Toyota took a chance when it introduced the Highlander in 2001. As one of the first “crossover” car-based SUVs, it didn’t have the bold, muscular styling or off-road capability of popular truck-based SUVs such as the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, or even Toyota’s own 4Runner. But customers realized they didn’t need all that off-road capability, and they liked the Highlander’s car-like ride and reasonable fuel economy. The Highlander soon became one of Toyota’s core products.
Toyota is releasing the second generation Highlander in July as a 2008 model. While the basic carlike formula remains the same, the 2008 Highlander has grown up a bit, getting bigger and more powerful, and moving slightly upmarket.
The 2008 Highlander rides a 109.8-inch wheelbase and is 188.4 inches long overall. Those numbers are 2.9 and 3.8 inches longer than the last model. Cargo and passenger room are also increased, making the available third-row seat more hospitable for more than just toddlers.
Like the last Highlander, the 2008 model offers regular gas and hybrid engines and front- or all-wheel drive (AWD). In its move upmarket, the Highlander has shed its four-cylinder engine. The only standard gas offering is Toyota’s 270 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6, which replaces a 215-horsepower 3.3-liter V-6. The 3.5-liter is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Front-drive gas models get 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, AWD models get 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
The hybrid powertrain remains the same. It teams the 3.3-liter V-6 with three electric motors to make 270 horses as well. The transmission is a continuously variable automatic that constantly adjusts gear ratios instead of changing gears. The hybrid powertrain is rated at 27 mpg in the city and 25 highway on the highway.
Base, Sport and Limited models are offered in the standard Highlander, each with front- or all-wheel drive. The two hybrid models are base and Limited, and both are offered only with AWD. Gas models have a full-time AWD system with a constant 50/50 front/rear torque split. In hybrid models, the system is front-drive biased, the rear-mounted electric motor can kick in to deliver up to 25 percent of the available power to the rear wheels.
Three-row seating is standard on all but base model Hybrids. Sport models have firmer shock and spring settings and 19-inch tires instead of the base’s 17-inch tires. Limited models also have 19-inch tires, and the gas Limited also gets leather upholstery. A 3.5-inch multifunction screen and rear backup camera are standard on all but the base models.
Safety features on all 2008 Highlanders include dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows, 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.
Inside, the new Highlander has a more upscale look than its predecessor. Fit and finish is excellent, but the proliferation of hard plastic materials keeps the Highlander short of Lexus level. Those plastics are nicely grained and assembled with care, but they’re still plastics. The controls are easy to spot and they move with precision. Cup holders abound (there are 14), and there is plenty of small-item storage. If you don’t choose the optional navigation system, the image from the backup camera is projected on the multifunction screen. The image is quite small, but you can still see obstructions.
The seating position is upright and set high to give a good view of the road. The leather seats are comfortable, but my back felt a little sore after a few hours in the cloth seats.
The second-row captain’s chairs are also comfortable, and the Highlander has a handy removable second-row center seat that can be replaced by a center console. The area between the second-row seats can also be left open to provide a walkthrough to the available third row. Either the center console or the center seat can be stowed beneath the front row’s center console.
The last-generation Highlander’s third-row seat was fit only for packages or toddlers. Room is much better now, aided by second-row seats that can slide forward. Adults can now fit, but the seat cushion is set low, so it’s best for short trips. Access to the third row is easy from the passenger side, as the second-row captain’s chair flips and slides forward in one motion. The driver’s side chair doesn’t slide forward far enough to allow passengers to walk through. Both the second and third rows fold flat to open up a useful 95.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
The 2008 Highlander is a pleasant family vehicle from behind the wheel, with a notably luxurious ride and a quiet cabin. The suspension smooths out all but the most jarring bumps, and the engines are subdued. Handing, however is lacking. Steering is slow, and there is substantial body lean in cornering and braking. I prefer the Sport model’s slightly firmer ride because it doesn’t allow as much lean and is still comfortable.
The 3.5-liter V-6 is a pleasure, propelling front-drive Highlanders from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and AWD models in 7.8 seconds. The 3.5 V-6 is also buttery smooth, as is its five-speed transmission, which downshifts seamlessly to provide ample passing punch. All 2008 Highlanders can tow 5000 pounds, up 1500 pounds from the last generation.
The Hybrid version is slightly slower at 8.1 seconds 0 to 60 mph, but is more responsive off the line. Turn the key, and the Hybrid’s gas engine may not start. Rest assured, the vehicle is operational. The gas engine just doesn’t start until it’s needed. The gas engine also shuts off at stoplights, but it starts up again and gets you moving as soon as you step on the accelerator. Under the right conditions (full battery charge and proper coolant temperature), you can press the EV button and drive the Hybrid up to two miles at less than 25 mph on electric power only. The Highlander Hybrid is the first Toyota hybrid to offer an EV button in the United States.
Fans of the 2001-2007 Highlander will certainly like the 2008 model. It is bigger and more useful without giving up any fuel economy or comfort. Hybrid models return, which is a plus in these days of high fuel prices. Add to the mix Toyota’s reputation for reliability and resale value, and the 2008 Highlander is a wise choice for active families.
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