2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Four trim levels are available for the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. Standard features on all trims include 18-inch painted alloy wheels, LED headlamps, and heated power mirrors. Starting on the XLE, you get upgrades such as a black lower bumper, black front grille with silver paint surround, and 18-inch machine-finished alloy wheels. The Limited adds 20-inch chrome wheels, a dark gray metallic bumper, and a chrome spoiler to add aerodynamic aesthetics.

Finally, the premium Platinum trim has upgrades, including a panoramic view moonroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and 20-inch alloy wheels. Also included is a hands-free power liftgate for the ultimate convenience.

Featuring a hybrid engine to give you the best combination of power and fuel economy comes the 2.5-liter double overhead cam engine. The 2.5-liter features intelligent dual variable valve-timing technology and an injection Atkinson cycle engine. The electric motor under the hood controls the intake to make up to 243 combined horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. With a fuel economy that's sure to impress, you can stay out on the road and away from the pump.

To allow you to tweak the performance based upon current conditions, Toyota offers hybrid drive modes that are ECO, Sport, EV Mode, and Normal. Front-wheel drive is the standard, but an all-wheel-drive system is available to give you the extra traction you need. The Star Safety System includes brake assist, traction control, and an enhanced vehicle stability control system. Other features are electronic brake-force distribution, anti-lock braking, and smart stop technology to aid in fuel economy.

The inside of the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers comfort and the technology you need. The LE has standard features such as seating for up to eight passengers, fabric-trimmed seats, an 8-inch touch screen with wireless phone connectivity driving audio plus system. The XLE features a wireless phone charging station, a backup camera with path projection, and SofTex finished seven-passenger seating.

Upgrading to the Limited adds a heated leather steering wheel, a cargo area tonneau cover, and ambient lighting. Finally, the upscale Platinum adds premium finishes such as tri-zone automatic climate control, heated second-row seats, and heated and ventilated leather seats in the front. Other features include a JBL sound system, a premium navigation system with a 12.3-inch touch-screen display and built-in dynamic navigation.

Toyota is synonymous with safety, and the 2021 Highlander Hybrid is no exception with the Toyota Safety Sense program, which features many safety and driver assistance features. Among these are lane departure alerts, a pre-collision detection system with pedestrian detection, and dynamic radar cruise control. Other included features are road sign assist, lane tracing assist, and automatic high-beam controlled headlamps. In the unfortunate case of a collision, the Highlander Hybrid adds an advanced air bag system.