How long can Toyota hybrid last

How Long Does Toyota Hybrid Battery Last?

Toyota makes one of the most reliable hybrid vehicles in the car industry. They are the first company that came up with the hybrid vehicle idea and brought out the Prius in 1997. Since then, Toyota has improved the hybrid system design and redesigned the transmission of Hybrid vehicles.

One of the primary concerns of Toyota Hybrid car owners is the longevity and lifespan of the Hybrid battery. Over the last two decades, Toyota has proved that its Hybrid battery lasts a very long time.

The Toyota Hybrid battery can last 14-15 years without maintenance.

The Hybrid battery doesnt require any special maintenance. Unlike the Tesla High voltage battery, which is liquid-cooled, the Toyota Hybrid battery is air-cooled. Theres only a fan and air filter. If an owner cleans the filter every 10,000-15,000 miles of driving, the battery would easily last 14-15 years. Furthermore, this air filter is reusable. Thus theres no extra cost associated with this maintenance.

Theres a misconception that if the Hybrid battery fails, Toyota Hybrid is no longer drivable. Its not true.

In the case of pure EV, if the HV battery fails, the car is dead.

But in the case of Toyota Hybrids, even if the HV battery fails, the vehicle will still function and drive. The mpg will be lower than expected, but still, the car will be operable.

Toyota Hybrid Warranty:

Every Toyota Hybrid battery comes with a 10 Year 150,000 miles warranty. Moreover, the electric hybrid system has an 8 Year 100,000 miles warranty. Therefore, as an owner, one doesnt need to worry about this Hybrid batterys life cycle, status, or health. Everything is under warranty, and Toyota will service this battery if anything goes wrong free of cost for 10 Years.

A YouTube channel named TheCarCareNut has excellent resources on Toyota Hybrids. The channel owner is a Toyota Master Technician, working in Toyotas in a dealer for more than 15 years. We highly recommend watching the videos on this channel if you have some reservations regarding buying a Hybrid.

Savings on Hybrid:

A Tesla EV and a Toyota Hybrid cost about the same fuel (recharge) costs. However, a Hybrid is less expensive than Tesla but saves an owner thousands of dollars on gasoline.

[Table 1] The following table shows the gasoline costs of different Toyota Hybrids compared to non-Hybrid models over 150,000 miles of driving at $4/gallon at city mpg.

[Table 2] The following table shows the total refueling cost to travel 150,000 miles on different Toyota Hybrids at $4/gallon.

Heres the calculation model. The Prius Prime gets 54mpg. To travel 150,000 miles we need 150,000 / 54 = 2,778 gallon gasoline. At $4/gallon, total cost is $4 x 2778 = $11,112.

[Table 3] Electricity prices fluctuate depending on location, state, and season. The following table shows the total recharging cost to travel 150,000 miles on different Tesla at $0.30/kWh. We used Teslas estimate provided by https://www.fueleconomy.gov/ on 2022 Models.

Heres the calculation model. According to EPA (https://www.fueleconomy.gov/ ), The 2022 Model 3 RWD has an MPGe of 138-city, 126-Highway with 25 kWh/100 miles. The Model 3 RWD has a range of 267 miles. So, to travel 150,000 miles at 25 kWh/100 miles rate, we need (25 x 150,000) / 100 = 37,500 kW electricity. At $0.30/kW, cost comes to 37,500 kW x $0.30/kW = $11,250. Its a minimum cost because Tesla gets less mileage than advertised on the highway.

Hybrid Battery Replacement Cost:

The replacement cost of these Hybrid batteries is not that expensive compared to Teslas High Voltage (HV) battery. A Tesla HV battery costs $15,000 to $20,000, whereas a Toyota Hybrid costs $4,000.

Multiple tutorials on YouTube show how to change the Toyota Prius Hybrid battery. As Toyota has been making Prius since 1997, thus, few vehicles out there need the Hybrid battery replacement. However, the number is relatively low.

Here are two videos on YouTube that shows one can change the Prius Hybrid battery under 15 minutes:

However, one will fail to find a single video that shows the replacement of RAV4, Camry, Corolla, Avalon, Sienna, or Highlander Hybrid battery. Even though these vehicles are almost 10 years old, except for a few, there are no significant reported issues with these hybrid systems. It shows how reliable Toyota Hybrid batteries are.

What is Hybrid Battery Core Charge?

Toyota is one of the most transparent and DIY-friendly car companies. Every Toyotas genuine parts are readily available from their website at https://parts.toyota.com/. One can check the current price of any car parts at this website.

One thing that will pique your interest is that alternators, Hybrid batteries, etc., have a core charge. For example, for a Hybrid battery, its around $1350. However, its not unique to Toyota. Every manufacturer and parts seller has this core charge, from Tesla and Honda to Autozone and NAPA.

This core charge is refundable (this charge is due to government regulation.) A buyer pays the core charge while purchasing a new car part, for example, a hybrid battery. But the seller will refund the core charge once you return your old, broken car parts, for example, the old hybrid battery. Its why if you change your hybrid or EV battery at a dealer, they will not give you your old hybrid battery.

Bottom Line:

• The bottom line is that a well-maintained Hybrid battery would last more than 14-15 years.
• Every Toyota Hybrid battery comes with a 10 Year 150,000 miles warranty.
• Hybrids help to save thousands of dollars on gasoline costs.

How Long Do Toyota Highlander Hybrids Last? (Solved)

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers the versatility to drive using either electric energy or a combination of gas and electric.

Launched in 2006, it was Toyotas first hybrid SUV and one of few hybrid SUVs on the market that offers third-row seating.

In this article, well take a closer look at the Highlander Hybrids average lifespan.

Here is the short answer to how long the Toyota Highlander Hybrid lasts:

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid should last at least 200,000 miles and can even last over 300,000 miles with routine maintenance and conservative driving habits. If you drive 15,000 miles per year, you can expect 20 years of reliable service from your Highlander before repair costs become too expensive.

How Many Miles Can You Expect from a Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has been on the roads for close to two decades and has proven to be a very reliable family vehicle.

We expect a well-kept Highlander Hybrid to last a very long time given Toyotas reputation for reliability and their extensive experience in developing hybrid vehicles.

Several owners on the Toyota Nation forum have cruised past 300,000 miles in their Highlander Hybrids while still using the original battery.

Throughout its different generations, the Highlander Hybrid has shared the same engine, as well as many of its hybrid components, with the Camry Hybrid.

The Camry Hybrid is a popular choice among taxi fleets because it can rack up hundreds of thousands of miles with only basic maintenance, so you can expect the same level of durability from the Highlander Hybrid.

Newer Highlander Hybrids sold from 2020 onwards also benefit from Toyotas 10-year/150,000-mile hybrid battery warranty, while older models got an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty.

This gives you additional peace of mind if youre planning on keeping your Highlander Hybrid for many years to come.

Toyota hybrid batteries are also quite easy to replace with many aftermarket options costing only around $2,000.

Even if your Highlander Hybrid is already out of warranty, keeping it on the road wont cost you an arm and a leg.

Does the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Rust Easily?

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is not known to have excessive rust or corrosion issues. Its a very popular winter vehicle due to its ground clearance and all-wheel drive capability despite this, rust issues are not very common even in rust belt states where salt is heavily used on the roads.

We did find a few owners saying that their 2nd generation Toyota Highlanders have developed corrosion issues in the following areas:

• Rear lift gate
• Door handles

The good news is that these are cosmetic issues that dont affect the drivability or structural integrity of the vehicle.

All new Toyota Highlander Hybrids are also covered by a 60-month/unlimited mile Rust-Through warranty.

Some surface rust on different body panels and especially on the underside of the vehicle is normal in any vehicle once they have a couple of years on them.

If you are looking to buy an older Highlander Hybrid, its best to check the underside of the vehicle and the suspension components for excessive corrosion.

The best way to keep your Highlander rust-free is to wash it regularly, including the underside, especially after exposure to salt.

What is High Mileage for a Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

A Toyota Highlander Hybrid with 100,000 miles can already be classified as a high mileage vehicle. At 100,000 miles, the battery warranty will have already expired which can significantly add to your initial purchase price if it turns out to be defective.

If its a 2020 or newer model, you can take advantage of the longer 150,000-mile battery warranty.

A properly maintained and well looked after used Highlander Hybrid will certainly have many more years left in the tank but many wear items, such as the shocks, wheel bearings, brake rotors and belts, among many other parts, will need to be replaced around the 100,000-mile mark.

Keep in mind, a lot of these are relatively minor repairs, so a high mileage Highlander Hybrid can still be a great investment.

When buying a used Toyota Highlander Hybrid, always consider the following:

• Maintenance history. Check that the car was properly serviced and the owner can provide evidence of this.
• Get a second opinion. Have it checked by a Toyota dealership or an independent repair shop with a good reputation.
• Check the CarFax. This doesnt guarantee anything but it will provide a clearer picture of wear-and-tear. Ensure it has minimal damage, if any, and has not been involved in a major accident.
• Number of previous owners. As a general rule, less is better. More owners usually means more wear-and-tear. A one-owner car thats been regularly serviced on time is less likely to have issues and nasty surprises.
• How long you are planning on keeping the car. If youre planning on keeping the car for a long time, you should evaluate whether the short-term savings outweigh spending a bit extra on something newer and more reliable.
• Examine the interior. The condition of the interior tells the story of how well the car was maintained and cared for. Does the steering wheel, pedals or shifter look suspiciously new? If so, theres a good chance that the car was very heavily used, and those parts were just replaced before it was put up for sale.

How Long Does the Highlander Hybrid Last Compared to its Rivals?

Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs. Kia Sorento Hybrid

Kia has been making the midsize Sorento SUV since 2003, but the hybrid version was only recently introduced in 2021.

The South Korean automaker doesnt have as much experience with hybrid vehicles as Toyota, but its enjoyed a pretty solid reputation for reliability for over a decade.

Since there are not that many high mileage Kia hybrids on the road today, we remain conservative with our mileage estimates for the Kia Sorento Hybrid.

We expect the Kia Sorento Hybrid to last 200,000 300,000 miles or 13 20 years, which is a little less than the lifespan of the Highlander Hybrid.

• RepairPal gave the Toyota Highlander and Kia Sorento the same reliability rating of 4/5.
• The Kia Sorento has a slightly higher average annual repair cost of $533 compared to only $489 for the Highlander.
• Kelley Blue Books consumer rating index gave the Highlander Hybrid a higher reliability rating of 4.9/5 compared to the Sorento Hybrids 4.5/5.
• Edmunds consumer reviews gave the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid an overall rating of 4.1/5 which is almost the same as the Highlander Hybrids rating of 4/5.
• J.D. Power gave the Kia Sorento a Quality & Reliability rating of 77/100 which is much lower than the Highlanders rating of 82/100.

The Kia Sorento Hybrid uses the same engine and many of the hybrid components used in the Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai Santa Fe.

However, both Kia and Hyundai dont have as much of a track record for their hybrid vehicles, and their long-term reliability has yet to be seen.

The Sorento Hybrid is much cheaper than the Highlander Hybrid, but Kias suffer heavily from depreciation compared to Toyota which has healthy resale values.

Reviews also tip the scales in the Toyota Highlander Hybrids favor if youre looking to keep the vehicle for a very long time.

You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Kia Sorento Hybrids Last?

Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs. RAV4 Hybrid

The RAV4 Hybrid is the smaller brother of the Highlander Hybrid.

The RAV4s hybrid variant was only recently added to the lineup in 2016. It uses the same engine and shares many hybrid components with the Highlander.

The RAV4 Hybrid should have the same longevity as the Highlander and can last over 300,000 which translates to over 20 years.

• RepairPal gave the RAV4 and Highlander the same reliability rating of 4/5.
• The RAV4 has a slightly lower average annual repair cost of $429 compared to $489 for the Highlander.
• Kelley Blue Books consumer rating index gave the Highlander Hybrid a much higher reliability rating of 4.9/5 compared to the RAV4 Hybrids 3.3/5. The RAV4 Hybrid has significantly more reviews though and many of the 1 star reviews are not related to reliability.
• Edmunds consumer reviews gave the 2021 RAV4 Hybrid an overall rating of 4.1/5 which is almost the same as the Highlander Hybrids rating of 4/5.
• J.D. Power gave the RAV4 a Quality & Reliability rating of 74/100 which is much lower than the Highlanders rating of 82/100.

The RAV4 Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid will have similar lifespans.

The RAV4 Hybrid is much cheaper when looking at base models, but the gap becomes closer as you move up the range.

The choice really boils down to what youre looking for in an SUV.

If you need the space and passenger capacity, the Highlander Hybrid is a no-brainer.

You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Toyota RAV4 Hybrids Last?

Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs. Ford Explorer Hybrid

The Ford Explorer Hybrid is a new model that was only released in 2020.

Ford has had a lot of experience with hybrid drivetrains and produced the first-ever hybrid SUV with the Escape.

Given Fords slightly lower reputation for overall reliability, we predict the Explorer Hybrids average lifespan to be around 200,000 300,000 miles or 13 20 years.

• RepairPal gave the Ford Explorer a lower reliability rating of 3.5/5 compared to Highlanders rating of 4/5.
• The Ford Explorer has a much higher average annual repair cost of $732 compared to $489 for the Highlander.
• Kelley Blue Books consumer rating index gave the latest generation Ford Explorer a much lower reliability rating of 3.7/5 compared to the Highlander Hybrids 4.9/5.
• Edmunds consumer reviews gave the 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid an overall rating of 4.3/5 which is slightly higher than the Highlander Hybrids rating of 4/5.
• J.D. Power gave the entire Ford Explorer lineup a Quality & Reliability rating of 81/100 which is almost the same as the Highlanders rating of 82/100.

The 2020 release of the latest generation Ford Explorer saw a lot of issues that needed sorting out. However, quality control seems to have vastly improved with later model years.

Aside from being more expensive than the Highlander Hybrid, the Explorer Hybrid will likely require more upkeep as it gets up in age.

With the Highlander Hybrids outstanding track record, it is most certainly a safer bet if youre concerned about long-term reliability.

You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Ford Explorer Hybrids Last?

Comparison Chart

* Ratings for entire model range (not specific to hybrid models)

Is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Reliable?

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is an extremely reliable vehicle that requires minimal upkeep.

A long-term study conducted by iSeeCars concluded that the Highlander Hybrid has a very high chance of surpassing the 200,000-mile mark.

It was also the only hybrid SUV that was able to make its list of long-lasting vehicles.

The Highlander also benefits from Toyotas extensive experience in developing hybrid vehicles.

It has spent over 20 years perfecting its Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) and has consistently been a market leader in hybrid sales throughout this time.

Here are some other reviews that further prove the Highlander Hybrids reliability:

• Kelley Blue Book consumer reviews gave the latest generation of the Highlander Hybrid an outstanding 4.9/5 for reliability.
• J.D. Power gave the Highlander Hybrid a Great Quality & Reliability rating of 82/100. It also gets second place overall in the midsize SUV category.

Reliability Compared to Other SUVs

The Best and Worst Years for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid has been on the market for over 15 years so its had its share of good and bad model years.

Worst Model Year

According to the CarComplaints database, the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the worst model year.

The 2008 Highlander Hybrid recorded the most number of complaints among all other model years and had the most occurrences of ABS failure.

2008 was the first year of the second generation Highlander and subsequent model years had significantly less ABS actuator failures.

Best Model Year

The latest generation Toyota Highlander Hybrid from 2020 onwards are the best model years.

It not only has better styling and updated features, but also delivers much better fuel efficiency compared to previous generations.

Related: 14 Best & Worst Toyota Highlander Hybrid Years (With Stats)

Model Year and Number of Complaints

Here is the total number of complaints on the CarComplaints database for every model year of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid so far:

What About Recalls for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has had 77 recalls in total since it was first released in 2006.

You can check if your Toyota Highlander Hybrid has been subjected to a recall campaign by entering your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the Toyota recall site or the NHTSA recall database.

It is important to note that recalls are manufacturing faults repaired at no charge to the consumer.

Here is the total number of recall campaigns for every model year of the Highlander Hybrid:

• 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 0
• 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 1
• 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 0
• 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 0
• 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 4
• 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 3
• 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 2
• 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 5
• 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 3
• 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 2
• 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 5
• 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 11
• 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 10
• 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 14
• 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 6
• 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 11

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Model Year List

The Highlander Hybrid was first introduced in 2006 and is currently in its fourth generation.

First Generation (2006 2007):

• 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Second Generation (2008 2013):

• 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Third Generation (2014 2019):

• 2014 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Fourth Generation (2020 present):

• 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Toyota Sienna Hybrids Last?

Is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Expensive to Maintain?

The Highlander Hybrid is very inexpensive to maintain and only costs an average of $489 per year, which is the lowest in the midsize SUV segment.

According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost for a midsize SUV is $573 while the average for all vehicles in its database is $652.

How Long Do the Brakes Last?

The Toyota Highlander Hybrids brake pads should last up to 100,000 miles with normal use. The brake rotors can also last between 150,000 200,000 miles before they need replacing.

The Highlander Hybrid uses regenerative braking to charge the battery when you take your foot off the gas.

This system also slows down the vehicle considerably so you dont need to use the brakes as much extending the life of the pads and rotors.

There have been reports of early generations of the Highlander Hybrid, specifically the early 2nd gen models experiencing ABS failures after several years.

This can cost around $3,000 $4,000 to repair if it hasnt been addressed yet by the special extended warranty offered by Toyota.

How Long Do the Tires Last?

The Toyota Highlander Hybrids factory tires can last 30,000 to 40,000 miles or around 2 to 4 years.

They can wear out much sooner depending on road conditions, driving habits, climate and maintenance.

Here are a couple of tips that will help you preserve the life of your tires:

• Rotate tires every 5,000 miles to ensure even wear.
• If you drive on rough roads or regularly launch the car and slam on the brakes, your tires will take more of a beating.
• Check your tire pressure every few weeks to make sure theyre at the correct tire pressure.
• Check your wheel alignment every 6 months.

Lower tread-wear tires wear out much sooner but provide much more grip.

How Long Do the Transmissions Last?

The third and fourth generation Toyota Highlander Hybrid use eCVT or Electronic Continuously Variable Transmissions.

Toyotas eCVTs are pretty bulletproof and last much longer than traditional CVTs or even traditional automatic transmissions.

You can expect to get at least 500,000 miles out of the Highlander Hybrids transmission.

The first and second generation Highlander Hybrids use traditional automatic transmissions which can still last well over 200,000 miles as long as theyre properly looked after.

How Long Will the Toyota Highlander Hybrids Electric Motors Last?

The Toyota Highlanders hybrid motors can easily last over 500,000 miles.

The Highlander uses the same hybrid powertrain as the Camry Hybrid which are known to last hundreds of thousands of miles in taxi fleets and delivery vehicles.

Failures with Toyotas electric hybrid motors are very rare and shouldnt be much of a concern.

How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?

The Toyota Highlander Hybrids spark plugs should be replaced every 120,000 miles or every 12 years, whichever comes first.

The Highlander Hybrid uses iridium spark plugs which have a much higher service life than traditional spark plugs.

How Long Do Toyota Highlander Hybrid Batteries Last?

The Toyota Highlander Hybrids high-voltage batteries can easily last well over 200,000 to 300,000 miles.

Many Toyota hybrids have even gone past the 300,000-mile mark using their original batteries, so you shouldnt be worried about premature failures or issues.

If you do need to replace the hybrid batteries out of warranty, there are lots of aftermarket replacements available that only cost around $2,000.

This is a relatively small price to pay to extend the life of the vehicle, especially when you compare it to the price of EV batteries which cost at least 5 to 10 times more.

What About Insurance Costs?

According to Insuravizs estimates, the Toyota Highlander costs an average of $1,638 per year or roughly $137 per month to insure.

Insurance costs can vary from person to person, so be sure to shop around to find the best possible deal for your Highlander Hybrid.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Toyota Highlander Hybrid

• Practice smooth and safe driving habits..
• Keep up to date with factory-recommended maintenance.
• Use quality parts and fluids.
• Keep on top of repairs to prevent them from developing into larger problems.
• Regularly wash your Highlander Hybrid to remove dirt and grime to protect the paint and undercarriage from rust.
• Keep your Toyota Highlander stored in a garage to help protect it from the elements.
• Read the owners manual to learn the location of important components, what your Highlander needs and in what quantities, and to understand the symbols and dashboard warning lights.

Sources

https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/highlander

https://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/highlander

https://www.kbb.com/toyota/highlander-hybrid/

https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/highlander-hybrid/2021/consumer-reviews/

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2021/toyota/highlander

https://www.iseecars.com/longest-lasting-cars-study

https://insuraviz.com/vehicles/toyota/toyota-highlander-insurance/

• Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...

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