Toyota

2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Family Friendliness: 8.3

Recommended: Yes

Specifications also apply to Limited models.

What it Is: A seven-passenger five-door midsize hybrid crossover.
Who It's For: Families willing to pay extra for great fuel economy and need no more than two LATCH points.
What's Hot: Very good fuel economy for a crossover; electric-only mode.
What's Not: Tiny cargo area behind third row.
Family Friendly Options: Navigation, bluetooth, back-up camera
How It Got Its Score: The Highlander Hybrid's primary advantage over its competitors is its hybrid powertrain, which gives it very good fuel economy. However, it's also expensive and has the Highlander's tiny cargo area behind the third row.

Many of us need a family hauler with lots of cargo or passenger room. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these crossover vehicles get fuel economy that isn't great, to say the least. The 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid attempts to rectify this, and does a good job with a 26 mpg combined EPA fuel economy average. However, it has two primary drawbacks. First, it costs nearly $36,000 including destination, a pretty steep price; the Limited goes for more than $42,000. Second, the Highlander Hybrid suffers from the same problem as other Highlanders: Limited cargo area. Behind the third row is only 10.3 cu.-ft. of cargo space, so hauling seven people plus a week's worth of groceries is pretty much a non-starter. Since it's a single-piece folding mechanism, you cargo and passengers is an either-or proposition. Regardless, it's the most fuel efficient crossover this size that you can get, and that speaks volumes.

Check out our In-Depth Review of the 2010 Toyota Highlander Limited V-6 AWD!

Specifications Price MSRP $34,900 Destination $800 Other Models (Base Price) Limited ($42,020) Mechanical Engine Size 3.3 liters Engine Type V-6 Horsepower 270 hp Fuel Regular Unleaded Drivetrain All Wheel Drive Transmission Continuously Variable Fuel Economy EPA City 27 mpg EPA Highway 25 mpg EPA Combined 26 mpg Utility Vehicle Type Midsize SUV Family Friendliness 8.3 Doors Five Seat Rows Three Passengers Seven LATCH Positions Three Cargo Space 10.3 cu. ft. Cargo Space (3rd Row Folded) 42.3 cu. ft. Max Cargo Space 94.1 cu. ft. Safety NHTSA Driver Front 5 Stars NHTSA Passenger Front 4 Stars NHTSA Driver Side 5 Stars NHTSA Rear Passenger Side 5 Stars NHTSA Rollover 4 Stars IIHS Front Good IIHS Side Good IIHS Rear Good Stability Control Standard Traction Control Standard Brake Assist Standard Side Airbags Thorax and Curtain Collision Avoidance Not Available Active Cruise Control Not Available

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