2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Toyota ups the ante with its 2011 Highlander Hybrid. The environmentally friendly version of the automaker’s popular midsize crossover gets even better fuel mileage than it did in 2010, and yet the vehicle has more power. A third-row seat now comes standard, making it a rare seven-seat hybrid and adding to its appeal for larger families, or for those who often have cousins or buddies in tow.
A couple of caveats carry over to the 2011 Highlander Hybrid from earlier years. Its fuel economy continues to come at a price. The Hybrid’s starting point of about $38,500 for the Base trim is almost $7,000 higher than that of a gas-powered Highlander, also in Base trim. As opposed to recovering the difference in purchase price in their fuel savings, Hybrid buyers then must be content in the knowledge that they are doing right by the environment – an admirable pursuit, to be sure - while having to make fewer stops at the gas pumps.
The 2011 gas-electric Highlander Hybrid picks up its added power thanks to a new 3.5-liter V6 engine that takes the place of its previous 3.3-liter. The V6 teams with a pair of electric motors, one in the rear and one in the front, that bring the overall horsepower to 280, an increase of 10 hp over last year’s model. A third electric motor works as the engine starter. The system joins with a continuously variable transmission that is designed to make the most of the Hybrid’s assorted power sources. The Hybrid does not require a plug-in charger.
The 2011 Highlander Hybrid features a couple of driving options engineered with fuel economy in mind. An “Econ” mode, controlled by a switch on the center console, keeps the throttle in check while accelerating, which improves fuel economy and is best used in stop-and-go traffic. “EV” lets the Highlander Hybrid run on electric power only, limited to lower speeds and to distances under a mile.
The gas-saving changes and systems boost the 2011 Highlander Hybrid’s fuel consumption numbers to 28 mpg city/28 highway. Last year’s Hybrid was at 27 city/25 highway.
Toyota delivers the 2011 Highlander Hybrid, which comes in Base and Limited trims, in four-wheel drive (4WD) only. While gas-powered Highlanders can be used off the beaten track, but are not for serious off-roading, Toyota states clearly on its website that, “The Highlander Hybrid is not designed to be driven off-road.” The Hybrid is rated to tow 3,500 pounds.
The Base Highlander Hybrid comes standard with an eight-way powered driver’s seat, air conditioning with rear climate control, and a CD audio system that features MP3 capabilities as well as iPod connectivity and Bluetooth wireless technology. The Limited gets heated driver's and front passenger seats, a moonroof, three-zone climate control, and leather interior.
The Highlander Hybrid received some styling tweaks for 2011 and has a slightly different grille and front bumper than the gas-only models and has vertically stacked foglights and blue-tinted headlamps and taillamps. But for the most part it matches up with the gas versions when it comes to standard features and options, and that’s a good thing. All the Highlanders, Hybrid and gas-powered, gain good marks from reviewers in performance and ride comfort and are especially noted for their interiors.
The 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid features traction and stability control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist and a full array of airbags among its safety features.
Published May 31, 2022 by A. Lessels
User reviews for 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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by Raul I
Jun 28, 2020
muy bueno excelente vehiculo mejor el precio vere con el bancoJun 28, 2020
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2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Pricing
Original MSRP
$38,140 to $43,795Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones · Second and third row rear heat vents
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Wireless headphones · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: JBL · JBL premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · XM-ready satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front, rear and third row · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Power outlet(s): three 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.54
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 167 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 123 · Electric Motor Torque: 247 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 231 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5800 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 215 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4800
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 9 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt · Roof rack: with crossbars
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 17.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.1
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 7
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones · Second and third row rear heat vents
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · IPod auxiliary audio input · Wireless headphones · 4 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: JBL · JBL premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: separate rear audio · XM-ready satellite radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front, rear and third row · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): 115V · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.54
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 167 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 123 · Electric Motor Torque: 247 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 231 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5800 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 215 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4800
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: black · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 9 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: chrome
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: fold flat into floor · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 17.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.1
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 50-50 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 10
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent