Toyota Highlander Hybrid

With fuel economy of 27 city/25 highway, the Highlander Hybrid is the most efficient seven-seater vehicle on the road. Regardless of all its other positives, its 27 miles per gallon city rating is, hands down, the vehicle’s crowning achievement.

The Highlander Hybrid has a base MSRP that ranges from $34,385 to $40,635. That’s approximately $5,000 more than the conventional gas-powered Highlander. But, for the premium in cost, the Highlander offers 30 more horsepower, about 10 more miles to the gallon, and cleaner tailpipe emissions.

When comparing the Highlander to the popular Ford Escape Hybrid, there is a similar price difference. The Highlander is again about $5,000 more expensive. The biggest difference falls in the way of sheer power and strength between the two vehicles. The Highlander Hybrid offers 270 horsepower and can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the Ford Escape Hybrid rates at a much less useful 155 horsepower, with a towing capacity of only 1,000 pounds. The Escape hybrid does, however, edge the Highlander out in fuel efficiency, by about five percent. You'll need to decide if those extra MPGs and the five grand premium trump the Toyota name as the leader in hybrid technology.

Compared to its corporate cousin, the Lexus Rx 400h, the Highlander comes in at about $8,500 less. But that’s to be expected, regardless of the fact that the two vehicles feature the same hybrid system with virtually the same performance, same horsepower, same fuel economy, and were created by the same chief engineer. In the end, the Lexus is a true status symbol, and so it commands a significantly higher price tag. The Highlander’s greater affordability also comes from allowing shoppers to hedge on costs by opting down certain amenities, like upholstery, sound system, and other creature comforts that come standard on the Lexus. It should be noted that the most visible advantage Highlander has over the Rx400h is the availability of seven-passenger seating.