Tesla Model Y vs. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Tesla Model Y and Toyota Highlander Hybrid contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Tesla Model Y and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
When comparing the Tesla Model Y's and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model Y has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars and base engine power. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has the advantage in the area of resale value. Based on this comparison of the Tesla Model Y's and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Tesla Model Y is a better car than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
Pricing: A used 2026 Tesla Model Y ranges from $42,990 to $57,950 while a used 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is priced between $46,520 to $60,199.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Tesla Model Y loses 60.8 percent of its value and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid loses 38.1 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander Hybrid retains 22.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Tesla Model Y.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Tesla Model Y’s base engine makes 295 horsepower, and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid base engine makes 243 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Tesla Model Y and Toyota Highlander Hybrid are comparable in regards to rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Tesla Model Y and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
44990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
54633
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
44990 - 64380
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
48954 - 58841
Starting MSRP:
46820
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
48413
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
37800 - 60490
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
49191
Price Range:
42990 - 57950
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
49191
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
49191 - 49191
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
53080
Price Range:
46520 - 60199
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
51507
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
40518 - 65239
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
27705
Depreciation %:
0.6158051
Resale Value $:
17285
Residual Value %:
0.3841949
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
0.61589711
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Electric Compact SUVs)
0.6158051 - 0.69977334
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
18079
Depreciation %:
0.38612833
Resale Value $:
28741
Residual Value %:
0.61387167
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
0.38635449
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
0.32753242 - 0.55374955
Tesla Model Y Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Tesla Model Y
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
17.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.61
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.6006999209915365
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
2.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
2.2 - 7.9
Tesla Model Y Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 44Ranking
6 out of / 65Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
6 out of / 44Ranking
8 out of / 65Ranking
8 out of / 65Ranking
10 out of / 44Ranking
10 out of / 44Ranking
10 out of / 44Ranking
12 out of / 65Ranking
13 out of / 65Ranking
14 out of / 65Ranking
14 out of / 40Ranking
15 out of / 65Ranking
17 out of / 44Ranking
20 out of / 65Ranking
21 out of / 44Ranking
27 out of / 44Ranking
29 out of / 65Ranking
30 out of / 59Ranking
33 out of / 65Toyota Highlander Hybrid Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 36Ranking
4 out of / 36Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 36Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 14Ranking
11 out of / 14Ranking
11 out of / 14Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 36Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 36Ranking
22 out of / 36Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 28Ranking
26 out of / 36Summary Review
The Tesla Model Y is a two-row, five-passenger crossover. An optional third row with two jump seats is also available in some trims. Like every Tesla, it offers great performance bang for the buck, with acceleration that surpasses most gas-powered crossovers in its price range.
Summary Review
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the hybrid version of the Toyota Highlander, which is among the best-selling, top-rated SUVs in the 3-row segment.
Pros and Cons
- Roomier than its sibling the Model 3
- Optional third row
- Segment-leading range
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- No spare tire on any trim
- Few luxury features
- Some early reliability issues
Pros and Cons
- Class-leading fuel economy
- No disappointing base engine
- Legendary reliability
- Full suite of standard safety features
- Poorly-rated headlights on L, LE, and XLE trims
- Third row legroom less than competition
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Available Drivetrain Options
Hybrid
Tesla Model Y Trim Levels
Launch Series, Long Range, Performance
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Trim Levels
Limited, Limited 25th Edition, Platinum, XLE, XLE Nightshade
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
8 years / 120000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
295 hp
Torque:
309 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
243 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
357 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Battery Size/Capacity :
81 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
12 hours (240V)
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
35 / 35 / 35
MPGe:
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
599 / 599 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity:
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Standard
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.2 inches
Cargo Space:
33.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.4 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
155.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4184 lbs
Width:
83.8 inches
Height:
63.9 inches
Length:
188.6 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4515 lbs
Width:
76 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/45R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Diamond Black
Blue
Deep Blue Metallic
Gray
Stealth Gray
Red
Ultra Red
Silver
Quicksilver
White
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blueprint
Gray
Heavy Metal / Magnetic Gray Metallic
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Wind Chill Pearl
Green
Cypress
Interior Colors
Black
Black
White
Black and White
Beige
Not available
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
White
Not available
Beige
Harvest Beige
Gray
Graphite
