The Good
The 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers a smooth and comfortable ride appealing to emotional buyers. Its renowned Toyota reliability and impressive fuel efficiency are major selling points for practical buyers. The spacious interior, combined with the hybrid powertrain's environmental friendliness, contribute to its overall value and appeal.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses of the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid include higher repair costs associated with the hybrid system. Some owners have reported issues with the hybrid battery pack over time. Also, the regenerative braking system can sometimes feel different from traditional brakes, requiring an adjustment period for drivers. Infotainment can feel dated.
2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Quick Overview
Here's a bullet-point summary of the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's key specifications:
- Engine Options: 3.3-liter V6 engine paired with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system.
- Horsepower: Total system horsepower is 270 hp.
- Fuel Economy: EPA-estimated fuel economy is 27 mpg city / 25 mpg highway.
- 0-60 Times: Approximately 7.3 seconds.
- Towing Capacity: Up to 3,500 pounds.
- Trim-Level Features:
- Base Trim: Standard features include a six-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and keyless entry. It also comes standard with Toyota's Star Safety System, including Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist.
- Limited Trim: Adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power liftgate, a sunroof, a premium JBL audio system, and a navigation system. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring might be included.
- Both trims offer seating for up to seven passengers with a third-row seat.
- Available options across trims include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and upgraded alloy wheels.
2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2011 |
| Make | Toyota |
| Model | Highlander Hybrid |
| Trim | - |
| Style | 4-Door 4WD |
| Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Category | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Japan |
| Manufacturing City | MIYAWAKA |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 2105.12 kg |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 2789.59 kg |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | V-6 |
| Engine Size | 3.5L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | Continuously Variable |
| Drivetrain | Four-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $38,140 USD |
| Invoice Price | $35,090 USD |
| Delivery Charges | $810 USD |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Have?
Recalls for the 2011 model year have addressed issues such as potential fuel leakage due to improperly torqued fuel delivery pipes and a potential issue with the power window master switch that could cause a fire hazard. It is crucial to check the vehicle's VIN against the Toyota recall database to ensure all applicable recalls have been addressed.
Long-term reliability concerns primarily focus on the hybrid system's components. Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and inspections of the hybrid system, can help mitigate potential problems. Premature wear of brake components may occur due to the regenerative braking system's reliance on electric motors rather than traditional friction brakes for stopping. However, this wear pattern can vary depending on driving habits and maintenance practices.
How long will the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Driver-assistance features were relatively limited compared to modern vehicles, but the Highlander Hybrid did include standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), and Anti-lock Brake System (ABS). Optional features included a blind-spot monitoring system on the Limited trim.
Safety features included front, side, and curtain airbags, along with tire pressure monitoring.
Crash-test ratings from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) were generally favorable. The 2011 Highlander earned top scores in several categories, reflecting its strong safety performance. Keep in mind that safety technology has advanced significantly since 2011. However, for its time, it was a safe family vehicle.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Prices and Market Value
2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Cost of Ownership
2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Fuel Efficiency
2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Recalls & Defects
Visibility:power Window Devices and Controls
2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Compare to Other Sport Utility Vehicle?
In terms of price, the Highlander Hybrid was generally more expensive than the base versions of its rivals, but the hybrid premium provided long-term fuel savings.
Alternatives to consider include the Lexus RX 450h (a more luxurious hybrid SUV), and a newer hybrid SUV if your budget allows. The Acura MDX of the same year offers a more engaging driving experience but without the hybrid fuel savings. Overall, the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a strong contender if reliability and fuel economy are top priorities.
Ranks #113 SUV
| 1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0★) |
| 113 | 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid a Good Sport Utility Vehicle?
Buyer on December 5, 2019
it Is everything we heard about it. Wife loves it.It is defensively everything people talk about. We heard about it and want to buy one. Now that we owne it, we can say everything about this car is truth. Great buy for the money, no doubt.
Chanman on May 3, 2019
Best ar I've ever ownedI usually buy new every 3-4 years. I'm going on 9 years with this Highlander Hybrid, Bought new in Dec 2010. Still cannot justify trading it in. Quiet ride, very powerful.
Where the Redfern Grows on May 3, 2019
Most reliable car I’ve owned!This car is great on gas especially for an SUV 28mpg. Perfect for travel/smooth ride. Seats 7 and has the option to have bucket seats. Garage kept and always detailed. Come take a look while it lasts!
Stuart on April 28, 2019
I’m on my 5th one. Love these trucksToyota reliability, great resale, a pleasure to drive. I have owned 2007,2009,2011,2013 and now 2017. They have all been good trucks with each newer year getting better
City of Champions on April 16, 2019
One of the best vehicles that I ever owned.I purchased this vehicle new in December of 2010. This Highlander has a lot of power and you wouldn't know that it was a hybrid. The gas mileage has been anywhere from 24 to as high as 32 mpg on a trip. I change the oil and filter ever 5,000 miles even though the manufactory calls for every 10,000 miles. The only other things that I did to this Highlander was change the air filter and tires when called for. Just hit 100,000 miles and I replaced the brakes and rotors for the first time. Would buy another Highlander Hybrid again.
Ambitt on June 11, 2017
Limited Edition Hybrid. Fantastic to DriveI have had this car for 6 years. Never a problem. Love having a hybrid. 22 mpg city and 25 hwy. Great for large SUV. 7 Seats. Lots of room with seats down. Really responsive to drive handling wise, and pretty darn quick.
MajMike on March 20, 2017
Extremely reliable vehicleOverall our Highlander is a very reliable and excellent performing vehicle. I would appreciate a "friendlier" cockpit similar to your Sienna and am looking forward to a hybrid Sienna for vehicle replacement please...thank you...
Z GIRL on October 11, 2011
BEST MPG 7-Passenger SUV - Exactly What I WantedAfter months of searching for the perfect 7- Passenger SUV, I found exactly what I was looking for in the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited. Gas mileage is incredible, and I average anywhere from 28-30 mpg combined, but I've had to learn to lay off the gas a bit to achieve that rate. I can usually go around 430 miles on a tank of gas!! I love it!! I am a full-time working mom, and drive combined city and highway miles. There is plenty of room for the kids and their soccer gear and I love that the rear seats recline for long trips. Also, plenty of cup holders throughout the vehicle. The ride is smooth and quiet, handling is superb! The GPS can be a bit confusing and I still haven't been able to sync my garage door openers to my car yet. Handsfree features are very nice as well, although at times I feel like I am shouting when trying to talk to someone through the car's system. The Limited trim level is the way to go, definitely worth the upgrade in my opinion.
New hybrid fan on July 30, 2011
I love this car!!!!I really do love this car, and am thrilled to be a Toyota owner again after 8 painful years with a Volvo... the car handles well, I am getting great mileage and already paying so much less in gas than I did with the Volvo wagon that I am so happy. I am wondering how the car will hold up in the snow once winter arrives, but so far it has done quite well in heavy rain so that has worked out well (the Volvo slid and fishtailed even in rain, forget the snow!). My children love the third row of seats and I appreciate that it is so easy to fold the seats up and down, as well as to replace the middle section of the second row. My only complaint so far is that the rear door doesn't always close right away. I often need to try closing it 2 or 3 times before it finally catches.
DrewbyTwoShoes on July 8, 2011
GREAT VEHICLE!!!!LOVE this car! It's great to haul kids and stuff--very roomy and gets great gas mileage (unlike my previous SUV, a Volvo). I love not being a slave to high gas prices, but managing to have enough room to take my two boys, their friends, and our two dogs to the lake and back! My only complaint is that there's no USB or power outlet in the second row seat which is just mainly an inconvenience... And the dash is nice, but I wish it wasn't so plastic-y....
Cathleen V
Cathleen is an exceptional freelance writer covering hot topics in the automotive world from a gearhead's perspective. Her articles delve into various aspects of automotive technology and history, offering readers detailed insights into engine performance, reliability, and maintenance. Through her engaging and informative writing, Cathleen provides valuable information to automotive enthusiasts and consumers alike, helping them make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance and purchases.