2006 Toyota Highlander: Tester's Comments
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2006 Toyota Highlander ▼
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- MSRP: $24,530 -$39,290
- Invoice: $21,831 -$35,198
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2006 Toyota Highlander. See if the 2006 Toyota Highlander is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2006 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | Limited Hybrid |
| Arrival Date: | 01/05/2006 |
| Engine: | dohc V6/electric |
| Bodystyle | 4-door wagon |
| Transmission: | CVT automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | Yes |
| Base Price: | 39,290 |
| Price as Tested: | 40,775 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 6747 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 7551 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 804 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 35.2 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 22.87 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Preferred Accessory Package (carpet/cargo mat set, cargo net, first aid kit, VIP glass breakage sensor), Towing Receiver Hitch, Exhaust Tip by Valor
From the Back Seat
Tom Appel
Though a capable highway buddy, the hybrid system does little to boost open road economy. Immediate passing power and (mildly) improved around-town mileage are this rigs strong suits. I'm still put off by the $41,000 price tag, though.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2006 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | Limited Hybrid |
| Arrival Date: | 08/22/2005 |
| Engine: | dohc V6/electric |
| Bodystyle | 4-door wagon |
| Transmission: | CVT automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 37,890 |
| Price as Tested: | 40,654 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 5978 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 6571 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 593 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 22.4676 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 26.39 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Touch-Screen DVD Navigation System, Carpet/Cargo Mat
From the Back Seat
Kirk Bell
I've driven other Highlanders before and have come away unimpressed, but I like to drive this one. Throttle response is much better, handling feels more direct and responsive, and fuel economy is up. The brakes are awfully touchy and the price is high at $40K ($2000 for nav when they need a screen for the hybrid flowchart anyway seems like profit taking), but with its pluses the Highlander Hybrid makes sense to me. I just wish you didn't have to spend so much money to save money.
Mark Bilek
Introduced in 2001, Highlander is getting a bit long in the tooth. Still it is hard to fault. It's comfortable, easy to drive, and roomy. The hybrid model offers consumers an interesting option as well. I'm not so sure it is a good idea in this case. In a test of a 4-cylinder model last year I averaged 20 mpg. This hybrid averaged 30 mpg. Given the $2.60 per gallon cost of gasoline today that's a $500 per year difference in fuel costs. Given this hybrid costs about $10,000 more than a similarly equipped 4-cylinder, it would take 20 years to make up the cost difference in fuel savings alone.
Rick Cotta
Though the Hybrid's extra cost might never be recouped in fuel savings, it's quicker than even the V6 model while getting about the best mileage of any SUV on the planet. Besides, it adds a lot of features along with the hybrid drivetrain, so the extra cost isn't as much as it might seem. And since the Highlander is among my favorite SUVs of any stripe, the hybrid drive just makes it the best of the best.
Tom Appel
$41,000. $41,000--that's the hurdle. I accept that this Highlander is more truck than a non-Hybrid...but it costs $5000 more too. Fuel economy is good, but not great. So...come for the power, stay for the improved mileage.
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