Used 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid for SaleNationwide

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 lands in the middle for shoppers, but the rest of the data shows a more nuanced picture. The 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is described as well equipped and well priced, and it carries the distinction of being part of Toyota’s early hybrid SUV lineup, which helps explain why it has remained in the brand’s range for so long. It is framed as a midsize hybrid SUV that offers more than just fuel economy, with a polished, upscale cabin and a relaxed driving experience that suits family use and long-distance comfort. The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10. With 35.6% of listings priced as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?

The Highlander Hybrid is presented as a long-running hybrid SUV that has survived for 11 years despite low sales volume, which supports the idea that Toyota’s hybrid powertrain is both profitable and versatile. The expert data also emphasizes that Toyota’s hybrid expertise is evident in the way the powertrain operates, with seamless engine restarts and a relaxed, refined driving feel. The performance notes describe the hybrid system as transparent and smooth, with harshness and vibration showing up rarely, which is a good sign for day-to-day dependability. The cost-effectiveness notes also point to Toyota’s hybrid premium being justified for drivers with meaningful stop-and-go use. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the hybrid system and overall condition have been maintained properly before you commit.

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

At 62.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important. You should start with a vehicle history report, then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on body repairs, alignment, and any signs of prior collision work. Because this model is often bought for comfort and family duty, you should also pay close attention to cabin wear, electronics, and whether the hybrid system feels smooth in normal driving.

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-assistance equipment, so you should compare feature content carefully if you want a more luxury-like experience.
• Powertrain: The hybrid system pairs a detuned 3.5-liter V6 with two electric motors, including one at the rear axle for all-wheel drive, and it delivers 280 combined horsepower. The setup is tuned for smoothness and efficiency rather than excitement, and the CVT helps keep power delivery seamless.
• Safety package: The Driver Technology Package includes auto high beams, forward-collision alert with auto-braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. It is standard only on the highest Platinum trim, while the Hybrid also comes with blind-spot monitoring and a backup camera standard.
• Infotainment: The system uses Entune with navigation, live traffic, rerouting, voice functions, and customizable multi-screen displays. It also supports smartphone-connected apps, and the tech package includes a JBL GreenEdge stereo with 12 speakers.
• Fuel efficiency: The hybrid is rated at 28 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, and the expert data says it averaged close to 27 mpg over a mostly highway 400-mile drive.

Which 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid trim should I buy?

The 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is offered in 2 trim levels: Limited and Platinum.

Here's the short version:

• Limited: This is the trim that gets you the core upscale Highlander Hybrid experience, including the well-appointed cabin, navigation, live traffic, rerouting, and the Entune system. It is the better-value choice if you want the main luxury and tech features without stretching to the top trim.
• Platinum: This is the one to choose if you want the most complete version of the Highlander Hybrid, because it adds the Driver Technology Package with auto high beams, forward-collision alert with auto-braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning.

The safety package is limited to the highest Platinum trim, so if those driver-assistance features matter to you, that is the trim to target.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you should shop carefully and compare condition, history, and equipment before making an offer.

• Deal availability: 35.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 90 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 62.2% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid safe?

The 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid earns the highest five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The Hybrid also comes with blind-spot monitoring and a backup camera standard. The Driver Technology Package adds auto high beams, forward-collision alert with auto-braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning, but it is limited to the highest Platinum trim. The IIHS award also reflects a top result in all five crash tests plus a 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:

• 35.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 62.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Toyota’s hybrid powertrain is described as both profitable and highly versatile, and the SUV is presented as offering more than just fuel economy.

The bottom line: The 2016 is a strong pick if you want the established hybrid version with a polished cabin, smooth driving manners, and solid safety credentials. If you are price-sensitive, you may want to compare nearby years for trim availability and equipment changes, but the 2016 still makes sense when you find one with clean history and the right features.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.