Used 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid for Sale near Illinois

Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid a good car?

The 3/5 user rating and 7.33/10 expert rating point to a vehicle that is appealing, but not universally loved. The 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid stands out as a midsize hybrid SUV that is well equipped and well priced, and its appeal goes beyond fuel economy alone. It combines hybrid capability with a semi-luxury feel and broad versatility, which makes it a strong fit if you want a practical three-row SUV with a more upscale cabin than many rivals. The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10. With 37.5% of listings marked as good or great deals, you still have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?

Toyota’s long experience with hybrid SUVs is a major reason this model has a clear identity, and the expert evaluation emphasizes that its hybrid powertrain is both profitable and highly versatile. The driving experience is described as seamless and relaxing, with transparent engine start-stop behavior and a hybrid system that feels well sorted in everyday use. The cost-effectiveness discussion also suggests that the hybrid premium can make sense if your driving pattern benefits from fuel savings. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is paying a premium for a high-mileage example that may not have been maintained as carefully as its reputation suggests.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

At 61.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important. You should run a vehicle history report before you commit, then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on body repairs, alignment, and signs of inconsistent wear. Because this is a hybrid SUV with a premium price profile, you should also pay close attention to overall condition and whether the equipment level matches the asking price.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Limited trim comes with almost everything, while the Platinum trim adds the Driver Technology Package; the base setup leaves out some of the higher-end convenience and driver-assist equipment.
• Powertrain: The hybrid system uses a detuned 3.5-liter V6 with two electric motors for 280 combined horsepower, and it delivers 28 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
• Safety package: The Driver Technology Package includes auto high beams, forward-collision alert with auto-braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning; blind-spot monitoring and a backup camera are standard, but only the highest Platinum trim gets that package.
• Infotainment: Entune includes navigation with live traffic and rerouting, customizable multi-screen displays, and smartphone app integration; the system does not include a rear multimedia system.
• Fuel efficiency: The hybrid returns 28 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, and the expert evaluation notes that it can average close to 27 mpg in mixed highway-heavy driving.

Which 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid trim should I buy?

The 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is offered in 1 trim level: Limited.

Here's the short version:

The Limited is the trim to focus on if you want the Highlander Hybrid’s upscale cabin, strong equipment list, and relaxed driving character in one package. It brings the polished interior, the well-rounded infotainment setup, and the kind of comfort features that make this hybrid feel closer to a semi-luxury SUV than a basic family hauler. If you want the best-value path, this is the trim that most clearly matches the model’s strengths without requiring you to chase a higher-spec version that may be harder to find.

The highest Platinum trim receives the Driver Technology Package, which adds auto high beams, forward-collision alert with auto-braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 37.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 88 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 61.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $19,377, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid safe?

The Highlander Hybrid earns a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. It also earns a 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The standard safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring and a backup camera, and the highest Platinum trim is the one that gets the Driver Technology Package. That package adds auto high beams, forward-collision alert with auto-braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The IIHS result also reflects a top rating in all five crash tests plus a minimum passing score for the forward-collision alert with auto-braking system.

Should I buy a 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 37.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 61.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• The expert summary emphasizes that Toyota’s hybrid powertrain is both profitable and highly versatile, and that the Highlander Hybrid packs more surprises than just fuel economy.

The bottom line: The 2016 is a good fit if you want a well-equipped, upscale-feeling hybrid SUV and you’re willing to shop carefully for condition and history. If you’re more price-sensitive, a nearby year may be worth considering, but the 2016 still makes sense when you find a clean example with the right equipment at a fair price.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.