[Slim987]

The following video review of a 2020 hybrid vs. a 2020 V6 from Redline Reviews helped me decide on the V6 Highlander for my purchase:

I had not seen this one yet. Thanks!

 

[qs933]

A review of the 2021 Hybrid Platinum by Redline Reviews. No big surprises, but he mentioned the wind noise that others have complained about.

As for the hybrid vs. V6 debate, he mentions that he'd probably choose the hybrid after driving it for a week (vs. his shorter drives of both last year at the new product introduction). He noted multiple times, however, how much smoother the V6 is.

 

[AlphaMoneyMan]

Top Toyota Hybrid Sellers
Toyota sold 115,974 RAV4 Hybrid vehicles last year. That is more than double any other Toyota model sold.
Second place was a surprise to me. I thought for sure it would be Prius, the best-selling hybrid of all time. I was wrong.
Highlander Hybrid sold 48,455 units to buyers looking for a solid commuter and family road trip vehicle with good gas mileage.
RAV4 Hybrid was Toyota’s Best-selling Hybrid for 2020. Second Place May Surprise You | Torque News

Everyone thought Toyota was crazy when they suddenly cut the Hybrid horsepower to gain better gas mileage. Tesla obviously will continue to cater for the niche market it caters for; we all can't deceive ourselves that full EV will become mainstream someday, but it ain't yet - still some years away. A company like Toyota knows this, but they're not sitting their butt either.

 

[zshan1]

Hey guys,
Not try to sageway here but due to all that future, green , co2 etc....I think hybrid or plugin is a wise choice in 2021.
As said it's just my 5 cents as the carbon tax will boost the gas prices high and high every year till 2030 and/or till the last gas only engine roll out@

 

[EAW]

I am still in the deciding phase and am trying to determine Roi on the hybrid esp considering 80% plus of my driving is highway.
I tend to drive my cars until they drop. So resale is not a significant factor, but maintainable is. Is the maintainace comparable, or are there more things to worry about on a hybrid that I need to consider?

 

[Rich0121]

That brings up a good point. Do owners of all-electric cars pay gasoline tax? Since this tax is intended to help pay for traffic infrastructure, how will this be funded if everyone got electric cars? As an aside, in NJ the gas tax is reevaluated each year and probably will go up as result.

 

[whoa]

I am still in the deciding phase and am trying to determine Roi on the hybrid esp considering 80% plus of my driving is highway.
I tend to drive my cars until they drop. So resale is not a significant factor, but maintainable is. Is the maintainace comparable, or are there more things to worry about on a hybrid that I need to consider?

This hybrid should have less to maintain due to what it doesn't have:

1. No Gears, No CVT Belts
2. No Starter
3. No Alternator
4. No Timing Belt
5. No Accessory Belt
6. No Conventional AC
7. No Turbochargers
8. No Power Steering Pump

It's What's Missing That Matters - Why Toyota Hybrids Are So Much More Reliable Than Other Brands' Vehicles

Sometimes less is more. In the case of Toyota’s long list of green vehicles, less troublesome parts means more reliable vehicles. Here’s what Toyota got rid of to improve durability and reliability in the Avalon, Venza, Sienna, Prius, RAV4 Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, Corolla Hybrid, and Highlander Hybrid.

www.torquenews.com

Reliability of Toyota Hybrids (What's missing?)

Here's an interesting take on Toyota hybrid systems reliability versus other brands based on a list of what's "missing". https://www.torquenews.com/1083/its-whats-missing-matters-why-toyota-hybrids-are-so-much-more-reliable-other-brands-vehicles Some highlights: No Gears, No CVT Belts No...

www.toyotanation.com

 

[SmoothRunnings]

This hybrid should have less to maintain due to what it doesn't have:

1. No Gears, No CVT Belts
2. No Starter
3. No Alternator
4. No Timing Belt
5. No Accessory Belt
6. No Conventional AC
7. No Turbochargers
8. No Power Steering Pump

Wait, does the 2021 Hybrid not have a 4L engine in it? If so how do you start the engine without a starter and how does the 4L keep it timing?

 

[zshan1]

4th gen hybrid model only comes with 4 cylinder engine, 2.5 liters.
hybrid battery in conjunction with car battery does the start cycle and then boasts the gas engine in few seconds to boast the hybrid, batt system backup.

 

[whoa]

Wait, does the 2021 Hybrid not have a 4L engine in it? If so how do you start the engine without a starter and how does the 4L keep it timing?

Here are couple of excerpts from the article I linked to:

Toyota Hybrids – No Starter
Toyota hybrids don’t use conventional starter motors. Instead, the engine is started by Toyota’s motor-generator. This item has proven extremely reliable in use over many years of service. Toyota includes this item in its powertrain warranty. Most automakers exclude the starter from theirs. For a reason.

Toyota Hybrids – No Timing Belt
The timing belt service on a typical engine can cost between $500 and $1,000. Toyota hybrids use more durable timing chains with no required service.

 

[zshan1]

Here are couple of excerpts from the article I linked to:

Toyota Hybrids – No Starter
Toyota hybrids don’t use conventional starter motors. Instead, the engine is started by Toyota’s motor-generator. This item has proven extremely reliable in use over many years of service. Toyota includes this item in its powertrain warranty. Most automakers exclude the starter from theirs. For a reason.

Toyota Hybrids – No Timing Belt
The timing belt service on a typical engine can cost between $500 and $1,000. Toyota hybrids use more durable timing chains with no required service.

I think Mr. Smooth is just pulling our leg................Lol

 

[whoa]

I think Mr. Smooth is just pulling our leg................Lol

You never know

 

[Toyotagreaser]

We had a 2019 Highlander XLE with V6 engine. Loved it but gas mileage was lousy. My wife loved the acceleration of the V6 and ability to see better due to higher ride height. A friend of hers bought a new Camry hybrid and bragged about the gas mileage. So my wife wanted to drive a Highlander Hybrid just to satisfy her mind. She fell in love with it and bought a 2021 Highlander Hybrid at end of February. Average fuel economy is now 32.9 and improving. I was concerned about the acceleration issue. However, the CVT really helps what I thought was going to be a problem. If you want to squeal tires, buy the V6 but I don’t think you’re going to be disappointed with the hybrid version. And when gasoline prices go to $3.00 for the shorter term, you’ll really like the hybrid.

 

[KCHiker]

So my wife wanted to drive a Highlander Hybrid just to satisfy her mind. She fell in love with it and bought a 2021 Highlander Hybrid at end of February. Average fuel economy is now 32.9 and improving. I was concerned about the acceleration issue. However, the CVT really helps what I thought was going to be a problem. If you want to squeal tires, buy the V6 but I don’t think you’re going to be disappointed with the hybrid version. And when gasoline prices go to $3.00 for the shorter term, you’ll really like the hybrid.

I leave my Highlander Hybrid in eco mode. I don't need to squeal tires or accelerate from 0 to 60 mph from a dead stop. It drives fine.

 

[zshan1]

I leave my Highlander Hybrid in eco mode. I don't need to squeal tires or accelerate from 0 to 60 mph from a dead stop. It drives fine.

Howdy,
And in case you need...theŕes always "sport" mode you can get some kick out where needed

 

[whoa]

I leave my Highlander Hybrid in eco mode. I don't need to squeal tires or accelerate from 0 to 60 mph from a dead stop. It drives fine.

I find eco mode retards the throttle response too much for my liking. Feels sluggish. I compromise by leaving it on normal in the city and on eco for highway driving.