Toyota Highlander 2006 : Best Value Used Hybrid Truck / SUV On The Market

May 21, 2008. When you are buying a used hybrid truck or SUV, there are many factors to consider, including of course fuel efficiency, but also power, spaciousness and safety. We've found that the Toyota Highlander 2006 gives you the best overall package for a hybrid SUV. It's got incredible mileage for it's size and bulk, lots of room for up to 7 passengers, and will go from 0 to 60 in under 8 seconds. It's also a tried and true Toyota that will hold it's value well into 6 digits of mileage.

1. Best/highest SUV rating overall

The Toyota Highlander stands as the top-rated SUV in "Consumer Reports," rated higher than the Nissan Murano, or Pathfinder; the Ford Explorer (by a large margin); the Lexus RX-330/350; and the entire line of BMW and Mercedes.

2. Highest fuel efficiency in it's class

The Highlander gives you 268 horse-power of an 8 cylinder with the fuel efficiency of a 4 cylinder - what more could you want? It has an EPA fuel efficiency for the City: 18 – 22 miles/gallon and Highway: 24 – 27 miles/gallon. This efficiency is especially impressive despite being a relatively heavy 3,700 lbs of SUV.

3. Holds its value as a used hybrid SUV

The Kelly Blue Book value for a 2006 Highlander Limited Utility 4WD with 50,000 miles on it is $31,255 US. This not far off the typical $37,000 US retail price typically posted at dealers. Across all models, the MSRP is in the range of $24,530 - 39,290.

4. Spacious with lots of cargo room

This 7 seater has a decent amount of room for large families and friends to get onboard. Specifically, there's over 80 cubic feet with back seats down, and 40 cubic feet with seats up.

5. Excellent safety rating

Rated by Consumer Reports at a 9/10 in terms of overall safety, the Highlander is top of it's class once again. Well designed crumple zones in the front and rear, exceptional braking system, and even a upper and lower passenger side air-bag for extra peace-of-mind and injury reduction.