Looking for used highlander hybrid under $30k

27-30MPG is about what you should expect from a Highlander Hybrid. Is 27MPG what your Sienna gets?

 

We had the original Sienna and loved it. After 100,000 miles it still looked great and ran like new, got 19/24 mpg (as it did when new) and used no oil. What a great car.

We bought a 2015 HiHy in September and love it. I got 30.7 mpg on my last tank of mixed city/highway driving (in AZ) with the A/C on all the time. It is only EPA rated for 27/28 mpg so we feel that 30+ is pretty good. I've probably averaged 30 mpg since we got it. My fishing club is in the Rocky Mountains, a 200 mile round trip from Denver at mostly 55 mph. I average 32.5 mpg on that trip, which includes going over the continental divide each way. So, in my experience, moderate speeds is the best way to maximize fuel economy.

The 2nd gen HiHy was rated at 28/28 and, as far as I can tell, has the same dimensions and drive train as the 3rd gen. We've seen low mileage 2nd gen HiHys selling in the $30ks on eBay and AutoTrader so you should be able to get one in that price range. For some reason they don't seem to hold their value like they should (given the premium you pay), which translates into a good deal on a used model. Part of the reason may be that the 2nd gens were available in lower trim lines while the 3rd gens are all Limited models.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

 

The 2015 nissan rogue can deliver this (or better) mileage for less money in an AWD (skibum is in New England) and 7 passenger package. New vs used is something that would weigh heavily in my decision.

 

"The 2015 nissan rogue can deliver this (or better) mileage for less money in an AWD (skibum is in New England) and 7 passenger package. New vs used is something that would weigh heavily in my decision."

Before we got the HiHy, we had a 2012 RAV4. It was about the identical size as the Rogue and had AWD (and a 4WD button). Our RAV4 had the 4 cyl engine, which was ample for our purposes. The RAV got less miles per gallon than the HiHy, about 22 in the city and 29 - 30 on the highway at moderate (65 or less) speeds. Our 3rd gen RAV4 was a great looking car and built very tough, IMO.

All 3rd gen HiHys are AWD; I believe all 2nd gen HiHys are as well. The rear wheels are powered by an electric motor so they engage instantly on demand. The HiHy has a 6 cyl (Atkinson cycle) engine and, combined with the electric motors, feels like a rocket when you step on the gas. Most important for us: the HiHy is much roomier, better appointed and much more comfortable. It's a night and day difference to us.

 

I would buy a hybrid Sienna in a heartbeat.

I only mentioned the RAV4 as I think it is similar in size and features to the Rogue.

The third row seat in the HiHy has limited leg room and, IMO, is only suitable for small children or short hops with adults. My third row has been folded down since day 1.

 

That's pretty exceptional mileage (over 30 mpg) and the age of the vehicle, tires, road conditions, altitude, season, etc are just a few of the factors. The 2nd gen Highlanders are very solid vehicles too and yes they are all 4WD as well. Mine has over 150k miles (got it for a steal because of that) and after rebuilding the hybrid battery it still gets well into the high 20's for MPG, but obviously that drops quite a bit in winter (when vehicle is warming up alot). There were 2 different trims for 2nd gens, base and limited (I have the base but later added limited wheels and nav, most assume it is a limited.......leather seats aren't fun in winter so I didn't want a true limited). You should have no trouble with the kids being larger, I'm 6'2 and the back seats are very comfortable to me. The Highlander Hybrids are still crazy expensive so I'm not sure the fuel economy outweighs the initial capital cost with gas prices going lower, but if you can get a used one then it begins to make alot more financial sense at that point. If finances are not a concern then I would just buy a new 2015, you definitely won't be disappointed.

 

That should be a great vehicle for you, good buy!

Are you getting that mileage even while preheating the car in the driveway before driving? (if so that's really good)