I am in the market to buy a brand new toyota highlander that we wanna keep for minimum 15 years- (family car.) should I buy the 4cyl hybrid or go with the V6? how reliable are the hybrids and the battery packs and the CVT that comes with it? or should I go with the V6 with the 8 speed transmission? Thanks Scotty
Get the V6 with 8 Speed AT and you will be happy for the coming years.
For reference, I have a 2004 Prius with 300K+ miles since the beginning. Had to change the battery around 275K miles. I had to replace both water pumps. Probably around 175K miles and 225K miles.
I use the Prius as comparison because it is very similar technology to the Hybrid Highlander.
You’d have to check your model specifically, but my understanding is that Toyota Hybrids don’t really use a CVT as we know it. They call it an eCVT, and uses a planetary gear set, rather than the conical gears in a CVT. IMHO, it functions more like an automatic and less like a CVT, kinda the best of both worlds. And so far, pretty damn reliable 300K+ miles later.
With that said, I would be confident in buying either. Most folks here will recommend the V6. It is the safer choice. Because it is tried and true technology.
I on the other hand would take a chance on the Toyota hybrid. It’s the only hybrid that has 20+ years of history to back it. And while there may be some problem data points here and there, overall their technology has held up pretty well.
Stick to a regular gas Highlander, especially since you plan to keep for 15 years. They will last longer than a hybrid version, and more mechanics can work on regular gas vehicles over hybrids. Regular gas vehicles have enough complexity as it is; going hybrid adds to that. Usually Toyota Hybrids can go 150,000 to 200,000 miles (generally, and even more than this) before battery replacement or something in the hybrid system (like generator) needs repair and that will cost $$$ when it occurs. Also, finding a competent mechanic that knows how to work on hybrids (out of warranty) will be a challenge and being a specialty expect to pay more for repairs; going to a dealer would be even more expensive as well (assuming they can even troubleshoot and fix correctly). I would stick to a regular gas version in your case for piece of mind, even though historically Toyota makes the best (and most reliable - in the hybrid class, anyways) hybrids.
Go V6, the Highlander Hybrids eventually turn into money pits after maybe 150 000-200 000 miles. The V6 engines can last forever, and while IMO the Toyota 8 speed tranny is not as smooth or refined in terms of shift quality as the old 6 speed, it gets the job done and helps with gas mileage.
