Review: 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

There are hybrids for many models, but nowhere are they more practical than in the gas-hungry SUV segment.

The Highlander Hybrid, is Toyota's effort to satisfy the transport needs of  families looking to save at the gas pump.

The  Highlander Hybrid  comes with a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine that works in conjunction with an electric motor to produce a combined 280 hp.

The electric motor gets power from regenerative braking and the gas motor. It kicks in when the SUV is cruising at low speeds, helping squeeze out better fuel economy.

EPA-rated at 28-mpg city and 28-mpg highway, the Highlander Hybrid gets better gas mileage than  the four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive Highlander's rating of  20 / 25 mpg.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid starts at just under $40,000, which puts in competition with the smaller but sportier Audi Q5, Cadillac SRX, and BMW X5.

Check out a full video review below.