2008 Toyota Highlander

Options available on the base Highlander include a two-row seating package that eliminates the standard third-row seat, manual rear heating/air conditioning for the second and third rows, a cargo-area tonneau cover and a tow-prep package. Stepping up to a Sport or Limited brings a much broader spectrum of add-ons, most notably front dual-zone automatic climate control (standard on Limited), automatic rear air conditioning, multi-stage heated leather front seats, power moonroof, rear-seat entertainment system, power liftgate and a navigation system with premium audio, voice activation and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

Power and Handling

Conventional Highlanders are well motivated by a new 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 driving the front wheels through a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with selectable manual shift control. That is 55 horses stronger than the previous model's 3.3-liter V6. Hybrid models (base and Limited) marry a 209-hp 3.3-liter V6 to a 45 kW electric motor to deliver an equivalent 270 horsepower through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, while a second electric motor powers the rear wheels to provide 4wd.


We drove our test Highlander Limited 4x4 in intermittent rain on alternating wet and dry asphalt and found it highly stable through the turns. Informal zero-to-60 miles-per-hour tests were consistent at 7.9 seconds. Except in its still-difficult-to-access third row, the Highlander's seating was roomy and comfortable and its ride, handling and braking excellent. Indicated fuel economy on the top-center dash display was 20.0 miles per gallon (lightly loaded) over a mix of suburban and freeway driving, fell to 19.2 following our test runs, then worked its way back to 20 during a road trip. The read-out resets after refueling but apparently can't be manually reset. Around-town driving delivered a somewhat disappointing 16 miles per gallon.


We applaud the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, which integrates all of the Highlander's dynamic control systems with its electronically controlled throttle and brakes to enhance traction, braking and handling. It can even anticipate tire slippage before it occurs, Toyota says. Other handy electronic chassis features include Hill-Start and Downhill Assist Control, the former to prevent rolling backward from a stop on steep uphills, the latter to control downhill speed (on non-hybrid 4wd drive models) during slippery descents. The steering even gets some automatic assist to offset the pull to one side that occurs when braking on unequal-traction surfaces, and a "corner braking" feature actually helps the driver steer in the direction that offers the greatest stability in an unstable situation.


If a midsize CUV with an optional third row tops your wish list, take a good look at this one. It's neither too big nor too small, it's feature-laden, and it should be reliable for many years. (www.toyota.com)