# Test Drive Results 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Electric Car - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/12/test-drive-results-2017-toyota-highlander-hybrid-electric-car/ - Published: 2017-12-01T02:42:21-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy So funny story about this test drive. My wife had an 2003 Toyota Highlander (that’s now my son’s) and went to a new highlander. It was funny when I tested the [newest](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/05/test-drive-results-for-2013-toyota-highlander-hybrid-limited-2/) 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid because they were the exact same cars (excluding some small things) but same color and look. To get a way way better [MPG](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/05/test-drive-results-for-2013-toyota-highlander-hybrid-limited-2/) in the Highlander [made me happy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/toyota-highlander-hybrid-2013-test-drive-results/) but sad at the money I’m losing. Oy!! On average the car got over 30-32 MPG ECO but that’s compared to 18.4 MPG on the Best days!! ![2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/ uploads/2017/12/img_2928.jpg?resize=768%2C432&quality=52&ssl=1) [US News](https://web.archive.org/web/20170416222224/https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/toyota/highlander-hybrid) Likes it! ### **I mean Is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid a Good SUV?** The 2018 Highlander Hybrid is a great hybrid and a pretty good [midsize SUV](https://web.archive.org/web/20180428181521/https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/midsize-suvs). Its cargo room and passenger space are about average for the class. Though the Highlander Hybrid boasts plenty of standard features, some can be difficult to learn. The hybrid engine [setup](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/07/toyota-announces-voluntary-safety-recall-of-certain-2006-and-2007-model-year-highlander-hybrid-and-rx-400h-vehicles/) delivers good power and comfortable ride quality. However, the SUV’s steering is uninspiring and the brakes can be touchy. A premium-quality cabin and high fuel economy numbers for a crossover complete the package. ![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/img_2930.jpg? resize=768%2C432&quality=52&ssl=1) #### How did Toyota test this 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid? However I am reluctant to think the EPA actually drove the car. For example, they rate the MPG at 20 and 24 on highway. That’s so not the case. The [Toyota Highlander Hybrid](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/09/toyota-crown-signia-limited-hybrid-test-drive-review/) and Toyota Highlander are identical in many ways. So your choice between the two will come down to how you value fuel economy savings. I mean against the money you’d pay up front for the car. For the regular Highlander starts at $31,030. That’s over $5,000 less than the hybrid’s starting price. ![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/img_2932.jpg? resize=780%2C399&quality=52&ssl=1) While in the past the savings would only be in fuel, this version is a beast. ** _The Highlander Hybrid comes with all-wheel drive and a V6 engine. An equally equipped Highlander today will cost you at least $34,540. _ You would only have to drive the all-wheel-drive, V6 Highlander Hybrid a little over five years to make up for the difference in price. Also which people forget, the life of a hybrid is way longer than a gas car. People are keeping a Toyota Prius for over 300,000 Miles. That’s savings savings savings too on brakes, fuel, oil and engine part replacements too. The [Synergy Drive system](https://pressroom.toyota.com/2017-toyota-highlander-more-power-safety-choices-value-pricing/) pairs the new Direct-Injection 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with a high-torque electric drive motor-generator. Together it produces 306 total system horsepower for strong acceleration and passing performance. The Hybrid is also the most fuel-efficient Highlander too. That’s with an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city/28 mpg highway/29 mpg combined fuel economy rating. All Highlander Hybrid models come equipped with Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive System with intelligence (AWD-i) as standard. Instead of transfer gears and a driveshaft to the rear wheels, this AWD-i system employs a second, independent [electric motor to drive the rear wheels](https://greenlivingguy.com/2005/07/electric-bikes-in-china-navigating-a-motley-array-of-wheels/) when needed to help maintain optimal traction. It was a little hard to brake at times but overall this car is a beast on the road with amazing safety amenities. It’s worth the investment for an SUV hybrid. Period. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)