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2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Preview

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Richard Roch
Pros: The 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has some pretty sharp lines that will appeal to crossover shoppers. Inside, quality is evident throughout, and there's room for up to eight people and their gear. For sure, the Highlander is a very comfortable and smooth utility vehicle that will prove dependable for many years thanks to Toyota's stellar reliability. Last, but not least, is outstanding fuel economy for a machine of this size.

Cons: Pricing is fairly high, especially when you go up the ladder and start adding extras. Given the Highlander Hybrid's weight and girth, handling in tight corners is limited. Also, the rear passenger quarters (third row) are not the most accessible or spacious.
 
Toyota Highlander hybride 2015
Photo: Toyota

2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Price: There are three trim levels to choose from including the base LE at $45,930, the mid-level XLE at $48,355, and the top-of-the-line Limited at $54,905.

2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Fuel Economy : Expect your Highlander Hybrid to achieve 8.6L/100km in the city and 8.5L/100km on the highway.

Improvements and Changes: There are no significant updates for 2015 since the Toyota Highlander Hybrid was completely redesigned in 2014.

2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Powertrain: Under the hood of the Highlander Hybrid is a 3.5L DOHC V6 engine mated to an electric motor. Together, they produce 280 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Unlike the regular Highlander, towing capacity amounts to 1,587 kilos (3,500 lbs).

Cargo Capacity: The trunk alone will swallow 390 litres of cargo. Folding the third-row seats will expand the area to 1,198 litres. If that's not enough, drop the second-row seats and enjoy up to 2,370 litres.

Safety: Standard features include stability and traction control, disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, eight airbags, and hill-start assist. In Limited trim, you also benefit from a lane departure warning system, pre-collision system, blind spot monitor, and rear cross traffic alert.

Comparing the 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: The only direct threat comes from the Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid. Other alternatives include the efficiency-minded Ford Explorer EcoBoost, Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel (5 passengers), and Volkswagen Touareg TDI (5 passengers).
Richard Roch
Richard Roch
Automotive expert
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