What kind of engine does a Toyota Highlander Hybrid have?

The Highlander Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine with Atkinson-cycle operation, paired with electric motors in Toyota's Hybrid System II, delivering a combined output of about 243 horsepower. It is a conventional hybrid, not a plug-in variant.

Engine and powertrain details

The vehicle's hybrid setup relies on a few key components to deliver smooth performance and efficiency:

• 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with Atkinson-cycle operation


• Two electric motors that assist propulsion and power the battery


• Hybrid transaxle with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT)


• Combined system output of roughly 243 horsepower


• Regenerative braking to recharge the hybrid battery

The Atkinson-cycle engine focuses on longer valve timing for higher efficiency, trading some peak power for better fuel economy. In the Highlander Hybrid, electric motors compensate during acceleration, while the gas engine runs more efficiently in most driving conditions.

What about fuel economy and real-world use?

In practice, the Highlander Hybrid tends to deliver mid- to high-20s mpg in city driving and high-30s to low-40s mpg on highways, depending on trim, tires, and driving style. The hybrid system remains seamless; most drivers notice a quiet electric assist and smooth transitions between electric and gas propulsion.

Design notes and variant considerations

Across model years, the drivetrain has remained consistent in using the 2.5L Atkinson-cycle engine with hybrid electric motors, paired to an e-CVT. There are no factory plug-in variants for the Highlander Hybrid; if you want a plug-in option, you’d look at other Toyota hybrids or SUVs like the RAV4 Prime.

Summary

In short, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter inline-4 Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with electric motors in a hybrid system (no plug-in option), delivering about 243 horsepower combined and emphasizing efficiency through the Atkinson cycle and energy recovery.

Conclusion: The Highlander Hybrid’s engine configuration aligns with Toyota’s broader Hybrid System II philosophy: a gasoline engine optimized for efficiency partnered with electric motors to provide capable, smooth performance and strong fuel economy for a midsize SUV.

Summary: The Highlander Hybrid uses a 2.5L inline-4 Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors, e-CVT, and about 243 hp combined; a non-plug-in hybrid designed for efficiency and practical everyday use.

What are the disadvantages of a Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

The main disadvantages of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid include a cramped and small third-row seat, limited cargo space, and a noisy engine under hard acceleration. Other drawbacks include potentially underpowered acceleration on the Grand Highlander hybrid, and some in-car electronics and infotainment system issues reported by owners. 
Interior and space

• Tight third-row and cargo: The third-row seat is small, best suited for children, and there is not much cargo space behind it. 
• Limited EV mode: The vehicle has limited capability to run on electric power alone. 
• Basic interior quality: Some reviews note that certain trims may have noticeable hard plastics in the cabin compared to competitors. 

Performance and driving

• Underpowered engine: The base hybrid powertrain can feel underpowered and struggle with acceleration, especially when the vehicle is fully loaded with passengers or cargo, particularly in the Grand Highlander model. 
• Noisy engine: The engine can be noisy and sound strained during hard acceleration, such as when merging onto a highway or climbing a hill. 
• Limited towing capacity: The hybrid model has a lower towing capacity compared to the non-hybrid gas models. 
• Limited off-road capability: The Highlander Hybrid is designed for on-road use and is not suitable for challenging off-road conditions. 

Technology and features

• Infotainment system issues: Some owners have reported that the infotainment system can be quirky, with the large touch screen sometimes being difficult to use, freezing up, or having issues with phone pairing. 
• In-car electronics problems: Some models have experienced issues with the in-car electronics, including Apple CarPlay complications and the display screen freezing. 
• Reliability concerns: Some specific issues have been reported, such as problems with the fuel gauge/sender and sensors, though these vary by model year. 

What kind of engine is in the Highlander Hybrid?

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid lineup is powered by two hybrid engines: a 2.4L 4-cylinder hybrid engine and a 2.4L 4-cylinder turbo Hybrid MAX engine. Check out their respective specifications below, and let us know if you have any questions.

What happens when a Toyota Highlander Hybrid runs out of gas?

If a Toyota Highlander Hybrid runs out of gas, it will not be able to continue running using the hybrid system. In such a case, the engine will shut off, and the vehicle will come to a stop. The driver will need to refuel the vehicle before it can be started and driven again.

What is the lawsuit against the Toyota Highlander?

Recent and ongoing lawsuits involving the Toyota Highlander address issues such as faulty door lock actuators, a potential transmission defect in certain models, and a claim that 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrids have fuel tanks that do not fill completely. Other recent lawsuits include an investigation into defective power liftgates and a separate class action settlement for a Bluetooth echo defect that affected some Highlanders. 
Current and recent lawsuits

• Door Lock Actuators: A class action lawsuit was filed because many Toyota models, including the Highlander, reportedly have defective door lock actuators that may fail to engage properly. The lawsuit claims owners have been charged for repeated replacements, which Toyota allegedly considered "wear and tear" items. 
• Transmission Defect: Lawsuits allege that certain Highlander models (2017-2022) equipped with the UA80 automatic transmission have a defect that can cause whining, erratic shifting, and premature failure. A Customer Support Program (CSP ZJC) was created but only covers a limited number of vehicles, according to Change.org. 
• Fuel Tank Defect: A class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of owners of 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrids, claiming a defective fuel tank vent causes it to not fill to its capacity. 
• Power Liftgate Defect: Some Highlander models (XU20, XU40, XU50, and Highlander Hybrid MHU28) are reportedly affected by a power liftgate defect that can lead to costly repairs, with the lawsuit alleging Toyota knew about the issue but did not issue a recall or warning. 
• Bluetooth Echo Defect: A class action lawsuit over a Bluetooth defect that caused an echo on calls in certain Toyota models, including the Highlander, resulted in a settlement, notes this article from Unión Rayo and ClassAction.org. 

How to proceed

• Identify your vehicle's details: Determine if your Highlander is included in any of these lawsuits by checking its model year, VIN, and the specific defect alleged.
• Gather evidence: Collect any repair invoices, service records, or documentation related to the defect.
• Contact an attorney: Speak to a lawyer who specializes in consumer or automotive class action lawsuits to understand your options and how you may be affected by an ongoing investigation or settlement. 
• Check settlement websites: Visit official settlement websites if they are available for a specific lawsuit, as they often provide important information and instructions for potential claimants.