If you are in the market for a 7 or 8 seat hybrid vehicle, your picking are pretty slim.
While the amount of hybrid vehicles being offered by automakers continues to rise, there is a hug gap between the amount of hybrids with 2 rows and those with 3 rows. In fact for the 2014 model year the amount of hybrid vehicles that have a 3rd row can be counted using only the fingers on one hand.
Both the Nissan Pathfinder and the Infiniti QX60, which are essentially the same vehicle in many respects came out with hybrid versions of their own this model year, and I’ve had the chance to drive and review both. However the dominant 3 row hybrid vehicle remains the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and it has held this position since it debuted in the 2006 model year as the first ever 7 seat hybrid vehicle.
In 2014 Toyota has redesigned it’s Highlander crossover and with it the Highlander hybrid has received a completely new design as well. In the re-design Toyota has evolved the Highlander into a stylish and family-friendly mid-sized SUV. Following the new trend to incorporate a unibody design into an SUV platform, the Highlander has many aspects of it which work well for larger families.
The Highlander Hybrid uses Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology effectively as in addition to being comfortable and versatile, it also holds the position of the most fuel efficient SUV according to Transport Canada.
With a new design also comes a new marketing push and Toyota would appear to have high hopes for it’s newly designed Highlander. Included in the promotional campaign is a whimsical TV ad that feature an inquisitive park ranger who grills a family entering the camp ground with a series of slightly oddball questions.
In deciding to put together a video review of this new Highlander Hybrid for the EnviroDad Test Drive page, the temptation for me to include a parody of this commercial within the review was just too strong. So as you are watching the full review, be prepared for an embedded parody of the ad…just because I couldn’t help myself.
The 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers large families looking for a practicality, style and fuel efficiency a vehicle that has the ability to meet all of their needs. While it may be the best of a small lot, it doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s pretty darn good.
BY THE NUMBERS (Out of 10):
LOOK/DESIGN: 8.5
DRIVE: 8.5
GREEN FACTOR: 9.0
FAMILY FACTOR: 9.0
TECHIE STUFF: 8.5
VALUE: 7.5
(MSRP AS TESTED –
LTZ V6 $52,695)
OVERALL: 8.5
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