Under the new 2008 standards, EPA estimates that the Toyota Highlander Hybrid will get 27 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. This is 10 mpg better in the city than the regular gasoline models will receive. Often, with a media preview of a new vehicle, it's wham, bam, thank you, ma'am. You're in, you have about an hour in the vehicles, and you're out.
But with the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, I was impressed before I even got behind the wheel. Then, after 10 minutes of driving, I was sold. I'm sure that I missed a lot of the quirks I'd pick up after a full week test, but I have to say my initial impressions are good. Very good. Good enough that I'm sending my parents to a Toyota dealership to check it out at the beginning of October when the hybrids hit the showroom floor.
2008 Highlander Hybrid
- 2WD option has been dropped
- Third-row seat standard
- Segment-leading total of seven airbags
- Chic new exterior design
- Blue gauge lighting, new grille and birch wood interior accents to distinguish Hybrid
- from gasoline model
- Hybrid System Indicator
- EV Mode
- ECON Mode
- Second-row Center Stow console
- Second-row one-touch levers, standard on Limited, available on base Hybrid
- Every dimension on the vehicle is larger
- 3.3-liter V-6 engine
- Increased output of Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain to 270 horsepower
My dad recently told me he wants a new vehicle to have around the house. One that can accommodate at least six passengers for when the whole family is home for Christmas. One that could occasionally haul plants home from the nursery or supplies back from Home Depot. And one that gets good gas mileage.
Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner.
New & improved
Toyota has worked really hard to improve a vehicle that was already pretty good. Since its introduction in 2001, the Highlander has sold about 800,000 vehicles. And though the Hybrid has only been around since 2005 when it was launched as a 2006 model, it's built up a following as well. Last year alone it sold 31,000 units, which is pretty good for a Hybrid.
For 2008, the Highlander moves away from a rugged visage to one that's more couture and upscale. In fact, as I was driving behind one during the preview, I had a distinct BMW X5 moment. The lines on the new Highlander are smoother, the taillights sparkle, and the overall profile is much more attractive. The only thing I didn't like was the plasticky silver Highlander badging above the license plate on the rear of the vehicle. I expected it to be metal or, at the very least, less cheap feeling.
There will be five trim levels for the 2008 Highlander. The gasoline Highlander has a base model and then uplevel Sport and Limited models. The Higlander Hybrid has a base model and a Limited model. The gasoline version will come both with both two-wheel and four-wheel-drive options (4WD), whereas the Hybrid drops the two-wheel-drive (2WD) option for 2008.
A feature I particularly appreciated in the new Highlander is the rear camera, which is standard in all but the base gasoline model. And the best thing is you don't need a pricey navigation system to get it. If you don't have the navigation screen, the rear view picture appears in the information screen in the center of the dash. While I wouldn't depend on any rear camera solely while backing up, it is a great feature that ensures there are no kid toys or their owners in the immediate vicinity of your rear wheels.
Hybrid-only features
The Hybrid has several features that distinguish it from the gasoline model in addition to the Hybrid Synergy Drive badging on the rear and side panels. The Hybrid will have blue meter gauges (instead of the red on the gasoline model), hybrid-specific grille and wheels and a birch wood grain for interior accents.
There are also a few unique technologies included on the Hybrid, which will help you save even more at the fuel pump. The first is the Hybrid System Indicator. This feature helps educate drivers on how to accelerate efficiently. As you press the accelerator, little bars show up on the gauge. They key is to drive in the three or less range to achieve maximum efficiency.
Another fuel efficient feature that anyone who has to drive in Chicago traffic will appreciate is the EV Mode. Under appropriate operating conditions (properly charged battery, warmed-up engine, etc.), this will allow the driver to stay in the electric-only motor longer in low speeds. In EV mode, the Highlander Hybrid can go about 25 mph for 3 miles without the gasoline engine. If you are in a situation when you need immediate and quick acceleration, however, EV Mode will automatically shut down and the gasoline engine will switch on without any hesitation.
The last technology is one that helps lead foots like me. ECON Mode effects throttle response. So if you are typically heavy on the accelerator, this will slow down and smooth out the electronic throttle control program. In other words, it helps prevent drivers from gunning it.
Hybrid motivation
Under the new 2008 standards, EPA estimates that the Hybrid will get 27 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. This is 10 mpg better in the city than the regular gasoline models will receive. With the above technologies, Toyota estimates that fuel economy should be even better.
The 2008 Hybrid will come with a 3.3-liter V-6 engine that delivers 208 horsepower. The total output, including power from the electric motors, 270 horsepowerￃﾱ the same rating received by the 3.5-liter V-6 in the gasoline-only Highlander.
I managed to get behind the wheel in both the gasoline and Hybrid models for a short stint at the preview, and I liked the feel and ride of the Hybrid better. It seemed smoother and quieter than the gasoline model.
Overall ride in both vehicles, however, was awesome. I liked my driving position, and didn't notice any awkward blind spots that would hinder visibility.
Flexibility rules
Even though this vehicle doesn't have adjustable pedals, it does have one of my favorite features: a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. I've found this lets petite drivers get closer to the pedals yet push the steering wheel away so that there's a good 10 inches of space between the driver and the wheel.
A lot of manufacturers tout vehicles with flexible seating. They mention easily flipping seats to allow passengers into a third-row seat or to lay the seats flat to load cargo in the back. They didn't mean it. I've tried various systems from various automakers, and I always end up huffing and puffing and standing on some part of the vehicle to get things the way I want them.
Toyota means it. To get the third row down, you simply pull one strap to lower the headrests and another strap to release the locking mechanism. Then you push it down.
It gets better. If you want to put the second row down, there are two little levers on the right side of the cargo area. Pull one, and the right seat goes down, pull the second, and the left one goes down. It's so easy that I could it with one hand. This feature is standard on the Limited and available on the base Hybrid model.
To get the seats back up is also relatively easy. With the third row, you just grab a strap on the back of the seat-- one that I can actually reach without climbing into the cargo hold -- and pull. No grunting, swearing or sweating involved. The second row requires a bit more effort, and you actually have to move around to the side of the vehicle. But it also requires minimal effort to get the seats back in their upright position.
It gets even better. Say you typically want captain's chairs in the middle row with a little console to hold your drinks. No problem. But then one day you have an extra passenger. No problem. This console comes out and can be switched with a center seat that is conveniently stowed in the front-seat center console. While making the switch during the preview, I was amazed at how light both the console and the seat are.
Once the center seat is locked into place, it comes complete with a three-point seatbelt. The seat fits me comfortably, and though Toyota insists it will fit larger adults, I'm slightly skeptical.
On and on and on
OK, so at this point I think it's obvious that I really liked the Highlander Hybrid. Toyota is the leader in hybrid technology, and each one of their vehicles seems to be better than the next. That's certainly true of this new Highlander Hybrid.
Pricing hasn't been released for the 2008 Hybrids, but the 2007 models with third-row seats came in at $34,430 for the base 4WD model and $36,550 for the Limited 4WD model. Since the gasoline model has price increases in every model, from $510 in the base 2WD to $1,940 in the Limited 4WD, I think it's safe to expect a similar increase in the Hybrid pricing. I'd place the new models in the $36K to $38K range.
The gasoline version is currently out in dealers, but you'll have to wait until the end of September or early October for the Hybrid. If you're in the market for a hybrid SUV, I think it will be worth the wait.
VIDEO: Jill's bloopers
