2008 Toyota Highlander

Toyota created the car-based crossover (CUV) by lifting the boring body off its Corolla sedan, replacing it with a tiny SUV-looking body and calling it RAV4. Honda quickly countered with its Civic-based CR-V. Then Toyota defined today's high-image CUV by grafting a rounded tall-wagon body onto its mid-size Camry platform to create the Lexus RX300. The Highlander that arrived in 2001 was the more affordable Toyota-brand version of that, and the Highlander Hybrid that followed in 2005 was America's first hybrid with available seating for seven. Now every major maker has a variety of CUVs in all shapes and sizes. So with increasingly stiff competition coming from all directions, it was time for Toyota to redo its Highlander.

Platform and Styling

These all-new 2008 models, like their recently redone little brother RAV4, are substantially larger, roomier and more powerful than the 2007s. Yet, Toyota is quick to point out, they arrive with slightly improved fuel economy even by 2008's new test procedures. Based on the new-generation Camry/Avalon architecture, the 2008 Highlander anchors the middle of Toyota's formidable seven-vehicle CUV/SUV range between the RAV4 and the full-size Sequoia and Land Cruiser. And, sharing the showroom with the rugged-truck SUV pair of 4Runner and FJ Cruiser, it is the brand's only midsize car-based CUV. Though still "midsize," it is expanded and improved in nearly every dimension, quieter and softer-riding. And the third-row seat (which the Lexus RX doesn't offer) is a bit more livable.


Styled in Toyota's California Calty Design studios, the 2008 Highlander "moves away from traditional SUV styling cues with a statement of strength instead of ruggedness, intelligence over toughness." Uh, okay. It is three inches wider and four inches longer on a three-inch longer wheelbase and a more cleanly sculpted shape compared to the previous model, yet it's still somewhat blocky and truck-like. The stance is wider, the ground clearance an inch higher and the suspension revised to accommodate 19-inch wheels and tires, and the underfloor is carefully designed to reduce aerodynamic drag.

Interior and Features

The more spacious interior is conservative yet functional and attractive. Nice touches include huge round knobs for radio and heating/air conditioning primary controls (easy to find and operate even with gloves in cold weather) and two deep console cupholders that can store a variety of other stuff while a second pair under a pop-up door accommodates drinks when needed. The steering wheel offers manual tilt and telescope adjustment and (on Limited models) excellent audio and AC buttons. The driver's seat manually adjusts eight ways, the front passenger's four ways, and the second-row seats recline and slide 4.7 inches fore-aft.


The base front-wheel-drive Highlander rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels and comes with halogen headlamps, AM/FM/CD MP3/WMA-capable six-speaker stereo, fold-flat third-row seat, tilt/telescope steering wheel, interchangeable Center Stow seat and center console and an aerodynamic rear spoiler. Standard safety features include seven airbags, stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution. The Sport adds 19-inch wheels and tires, a back-up camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-CD changer a 3.5-inch multifunction display and a bunch more. The top-of-the line Limited coddles occupants with full leather and woodgrain trim, power front seats, dual-zone climate control and a "smart" keyless entry and ignition system. Four-wheel drive models are available in all three grades.