It takes a keen eye to recognize the subtle differences that separate the Hybrid from the rest of the Highlander lineup. Most of the uniqueness lies at the tail end, with 4WD-i and Hybrid Synergy Drive tailgate badges, a piece of chrome trim above the license plate frame, and brighter LED taillights. Other exterior tweaks include unique 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome grille accents, and an extra air inlet in the front bumper. The Highlander is an SUV that is visually bland, offering neither cutting-edge styling nor unusual dimensions. It is literally the Toyota Camry of the sport-ute world, and the addition of the hybrid powertrain does little to change that. It is a far stretch from Toyota’s other hybrid, the Prius, which features more contemporary, and potentially polarizing, styling.

Like the exterior, interior design is nearly identical to that of the regular model. Our 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited wore attractive tan leather, complemented by tan and brown dash and door panels with matching grain patterns. Chrome accents were added to the door handles, the shifter, and the Toyota emblem on the steering wheel. Additional touches included a silver instrument panel, alloy sill plates on each doorframe, and woodgrain trim that looked too cheap for our tastes. Chintzy walnut aside, the interior’s material quality was typical Toyota, with soft leather on the seats, shift knob, and steering wheel; padded door sills; and matte-finished, hard plastics reserved for the center console, lower doors, and dash. We noticed a few rough edges on the corners of the dash, and a few dash panels that didn’t sit totally flush. The headliner was hard with a thin layer of fuzz. All interior parts were affixed securely, and we were unable to elicit any squeaks or rattles, even when bouncing about off road.