As I type this sentence, a redesigned 2014 Toyota Highlander is scheduled to debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show. I guess I should have seen that coming, considering that the vehicle you see here is now six years old. The thing is, the current Toyota Highlander, in most respects, doesn’t look its age, and it doesn’t feel its age. This is an incredibly practical family-sized crossover suv, one that’s even entertaining to drive, and in Highlander Hybrid format proves itself thrifty with a gallon of gas without trying hard.
Nevertheless, the show must go on, and an all-new 2014 Highlander is getting ready to roll into showrooms, certainly boasting improvements in numerous areas. In the months between now and then, Toyota dealers will be eager to unload stocks of the 2013 Highlander models, including the Highlander Hybrid model I test-drove for this review.
Speaking of which, the Highlander Hybrid is a bit of a rarity. Quick. Name as many 3-row hybrid SUVs as you can, starting now.
(classic game show music plays for 30 seconds)
Time is up. What did you come up with? If you said Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, and GMC Yukon Hybrid, you got all three. Winner, winner, chicken dinner! Given this competitive set, it’s not at all surprising that the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is relatively popular.