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2008 Toyota Highlander

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Summary

The Toyota Highlander is completely new for 2008. After seven successful model years, the Toyota Highlander has been redesigned and re-engineered to enhance its strengths. The 2008 Toyota Highlander is larger than its predecessor in every dimension. The 2008 Toyota Highlander is an even better people mover than its predecessor. Getting in and out of the first two rows is easy, and Toyota provides both a walkthrough and a fold and slide forward second-row seat to ease access to the third row.

2008 Full Review

The Highlander is moving slightly upmarket for 2008. The standard 3.5-liter V6 is larger and dramatically more powerful than last year's engine. Front-wheel-drive Highlanders get 18/24 mpg City/Highway. All-wheel drive models are rated slightly lower at 17/23 mpg.

Hybrid models keep the same 270-hp gas/electric power train as the 2005-07 models. The hybrid also provides smooth, plentiful power. The hybrid powertrain is rated at 27/25 mpg City/Highway. Highlanders come standard with front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive available for customers who want all-weather capability and enhanced safety. Hybrids come standard with all-wheel drive.

The Highlander is based on the architecture of the Toyota Camry midsize sedan. As a result, the Highlander offers a quiet cabin and a luxurious ride quality.

Trims and Styling 2008

The 2008 Toyota Highlander comes in base, Sport and Limited trim levels, each with front- or all-wheel drive. The two Hybrid models are base and Limited, and both are offered only with all-wheel drive.

Highlander comes standard with air conditioning; cloth upholstery; three-row seating for up to seven passengers; a 40/20/40 second row seat with a removable center section that can be stowed under the first-row center console; a fold-flat third row; AM/FM/CD with six speakers and MP3; power windows, door locks, and mirrors; remote keyless entry; cruise control; variable intermittent wipers; rear defogger with variable intermittent wiper; rear spoiler; tilt/telescope steering wheel; and two front and one cargo-area 12-volt power outlets; fog lights; 245/65R17 tires on alloy wheels.

Hybrid models get Toyota's Smart Entry System that includes keyless entry and starting, a 3.5-inch multifunction display screen that includes a rear backup camera, a clock, tire-pressure display, air conditioning readout, and outside temperature and trip computer information, in addition to all the hybrid-related features. Also, base Hybrids come standard with two seating rows; the third row is optional.

Sport models add 245/55R19 tires, sport-tuned suspension, opening rear glass, a rear tonneau cover, cargo area levers to fold the second-row seats, and the multi-function display.

Limited models lack the Sport's sport-tuned suspension, but have all of its other features plus foldable power outside mirrors with puddle lamps, leather upholstery, 10-way power adjustable driver seat and four-way power front passenger seat, front dual-zone automatic climate control, and Homelink universal transmitter.

Limited Hybrid models add to base Hybrids 245/55R19 tires, opening rear glass, rear tonneau cover, power rear door, three-row seating, leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for the audio system and multifunction display, cargo area levers to fold the second-row seats, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat.

Options include leather upholstery, a navigation system, front dual-zone climate control, automatic rear air conditioning, heated front seats, upgraded JBL audio with nine speakers and a Bluetooth hands-free cell phone link, sunroof, power rear tailgate, rear DVD entertainment, and a towing package that gives the Highlander a 5,000-pound tow rating.

Safety features on all models include dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags for thorax protection, head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows, a driver's knee airbag, active front headrests, tire-pressure monitor, antilock brakes, traction control, antiskid control, and hill-start assist. Hill descent control is standard on AWD models.

At 188.4 inches overall, the 2008 Highlander 3.8 inches longer than the pre-2008 models. Highlander fits in the middle of Toyota's three-pronged midsize SUV lineup. Highlander's all-wheel-drive systems are designed for taming slippery pavement and wintry conditions, not for climbing rocks and traversing rough terrain.

The design of the Highlander is cleaner than that of the pre-2008 models. Available 19-inch alloy wheels add to the more muscular stance. Alloy wheels come standard, so every Highlander looks well-equipped. Hybrid models are differentiated by blue-tinted lighting, a special grille, and unique alloy wheels.

Interior Style

Climb in the driver's seat of the 2008 Highlander and you'll see the fruits of Customer First. All but the base model have a 3.5-inch screen that displays trip computer and climate control information, as well as the image from the rear backup camera. Hybrid models have some exclusive interior touches. Displayed either on the multifunction screen or the navigation screen are Consumption and Energy Monitor information. The Highlander's elevated ride height and upright seating position give it that desirable SUV trait but with easier step-in. Head and leg room are generous in the first and second rows. Up front, the leather seats are comfortable. The second-row captain's chairs are comfortable, and the Highlander has a handy removable center seat that can be replaced by a center console. Either the center console or the center seat can be stowed beneath the front seat center console.

The third-row seat in the last-generation Highlander was nothing but an afterthought, fit only for packages or toddlers. Room is much better in this generation, aided by second-row seats that can slide forward.

First Drive 2008 Highlander

Get behind the wheel and you soon find that the 2008 Highlander is a pleasant family vehicle. Most notable is the ride quality, which is luxurious. Even with the available 19-inch wheels, the suspension smoothes all but the most jarring bumps. There is a bit of unwanted float on highways, though. Sport models and Hybrids have slightly more road feel, but are still quite comfortable.

The all-wheel-drive system in the gas models provides a full-time 50/50 front/rear torque split. Producing 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, it propels the Highlander front-drive models from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and all-wheel-drive models in 7.8 seconds. Called Hybrid Synergy Drive, it mates the 3.3-liter V6 with three electric motors to make 270 hp as well. Driving the Hybrid is different than driving a standard V6 model. The Highlander Hybrid is the first Toyota hybrid to offer an EV button in the United States. Hybrid models also have an ECON button that smoothes throttle response to improve fuel economy.