practicality, without the badge premium.

Final Thoughts

So, is the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid worth it? In short, yes. It delivers on comfort, space, and fuel efficiency, making it an excellent choice for families who need a large, practical SUV. Sure, the infotainment system could be better, but the overall package is hard to beat.

When returning this car, I admit - I was sad to see it go. If you’re in the market for a reliable, spacious, and surprisingly premium family SUV, the Highlander should be at the top of your list.

To find out the latest lease prices for a Toyota Highlander, Click here.