Drivers of the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will enjoy straightforward, logical instrumentation, unless they get a Limited model with the optional navigation system. In Highlanders sans navigation, the center dash features a stereo with simple knobs for power/volume, seek, scan, and tuning. The heating and air conditioning controls are equally simple, with rotary dials for temperature and fan speed, and clearly marked buttons for front and rear defrosters. Airflow settings are accessed via a “mode” button, which is fine, but we prefer dedicated buttons for pointing heat to our feet or a crisp breeze to our faces.

Some of the simplicity goes the way of the Dodo bird when the navigation system is added. With it comes a touch screen in the center dash that includes some radio and climate controls built in. Gone are the radio preset buttons and the temperature and fan speed dials. Should drivers choose not to use the steering wheel radio controls for volume, station select, and mode, they’ll need to tap an “Audio” button to the right of the center screen, and then search for the station of their choice.

The climate controls become even more cumbersome with the navigation system installed. An up/down button replaces the temperature dial, with the temperature setting displayed on the screen. However, since even the slightest bit of sunlight turns that screen into an indecipherable, washed-out mess, the interior temperature setting is often a mystery. It’s an annoying design that is no less irksome when a hybrid badge is attached. Furthermore, air flow and fan speed controls are buried within the navigation screen. Minus the integrated radio and climate functions, the navigation system is easy to use and works well.

Secondary controls, such as the power mirror switches, are where you’d expect. On the left dash is a button that turns on dedicated rear seat heater controls and the heated front seats on our Limited tester were activated with buttons located forward of the dash-mounted shifter. The driver’s window features one-touch automatic up and down, something not shared by any other windows or the power sunroof.

Utility comes in the form of ten cupholders and numerous cubbies. Adjustable cupholders are located between the front seats and in the second-row fold-down center armrest. Non-adjustable cupholders are built into the rear doors and third-row side panels. Storage includes a large glovebox, ashtrays in the front and rear of the center console, generous front and rear door storage pockets, an overhead sunglasses holder, and dual front seatback pockets. There’s also a recessed tray below the console with a dedicated power outlet, and a small compartment at the rear of the console.

Cargo capacity measures 10.5 cubic feet behind the third-row seat. That figure climbs to 80.6 cubic feet when the second- and third-row seats are folded. The liftover height is a bit high (upper thigh for our 5-foot-8-inch editor), but the cargo area includes tie down hooks, a power outlet and light, and our tester added a handy net that attached just inside of the tailgate. A full-size spare tire is stored outside under the cargo floor.