2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

I like Toyotas. Yeah, I like Toyotas. They’ve always been reliable vehicles (forget the mass hysteria from all those “sudden unintended acceleration” stories) that delivered what people wanted in the days when American car buyers were looking for cars that just worked. Over the years, with few exceptions, they haven’t been the most stylish cars on the road nor have they been the most exciting to drive. But in an era several decades ago when stylish and exciting to drive cars were pieces of junk under the sheet metal, Toyota turned out cars that started every time and got you where you needed to be every time. There’s a lot to said for that. And that hasn’t changed.

So don’t let the stories of crazy runaway Toyotas distract you, Toyotas are still great cars that have a lot to offer. It’s just that the rest of the automotive industry has done a great job copying the Toyota plan and has started turning out cars that start every time and get you to where you want to go every time, too. The big problem for Toyota is now that some of their competitors also turn out cars that are also stylish and fun to drive. As a result, some of the Toyotas on dealership lots are looking a bit dowdy. And that long-winded preface brings me to the Toyota Highlander.

The 2012 Toyota Highlander was updated for the last model year with some minor styling changes and better gas mileage for the rest of us. But underneath it all, it’s the same old Highlander. Now, don’t get me wrong, that’s not a bad thing. Toyota’s mid-size CUV is a terrific vehicle. It’s roomy, comfy and highly utilitarian. I just find the styling stodgy and the driving boring. This segment is chock full of competitors and they all step over each other to put their best foot, or should that be tire, forward.

But wait, let me tell you that I believe the Highlander Hybrid is something else altogether. If there’s one thing that Toyota is still head and shoulders above the rest of the automotive industry, it’s their gas-saving hybrid technology and the Highlander Hybrid boasts some impressive gas saving statistics. The same engineers that developed the iconic Prius have given the Highland Hybrid a three electric motor system that’s mated to a 3.5 liter V6 gasoline engine turning out 280hp. What’s impressive is that the EPS rated fuel economy is 28 mpg in the city and the same on the highway. An all-around 28mpg is amazing for a mid-sized CUV! You can even tow a 3,500 pound trailer is you need to.

At a starting MSRP of $38,140, the Highlander Hybrid is a “must see” if you’re looking for a hybrid that can carry a bunch of people and you still want to reduce your carbon footprint. The styling may not turn heads and get people to stare when you stop at the intersection, but it will start every time and get you where you want to go every time. There’s a lot to be said for that…