Front Quarter View of the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Which is right for you: Highlander or Highlander Hybrid?

Differences between the 2021 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid

Do you want a three-row SUV? Are you considering the latest from Toyota with the 2021 Highlander? Maybe you want a hybrid drivetrain through. We can help you out with that as we explore the differences between the 2021 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid.

Front Quarter View of the 2021 Toyota Highlander

What Highlander trim levels are available with a hybrid for 2021?

Not all Highlander trim levels offer a hybrid drive. The gas trim level lineup for the Highlander starts with the L and goes up from there with the LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and the top Platinum trim. Of the six trim levels, four of them are available with a hybrid drivetrain. Those are the LE, XLE, Limited, and top Platinum trim.

How much more does the Highlander Hybrid cost?

The gasoline Highlander L trim starts at an MSRP of $34,810. However, it’s worth reiterating that the Highlander Hybrid starts with the LE trim. The gas version of the LE has a starting MSRP of $37,010. The Hybrid Highlander LE has a starting MSRP of just $38,412. That’s a $1,400 difference which is the same difference for most trims except the Hybrid Platinum which adds some standard features over the gasoline Platinum.

Badging of the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

How much more efficient is the Highlander Hybrid?

Across the lineup, the gasoline Highlander models get an impressive 21-city and 29-highway mpg with front-wheel drive. If you opt for all-wheel drive, those same models get up to 20-city and 27-highway mpg.

Front-wheel-drive Highlander hybrid models improve on that efficiency with 36-city and 35-highway mpg. Of course, the hybrid Highlander is also available in all-wheel drive, and here you get 35-city mpg and 35-highway mpg.


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What is the power difference between the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid?

The gasoline drivetrain of the Highlander is a 3.5-liter V6 that is capable of producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The Highlander Hybrid has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that alone produces 186 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, though the electric motor adds to the performance giving you a net horsepower rating of 243.