A great road trip is one of the most exciting activities to enjoy with family, and a getaway during fall is one of the best times to do it. I say that, of course, with the American Midwest in-mind, but any locale that boasts the true seasonality of autumn, complete with falling leaves and a robust color palette will make for a beautiful drive. When it comes to hauling family, there’s only been a few occasions where I’ve actually driven more than our immediate crew, fully complete at four. Sure, I’ve driven plenty of larger vehicles with third-row seating and plenty of people-moving power, but seldom have I actually had a full load. This trip was an exception, one in which I could use the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited (on-loan from Toyota USA) to it’s potential, heading straight out of Illinois and heading north to our relatives’ lake house.
Delivered to Rock Father HQ by the folks at DriveShop, the Highlander was striking in “Predawn Gray Mica,” a color that I have trouble describing (along with similar hues from other automakers). Boasting a 3.5L V6 Hybrid Synergy Drive engine that works in tandem with a trio of electric motors, I was anxious to get rolling in a vehicle that can seat seven (with true third row seating and proper 2nd row Captain’s chairs) and actually be great on gas mileage.
Having spent most of my life piloting vehicles powered by internal combustion engines (as have most drivers), it’s still jarring to have such a silence when starting up a Hybrid. The Highlander is quiet until it needs to show it’s “voice,” seamlessly switching between gas and EV.
My wife and I drove the girls up to the lake house, the rear seats folded down to haul our stuff. When we got there, I unloaded and put the third row into action, perfect for driving into the neighboring small town for some sightseeing with the family.
During our weekend excursion (with a few detours), the Highlander Hybrid Limited made good on its promise of an average 28mpg (combined city/highway) – impressive seeing as we drive a smaller car, a crossover, on a daily basis and only hit around 21-22.
Comfortable, with some cool design features like a dashboard tray that offers a perfect place to store smartphones and other devices with routing for cords to power-up, this ride also boasts a 5-Star Government Safety Rating, making it a great choice for families. And, when winter arrives, the all-wheel-drive (AWD) will be perfect for handling the ice and snow that’s sure to hit, likely by mid-November.
If we ever found ourselves in the position to need a vehicle that seats 7, is great on gas, and is priced right, the Highlander Hybrid Limited would be a certain contender. It’s got a nice balance on all the key points in style and function, is packed with all the latest in technology and convenience options, and feels quite comfortable and versatile, with many configurations to be had for hauling people, stuff or both.
The 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited starts at $47, 870. As driven: $50, 295, which includes the optional (but highly recommended) Driver Technology Package – a $1,525 optional upgrade. Learn more and build yours at Toyota.com
