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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.5L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S6) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 36 / 35 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 36 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,900 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 245 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
| Body Style | Hybrid |
| Base Price | $38,743–$47,795 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a hybrid that earns a Carivo score of 8.0/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.0/10, while Performance at 6.5/10 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. Reliability stands out at 9.0/10. The Highlander Hybrid nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. On safety, it scores 8.5/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.5/10 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. At 7.8/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $38,743–$47,795, 33 MPG, seating 7, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid sits in the mid-market bracket of the hybrid segment. Its value score of 8.1/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good hybrid should — quietly and competently.
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 →
The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid ranks #94 of 135 hybrids in the Carivo database — better than 31% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 8.2/10. Its $38,743 starting price is about 23% 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 $50k →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid scores 8.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 8.0 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 (this review) | 8.0/10 | $38,743 | |
| 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 | 7.9/10 | $33,634 | Read review → |
We rate the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's reliability 9.0/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 8.0/10 overall, ranking #94 of 135 hybrids in our database (better than 31% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid starts at $38,743 and ranges up to $47,795 across trims (MSRP when new). At 33 MPG, expect roughly $1,591/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.