2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

An Ultra Scalable 7 Passenger Cross-over

Clouded judgement often surfaces when presented with too many choices. But in the case of the 2015 Toyota Highlander, the choices are not only clearly defined, but also offers choices that to best fit the bill of what buyers want. More specifically, drivetrian can be configured in either FWD, AWD or or Hybrid AWD along with two choices of either 7 or 8 seating arrangements.

Compared to its predecessors, the Toyota Highlander had been completely revamped in 2015 with an overall sportier look with the added hybrid Synergy Drive system.

The Toyota Highlander is not the only special bird in the zoo. Within the 7 passenger crossover SUV realm, the Highlander faces competition against the Mazda CX-7, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder and Jeep Cherokee.

The Appeal

Design elements incorporate traditional Toyota looks with its distinctive front grille and flat-line headlights. With its short-height rooftop, muscled side panel contours, and rear spiler, the Toyota Highlander visually inspires agility and physical capability. Interior cabin space is spacious and clutter free thanks to its coherent color palette used in the driver’s dashboard, slim-line climate controls followed by Toyota’s Entune 7″ infotainment touchscreen system.

Leather quality is equally leveled with its visual commend. Front and second row seats include perforated leather seats with accent stitching that are soft to the touch and visually appealing. The panoramic sunroof also helps bring in natural light within the cabin space offering an added sense of relaxed comfort.

Driving Behavior

Specifically for the hybrid model, the Highlander is equipped with its proven V6 Atkinson cycle engine coupled to Toyota’s own CVT transmission. The combination produces feather-light acceleration that feels capable and comforting at the same time. What is ultimately appreciated is the quietness within the cabin space with its V6 engine working in harmony with its electric induction motor.

A compromise between performance and comfort, the Highlander chose the latter with a softer tuned suspension and a forgiving steering system incorporating a “variable boost” steering system. While a lack of steering feedback persists, the steering and suspension setup offers a driving experience that’s generally described as ease of use and forgiving. With that being said, the Highlander doesn’t quite wear the right boots to tackle on any grade of off-road expenditure.

Hope of enhanced driving experience with the pure 3.5L V6 engine is non existence as its output production is exactly the same as its hybrid model with a mediocre 270 horsepower and 248 ft.lbs of torque. In the non-hybrid model, the V6 model is configured with a 6 speed automatic transmission with sequential shift capability.

A Discrete Passenger Mover

The 2015 Toyota Highlander keeps it simple and discrete. After a week’s long impression, we found nothing much to complain or rave about. It’s more or less an companion of the traditional mini-van concept brought into modern age in a flashier package package.

The base FWD LE model can be had for as little as $31,975 and an added AWD powertrain option for an additional $2500$. Pushing up to the highest trim is the Highlander Hybrid Limited model a miniature 4.2″ climate control LCD screen accompanied by a larger 8″ Audio display system, JBL synthesis audio system, Easy speak voice recognition system, and safety features including blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and backup cameras.

In terms of price for the Highlander Hybrid limited, it’s a bit steep at $52,900 but in most cases, it can be justifiable. Coupled with proven Toyota reliability and unquestionable interior quality and aesthetics, there really isn’t much to complain about its price point.

The Highlander Hybrid fuel economy achieves 27/28 MPG while its ordinary V6 engine gets 20/25 MPG. A quick glance at the numbers clearly show substantial gains in fuel economy with the highlander hybrid. But it also depends on how patient you are with the gas pedal. Be conservative and the Highlander Hybrid promises to lower your gas bills while offering a quality and pleasant ride.

Specifications

Vehicle : 2015 Toyota Highlander
Model : Toyota Highlander
Price as Tested : $55,212
Vehicle Type : 7 Passenger Cross-over
Seating Capacity : 2+3+3
Powertrain Configuration : AWD
Engine : 3.5L Hybrid Synergy Drive
Transmission : CVT
Fuel Economy: 18/24 MPG City/Highway
Additional Features : JBL Synthesis Audio System, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA, Integrated Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Multi-functional steering wheel controls, Pre-collision system, lane departure alert, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, upper tether for child restraint seats, front passenger airbag status indicator, dual stage driver and passenger airbag supplemental refrain system,