Written by Marco Carvajal
You want an all terrain hybrid SUV? Powerful AWD but low emissions efficient?
For those wanting to find a powerful all-wheel-drive hybrid, low emissions efficient, with tons of standard features, then the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited Platinum might be your new dream SUV.
The ticket price is close to $49K but it is worth every penny for this all-terrain Hybrid Highlander.
Models
The 2019 Non-Hybrid Highlander is available as LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited and Limited Platinum.
The 2019 Hybrid Highlander is available in the following models:
- Hybrid LE
- Hybrid XLE
- Hybrid Limited
- Hybrid Limited Platinum
Price ranges approximately from $31,000 all the way to $48,980 depending on the trim model.
The Hybrid Limited Platinum, I am test driving, is the top of the line with a base price of $48,980. Even if the price is not the most economic compared to other SUVs, close to 50K, it is important to count the value of all the standard features included in this price, that usually can be optional in other cars.
Hybrid Highlander
Driving the Highlander Hybrid Limited Platinum AWD you can enjoy the great combination of a powerful engine, competent brakes, intuitive and precise steering, good handling and strong towing power on all-terrain conditions, making the Highlander one of the best SUVs in its class.
This Hybrid is also one of the best available versatile three-row crossover SUV. I like the comfortable and quiet ride, plenty of standard features and a perfect size for any large family.
Hybrid Engine
The 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited Platinum I am test driving comes with a powerful AWD-i 3.5 L V6 ECVT Hybrid engine. The engine is very quiet, typical of Hybrid cars, but still with great performance and power.
The 3.5-Liter Hybrid V6 Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) 24-Valve direct-injection Atkinson-cycle-capable engine comes with VVT-iW Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide. It can be used on ECO and POWER Modes.
The 2019 Hybrid Highlander produces a 306 hybrid system net HP at 228 kW. The 2019 Highlander is considered a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV), great way for Toyota and its car buyers to help the environment with the best hybrid technologies.
MPG
Fuel consumption on the Hybrid Highlander still has room for improvement. The Hybrid Limited Platinum AWD stays under 29 MPG. On my wish list an increase on miles per gallon.
City/Highway 27/29 MPG
Interior
This three-row SUV has seating for eight, but the optional second-row captain seats reduce capacity to seven passenger. Seven or eight is already a great capacity and a great alternative for a minivan.
Driver Easy Speak is a great feature to talk to the passengers in the back of this SUV, that amplifies and broadcasts the driver’s voice through the audio system’s rear speakers.
The limited Platinum hybrid trim includes a 4.2-in. color LCD Multi-Information Display in meter cluster with odometer, current/average fuel economy, cruising range, average speed, cruise control guide, navigation with turn-by-turn directions, audio status, hands-free incoming call notices, telephone information, ECO Driving Indicator and energy monitor.
In general the interior is very spacious and luxury but with the traditional style of the Highlander.
The 2019 Highlander is just a few inches longer than a midsize sedan yet offers three-row seating. A one-step second-row sliding seat function on both driver and passenger sides makes entering the third-row very easy.
Safety Features
The Highlander Hybrid Limited Platinum includes tons of standard safety features included in the base price of this model, like standard traction and stability control, anti-lock disc brakes, front seat side airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, a passenger airbag front seat cushion, long-lasting side curtain airbags, and rearview camera is also standard.
The Toyota Safety Sense package comes with Toyota’s automatic headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane departure intervention and pre-collision system, which combines front-end collision with automatic emergency braking, a rear view camera.
The standard set of Highlander safety technology is a good advantage adding a lot of value at no additional cost.
Included standard a frontal collision warning and automatic emergency braking, along with adapted speed control and lane departure intervention.
The blind spot monitoring and the subsequent cross traffic alert are included in the XLE and upper models.
History
Launched for North America in 2001, the Highlander became one of the first medium-sized crossover all-terrain vehicles.It is built on the same platform used in the Toyota Camry.
The Highlander is the cross counterpart of the most rugged, medium-sized 4Runner, based on a truck, and became Toyota’s best-selling SUV before being overtaken by the smallest RAV4 in 2006.
This three-row family SUV hasn’t changed much trough its different generations from 2001 until the present time, it seems that Toyota Highlander loyal fans like its classic look and features.
Warranty and Toyota Care
One of the elements that car buyers consider when buying a Toyota is the confidence and trust in the brand. Toyota offers a very good warranty that motivate repeated customers.
Toyota’s basic new-vehicle warranty covers 36-month/36,000 miles and applies to all components, except for normal wear and maintenance components.
The additional extensive 60-month warranty cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles, and also covers the against corrosion with no mileage limitation.
All hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered by a long eight years/100,000 miles warranty.
All 2019 Highlander Hybrid models come standard with a complimentary ToyotaCare plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.
