It is. The Highlander Hybrid is near imperceptible when the engine starts. Only thing that gives it away is the sound.I would also expect it to be much more smooth and less annoying in a hybrid. I've only driven ICE-only vehicles with start-stop.
You’re describing Toyotas current hybrid drive technology. The EM provides the smoothest acceleration you’ve ever felt and the engine fires up at a certain mph to take over. It really is outstandingVery good point about the hybrid. If the EM can begin the acceleration while the ICE fires up there should hypothetically be no detectable lag if the software is on point. I'd be fine with that.