No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. The 2011 Highlander has been updated with a fresh new face as well as other sheet metal,

Toyota is the only mainstream brand to offer a hybrid-powered midsize crossover SUV. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

lighting, trim, and interior changes that will be immediately apparent to those who are familiar with Toyota’s largest crossover SUV.

It’s difficult to miss the new grille, headlights, front fascia, hood, and front fenders, and current owners will certainly notice the new rear bumper, spoiler and updated combination taillights in back, not to mention the new standard 17-inch alloy wheels. If you’re a fan of the Hybrid, which I had the chance to test recently, you can see that it now gets a completely unique grille and front bumper to separate it from its more common conventionally powered sibling.  

Inside, all Highlanders receive updated instrument panels, gauge clusters and interior detailing, plus upgraded audio with USB input and XM

All-wheel drive means all-weather traction, and the Highlander Hybrid's unique partially electric AWD system works well on the white stuff. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

satellite radio standard for the Hybrid. All models get rear HVAC controls too, plus a standard 50/50 split-folding third-row seat with remote release handles in the cargo area, as well as new option packages.

I’m not going to go into any more detail about the regular Highlander in this review unless it’s in reference to the Hybrid, so let’s talk about why you may want to ante up for one of the most fuel-efficient, greenest crossovers in existence. First and foremost Toyota has done a great deal more than just tweak its top-line Highlander drivetrain for 2011. Rather, it receives a complete makeover including a new 3.5-litre V6 that replaces the outgoing model’s 3.3-litre Atkinson cycle V6, while the model’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system gets an improved electrical motor/generator for a

Standard traction and stability control makes for safe and secure handling year round. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

combined output of 280 horsepower and a 10-percent improvement in fuel economy estimated at 6.6 L/100km in the city and 7.3 on the highway. I averaged 9.2 L/100km during my week of city and highway driving, which isn’t as good as advertised (due to Canada’s totally unrealistic fuel economy formula), but is excellent for a vehicle of the Highlander’s size. To put this into perspective, Toyota rates its conventionally powered Highlander V6 at an estimated 12.3 L/100km in the city and 8.8 on the highway, plus the Hybrid also offers 10 additional horsepower when called upon. All Highlanders use cheaper regular fuel, by the way, which will save you a lot at the pump.

The Highlander Hybrid puts

Toyota has improved interior quality in a well laid-out driving environment, but hard plastic surfaces might disappoint some. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

power down to all wheels via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) just like last year’s model, and while the CVT remains ideal for optimizing fuel economy it now offers seamless shifts that feel more like a traditional automatic than anything Toyota has offered previously. What’s more, Toyota has updated the powertrain with new Exhaust Heat Recovery and Exhaust Gas Recirculation systems that allow for better cold weather performance, something that I really notice in the subzero conditions I tested it in.

While it took off from any speed with more gusto than the previous Highlander Hybrid I tested, what I found more interesting was how long it stayed in pure electric mode.

Big front seats are really comfortable. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

I was able to cover miles on electric power only as long as I didn’t press too hard on the throttle or go past 50 km/h, so, as annoyed as drivers behind me got at my relaxed starts when the light went green and totally law abiding maximum city speed, I was able to cover a lot of territory without using much fuel or damaging air quality.

If your last memory of driving an SUV goes way back to the days of body-on-frame truck-derived utes, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and agile the Highlander is, whether tooling around the city, parking, or blasting up the highway. It utilizes MacPherson struts and stabilizer bars front and rear for a fully independent setup that I think is an ideal compromise between sport and luxury, while the steering system’s rack-and-pinion,

The Highlander Hybrid's switchgear is very high in quality. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

electric power assist configuration was easy to turn when crawling around parking lots or traveling at speed, with reasonably good feedback. The brakes are four-wheel discs with ABS, as expected, and include electronic brake force distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA), and a brake override system Toyota calls Smart Stop Technology (SST), which automatically turns off the throttle (gas pedal) under braking, therefore eliminating the chance of unintended acceleration. The Highlander also comes standard with electronic traction and stability control, so it’s fabulous in the rain, snow or gravel.

The Hybrid 4WD-i, as the base hybrid model is officially called, gets the types of standard features expected in the full-size crossover class, such as power windows,

Big dials and buttons are easy to use with gloves. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

power locks with remote access, powered and heated side mirrors, a decent 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 satellite-ready audio system with auxiliary input and steering wheel controls, a tilt and telescopic steering column, variable intermittent wipers, etc, but it didn’t include some items I expect in any vehicle costing more than $40k, such as automatic headlamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a USB connection for the audio system or XM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic climate control, a back-up camera, powered front seats, a cargo cover, and the list goes on. At $42,850 the Hybrid doesn’t come close to including all of the same equipment as the $35,750 Highlander V6, losing the items already mentioned as well as scuff plates, its powered rear liftgate with flip-up hatch, the cargo lamp, its under cargo area storage compartment, roof rail crossbars, and as mentioned, its automatic headlamps. With

There can never be enough cupholders, and the Highlander delivers a full allotment. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

respect to this last item, the headlamps will shut off automatically if left on, so I just left them on all the time and they were automatic enough for my needs. Toyota added a few features to the Hybrid over and above those in the base V6 model to make the price jump more palatable, such as a kilowatt power meter, high solar energy absorbing window glass, an intermittent mode for the rear washer wiper, illuminated entry enhanced by a fade-out feature, and map lights. You can do the math and figure out the fuel savings to see if stepping up to the cleaner, greener model will save more than just your conscience.

To get some of the lost items back, you can add a Comfort Package to the Hybrid 4WD-I that ups the price to $48,305 and featuring the same items available on the conventionally

Loads of room in the second row. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

powered Highlander V6 with both Leather and Sport packages (expect for specific Hybrid related details), such as leather upholstery, heated front seats with a seat-mounted high/low setting, a garage door opener, three-zone independent automatic climate control, a powered tilt and sliding glass sunroof, and 19-inch alloy wheels on P245/55R19 tires, plus it gets the conventionally powered Limited model’s proximity sensing Smart Key remote access with pushbutton start.

More enticing still is the Hybrid Limited 4WD-i at $51,650, which builds on the Comfort Package by adding the same upgrades as the conventionally powered Limited model except for those items already deleted from the base

Under the front centre console is a handy centre tray that swaps places with the middle seat in the second row. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Hybrid, as well as chrome inner door handles. Some of those items include perforated leather upholstery, a four-way powered passenger seat, an upgraded 9-speaker JBL audio system with improved sound quality and all of the same features as the lesser stereo plus an in-dash 4-CD changer, a voice-activated navigation system with an integrated back-up camera, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, wood grain interior trim, silver-painted roof rails, and puddle lamps under the side mirror housings.

Of all the features, my favorite (and my 10-year old son’s favorite) is something totally unique to the Highlander, 40/20/40 middle-row seats with a centre cushion that can be swapped out for a centre console with cupholders. The rear centre console and/or centre cushion is retrievable from a hidden storage bin under the front centre console, a nifty solution for those moments when you need room for seven,

Third row seating is fairly comfortable for adults. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

or vice-versa would rather have somewhere for your kids to stow drinks and playthings.

Most people buy large crossovers for their interior roominess, and the Highlander is one of the most spacious of all. As mentioned, the front seats are ultra-comfortable and should be good for larger folks too (I’m only 5’8” and relatively trim), while the centre row seats up to three abreast with more head, leg and elbowroom than almost anything in the class. I had no problem fitting into the rearmost seats too, which is not always the case with seven-seaters. Behind that third row is a fairly compromised storage compartment capable of about the same cargo volume as a compact car at 291 litres (10.3 cubic feet).

Few crossovers offer as much potential cargo space as the Highlander. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Fortunately those rear seats tumble 50/50 for as much as 1,197 litres (42.3 cubic feet) of available volume when both are folded flat, whereas the middle row drops in a 40/20/40 configuration for even more cargo/passenger flexibility and ultimately a near minivan-like 2,701 litres (95.4 cubic feet) of space.

The Hybrid isn’t the best Highlander model to get if you’re planning to tow anything sizeable, although for small trailers it’ll be fine at its 1,588 kilos (3,500 lbs) capacity. Likewise it can’t handle as heavy a payload as either conventionally powered model at a mere 544 kilos (1,200 lbs), and for those of you that trek into the woods the Hybrid rides lower too, with a 185 mm (7.3 inches) of ground clearance compared to the regular Highlander’s 205-mm (8.1-inch) ride height, so think

One of the more sophisticated drivetrains anywhere, Toyota remains the world leader in hybrid production. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

through how you’re planning to use your crossover before you ante up for the Hybrid.

I harped on the outgoing Highlander when it came on the scene for less than ideal fit and finish and harder than class-average plastics throughout the cabin, and while the hard plastics remain the fit and finish of the interior, especially when it comes to centre stack switchgear, is much improved. The tightness of buttons is exemplary and they don’t wiggle around at all when pressed, while the big knobs that used to wobble a bit too much for my liking are now much more solid feeling. It’s a great looking dash too, as is the rest of the cabin, and the seats are extremely comfortable with eight standard adjustments for the driver.

There’s not much

New styling details freshen up the Highlander Hybrid and separate it from its conventionally powered sibling. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

I don’t like about the Highlander, and the new one works even better for me than last year’s model. I love the styling upgrades, especially those on the Hybrid, and I like the way Toyota has put everything together. If you’re planning to go the hybrid route, I recommend it for its performance, fuel consumption and environmental benefits, although in base trim it’s a big financial leap from the regular Highlander V6. If possible you might want to consider the Limited model, as the price spread doesn’t feel as onerous. Either way, the 2011 Highlander Hybrid 4WD-I is a superb vehicle that will more than adequately manage your family’s transportation needs while making you feel as socially responsible as any SUV owner can.

Interior

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc

(J005) Standard Gloss Paint

(J004) Standard Black Paint

(J003) Standard Metallic Paint

(0070*) Premium Paint

(J002) Standard Pearl Paint

(B) Comfort Package