It's that time of the year when you change your sleeping schedules, buy school supplies, and take the kids to school. I don't mind all the changes with the exception of waiting in lines when dropping off or picking up from school. And with dropping off and picking up high schoolers and one at junior high, I spend a good amount of time waiting in line/traffic. Matter of fact, I'm going to pick up my cousin -in-law at school at the moment. It's a routine you'd have to get used to, especially if you have a little one going to school for the first time. That's where the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE makes everything better and made the transition from summer to school easy, comfortable, and efficient.

School started for us last Monday the 21st of August and we were ready to get school started. We had spent a couple of days with the Highlander Hybrid already and were glad about the comfort, amenities and Toyota Safety Sense-P offered by the Highlander. My daughter isn't of school age just yet so I decided to take my sisters-in-law and cousin-in-law to and from school and start the week off in a new car! I also wanted to share and give insight to what hybrid technology is and how it is great for the world we live in. They had no idea what engines did and how they work, so this was new information and hopefully show them how green technology can help lower the vehicle emissions in our world. This is something I want my own daughter to see and understand. As someone that loves nature, animals, and ecosystems, I want to be a helping hand to the environment and contribute in any way possible. 





This does not mean I'm a tree hugger, but if I was, so what. I love big and loud combustion engines but there is also a side of me that feels the responsibility to teach those around me how we can preserve our surroundings instead of wishing someone would do something. The Highlander with Toyota Hybrid Technology, can reduce emissions and improve your gas mileage while driving around in the comfort of the 3 row , 8 passenger SUV. This is great for picking up kids from school, going on road trips, and moving things with 42.3 cu. ft of space with the 3rd row folded down and 83.7 cu. ft. witht the 2nd row down. We had the chance to put some of this space to good use as we prepared for Hurricane Harvey. This is a great vehicle for families and the optional 9" rear seat Blu-Ray DVD Entertainment system allows the kids and babies to watch their favorite movies and shows. This also comes with a remote and two wireless headphones. 

You may be wondering about the mileage I got since this is a Hybrid vehicle and here is what I found.
The EPA rating for the 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE is 29 City, 27 Highway, and 28 Combined. Over 400 miles I found that in a real life application with 40 percent city and 60 highway I managed to get 24 miles per gallon. I think the only way to get those mileage figures is if you use the battery power most of the time, which take you up to 20 miles per hour on battery charge alone. It's cool to use in traffic or slower speed areas. The difference between the non-hybrid model and this one is minimal but you do help the environment and it really helps when the gas is a bit on the expensive side. 

At the end of the day, I know the kids and my family had a great time going to and from school and learned a little bit about Hybrid technology and how the automotive industry is changing, in turn, leaving a positive imprint on this world.


You can see some of the Vlogs were we drove the Highlander and also read about all the specs and features down below!













2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD

Mechanical
- Toyota Hybrid System 3.5-liter V-6, 295 hp, 263 lb-ft;  total hybrid system output, 306 hp
- Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
- 3,500 Lb. Tow Capacity
- Front Independent McPherson Strut & Rear Double Wishbone Suspension
- Power Assisted 4-Wheel Disc Brake w/ Re-Gen
- 18" Alloys w/ P245/60R18 Tires
- Electric On-Demand AWD w/ Intelligence
- Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)

Safety & Convenience
- Toyota Safety Sense - P (TSS-P) : Includes Pre-Collision System w/ Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/ PD) , Lane Departure Alert w/ Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA) , Automatic High Beams (AHB), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Start Safety System : Driver adn Passenger Advanced Airbag System, Driver and Front Passenger Seat Mounted Side, Driver Knee, Passenger Seat Cushion, &  3 Row Side Curtain Airbags
- Smart Key; Alarm and Engine Immobilizer
- 2 Latch - Lower and Anchor Tether For Children

Exterior
- Smoked Chrome Auto On-Off Headlights; Foglights
- LED Tail And Stoplights
- Chromtec Roof Rails
- Front Wiper w/ De-Icer
- Adjustable Power Liftgate w/ Flip Up Rear Window
- Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof With Sunshade

Interior
- Seating For 8
- Leather Heated Front Seats
- 8-Way Power Driver Seat w/ Lumbar
- 4-Way Passenger
- 3rd Row 60/40 Split Folding Seats
- Integrated 2nd Row Side Window Shades
- Backup Camera w/ 8" Display
- Entune Premium w/ 8" Touchscreen ; Navigation,AM/FM/CD/MP3/AUX/ USB/ HD & SXM 3 Mo. Trial, Bluetooth Phone/Music, App Suite
- 4.2" Multi-Info Heads Up Display With Vehicle Information
- 5 USB Ports / 3 Front - 2 Back
- 3 - 12V Outlets
- 1- 120V Outlet
- Roll Top Console Arm Rest
- In-Dash Shelf
- Rear Seat Blu-Ray DVD Entertainment System w/ 9" Display, RCA Jacks, Remote, and 2 Wireless Headphones

MSRP: $41,330.00
Price As Tested: $44,080.00 




What's Your Favorite And Least Favorite About Back To School??