I agree that a diesel-hybrid would probably yield better mileage in city driving and would be more or less identical on the highway depending on the diesel (whether they were the same), but it might not be cost effective. Being that hybrids are more expensive than regular gas engines and diesels are also more expensive than regular gas engines, you're looking at a significant cost increase.
I've been seriously thinking about selling my 80 in the next couple years depending what happens in the domestic diesel market. I ran a spreadsheet today looking at fuel savings of gas and diesel. Depending on fuel prices and mileage of the vehicle, I found that over 10 years a diesel should cost somewhere between $10,000 to $25,000 less to operate, making it a financially wise decision to invest in a slightly more expensive diesel vehicle. I'd expect a diesel Toyota to run $3-5 thousand more than gas models based on other diesels.
However, a hybrid Highlander starts about $9 thousand more than a gas version. If a diesel hybrid cost similarly, it might be over a $12 thousand difference.
Additionally, I am somewhat concerned about the long term durability of hybrids. While properly maintained diesels (and even not so properly maintained ones) are known for longevity, that remains to be seen with hybrids.
Since I don't live in an urban area, it doesn't make sense to me to possibly negate any net savings by spending more on a diesel-hybrid. However, I do agree that from a purely fuel-effeciency view point, a diesel-hybrid, shoot, make it one using flywheel energy storage (
250 mpg plug-in hybrid), would be superior. In the short term, I'm probably going to go diesel on my next Toyota (should Toyota choose to cooperate).