Used 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid for SaleNationwide

Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid a good car?

The 3/5 user rating and 7.33/10 expert rating point to a vehicle that lands in the middle of the pack overall, but the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a stronger case if you want a midsize hybrid SUV that feels well equipped and well priced. The overview frames it as a long-running hybrid SUV with a place in Toyota’s lineup that predates much of the segment, and the expert notes emphasize that it offers more than just fuel economy. The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10. With 42.0% of listings priced as good or great deals, the market gives you some room to shop carefully.

Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?

The overview presents the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid as part of a long-running hybrid SUV line, and the expert notes reinforce Toyota’s hybrid expertise with a powertrain that operates seamlessly and transparently. The performance write-up also points to a smooth start-stop transition, rare harshness and vibration, and a relaxed driving experience that suggests the mechanical package is well sorted. If you plan to keep one for the long haul, the main ownership risk is making sure the hybrid system and the rest of the vehicle have been maintained consistently before you commit.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

At 64% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle-history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on any example with bodywork, repainting, or inconsistent panel fit. Focus on overall condition rather than just mileage, since the market includes a meaningful number of cars with prior damage. If you’re comparing multiple listings, the cleanest history and the best maintenance records should carry extra weight.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Limited trim comes with almost everything, while the Platinum trim adds more luxury and driver-assistance equipment. The base setup leaves out some of the higher-end comfort and convenience features, so you should compare equipment carefully if you want the best value.
• Powertrain: The hybrid system pairs a detuned 3.5-liter V6 with two electric motors for 280 combined horsepower, and the rear electric motor gives the vehicle all-wheel drive. It is tuned for smoothness and efficiency rather than excitement, and the CVT can bring a high, sustained groan under heavy acceleration.
• Safety package: The Platinum trim gets the Driver Technology Package, which includes auto high beams, forward-collision alert with auto-braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Hybrid also comes standard with blind-spot monitoring and a backup camera.
• Infotainment: The system uses Entune with customizable multi-screen displays, live traffic and rerouting, voice control, and smartphone-connected apps. The tech package also includes a JBL GreenEdge stereo, though the sound quality is described as mediocre.
• Fuel efficiency: The hybrid is rated at 28 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, and the test loop returned close to 27 mpg.

Which 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid trim should I buy?

The 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is offered in 1 trim level: Limited.

Here's the short version:

Limited: This is the trim described in the data, and it comes with the most complete equipment set, including the upscale cabin materials, the infotainment setup, and the available driver-assistance content tied to the Platinum package. If you want the strongest mix of comfort, technology, and hybrid refinement, this is the one to target.

The Hybrid also comes standard with blind-spot monitoring and a backup camera, while the Driver Technology Package is reserved for the highest Platinum trim.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

This is a favorable time to shop if you want a used 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, because the market shows meaningful deal availability and a relatively small inventory pool that rewards quick, careful comparison.

• Deal availability: 42.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 100 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 64.0% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid safe?

The 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid earns a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The Hybrid comes standard with blind-spot monitoring and a backup camera, and the highest Platinum trim adds the Driver Technology Package with auto high beams, forward-collision alert with auto-braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The safety picture is strong, but the driver-assistance package is not standard across every trim, so you should verify exactly which features are included on any used example you’re considering.

Should I buy a 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 42.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 64% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• The 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid packs a lot more surprises than just fuel economy.

The bottom line: The 2016 model makes sense if you want a well-equipped hybrid SUV with strong safety credentials and a polished driving feel. If you’re shopping on a tighter budget, a nearby year with more trim variety may be worth a look, but the 2016 remains a solid choice when you find a clean, well-kept example at the right price.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.