2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was a standout in the midsize SUV segment, offering a distinctive design that set it apart from the crowd. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille gave it a commanding presence on the road. The character line along the side, reminiscent of the Supra sports car, added a sporty touch, while the taillights borrowed elements from Lexus models. The Highlander managed to look longer and lower than its predecessor without sacrificing size, and the new XSE trim level introduced a more aggressive front end, suspension tuning, and an appearance package that included 20-inch alloy wheels with black accents. Inside, the Limited trim offered a luxurious experience with near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and wood details, making it a comfortable choice for families prioritizing comfort and convenience.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid maintained a distinctive appearance with its blunt and bulbous nose, creating an angry visage that placed visual weight over the front wheels. The black windshield pillars gave the impression of a floating roof, while the swollen haunches balanced the styling. Despite its cartoonishly-flared quarter panels, the Highlander Hybrid's design was expected to become more familiar over time. The Hybrid was available in LE, XLE, Limited, or Platinum trims, with Canadian pricing ranging from $45,950 to $56,450, plus a destination charge. The Platinum trim offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a surround-view camera system, and other premium features. However, the interior had some drawbacks, such as a loud and hollow instrument-panel shroud and a mix of illumination colours that made the gauges appear busy at night.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. While it wasn't designed for drag races, the Highlander provided smooth and predictable operation, making it a reliable choice for families. It compared favourably to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in terms of horsepower and torque, although the Honda Pilot offered slightly more power. The Highlander's suspension was tuned for comfort, but the XSE trim added higher-rated springs, retuned shock absorbers, and a rear stabilizer bar for a more engaging driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a total output of 243 horsepower. It used an "E-CVT" to mimic an automatic transmission and was rated to use 6.7 L/100 km in combined driving. While it offered improved fuel efficiency compared to the previous generation, the Hybrid's power was adequate but not exhilarating. The drivetrain sounded strained during hard acceleration or hill climbs, and the steering felt lifeless. However, the regenerative brakes operated smoothly, and the Hybrid excelled in providing a cushy and quiet ride on flat terrain. Despite its efficiency, the Highlander Hybrid's driving dynamics were less enjoyable, with noticeable body movement and a lack of excitement.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in providing comfort and practicality for families. It featured a set of shelves ahead of the front seats for convenient storage, along with a wireless charging pad in the centre console. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with available captain's chairs that could recline and slide to maximize space. However, the third row was best suited for children or short trips, as it offered limited legroom and comfort. Cargo space behind the third row measured 453 litres, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded and 2,245 litres with both the second and third rows down.

In comparison, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided roomy and supportive accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with features like a heated steering wheel and leather upholstery. The test vehicle had a no-cost bench seat option, increasing seating capacity to eight, but the Highlander felt narrow, making it uncomfortable for three adults in the second row. The third-row seat was low and lacking in support, with tight headroom for adults. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the third row folded and 2,387 litres with both rows down. While storage was plentiful, the dashboard shelf was less accommodating, and the wireless smartphone charger blocked access to the storage area below.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, while the Platinum trim featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Both systems were user-friendly, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The JBL audio system, available from the Limited grade up, provided good sound quality, although the 12.3-inch screen's full width was not utilized for all apps. Navigation was available from the Limited grade, but it struggled with locating points of interest compared to Google Maps.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio as standard features. The Platinum trim offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system, and a navigation system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large stereo volume and tuning knobs and main-menu shortcut buttons for quick access. The JBL sound system, while promising, had mixed audio quality depending on the music genre. The Highlander Hybrid also featured Driver Easy Speak technology and a video rearview mirror for enhanced convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intersection support, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring was standard, and the Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.

Similarly, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured TSS 2.5+, with additional features like intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The Hybrid's adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance were effective but occasionally felt uneven. The Highlander Hybrid also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.