2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
Hybrid

2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $33,634–$43,030
Fuel Economy 29 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category Hybrid
Est. Annual Fuel $1,810/yr

Key Specifications — 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleHybrid
Base Price$33,634–$43,030

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Our scoring places the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid at 7.9/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this hybrid. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.7/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.7/10, reliability is one of this hybrid's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The 8.6/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.

Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.6/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.

Priced from $33,634–$43,030, 29 MPG, seating 7, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid sits in the mid-market bracket of the hybrid segment. The 7.9/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Our take: The 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a solid, well-rounded hybrid that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Hybrids

The 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid ranks #111 of 135 hybrids in the Carivo database — better than 19% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 8.2/10. Its $33,634 starting price is about 6% above the segment's median of $31,584.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hybrid ranking → · Best Hybrids under $35k →

Which Highlander Hybrid Year Should You Buy?

Across the Highlander Hybrid model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 8.3/10$43,852 Read review →
2025 8.3/10$43,852 Read review →
2024 8.2/10$42,575 Read review →
2023 8.1/10$41,297 Read review →
2022 8.0/10$40,020 Read review →
2021 8.0/10$38,743 Read review →
2020 8.0/10$37,466 Read review →
2019 7.9/10$36,188 Read review →
2018 8.0/10$34,911 Read review →
2017 (this review) 7.9/10$33,634

Pros & Cons — 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

NHTSA Recalls — 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Equipment
23/08/2017 · 17V520000
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2017 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles equipped with accessory roof rail cross bars. The fasteners for the roof rails may not be torqued properly.
Tires / Temporary/emergency spare tire
02/05/2017 · 17V295000
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (Gulf States) is recalling certain 2017 4Runner , 86, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla iM, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius C, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Sienna and Yaris vehicles. The spare tire air pressure was…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

Common Questions — 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Is the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?

We rate the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's reliability 8.7/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid worth buying?

It scores 7.9/10 overall, ranking #111 of 135 hybrids in our database (better than 19% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid cost?

The 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid starts at $33,634 and ranges up to $43,030 across trims (MSRP when new). At 29 MPG, expect roughly $1,810/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Owner Essentials — Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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