2008 Toyota Highlander Review discusses a CUV that holds nothing back.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

2008 Toyota Highlander Review

The Highlander is a midsize CUV that first appeared in 2001. Standing between the RAV4 and the 4Runner, the Highlander offers the SUV comparable space, but is based off of a car platform. A sport trim, as well as a hybrid version were introduced in 2006. The Highlander has won numerous awards, including Car and Driver's "Best Large SUV" in 2001 and J.D. Power's "Initial Quality Study Award" in 2002. The Highlander has been re-designed this year.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The 2008 Toyota Highlander improves on what was already one of the best midsize CUVs. Larger and more powerful than ever, it's nearly perfect. Everything about the Highlander screams excellence. Attributes include impressive safety scores, standard features and reliability.

What's New For 2008:

The Highlander has been completely redesigned for 2008. The most striking changes are its increased size, newly standard 270-hp V6 and an expanded third row. The exterior has a much bolder design.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the Highlander 5 stars in mechanical quality, 3.5 stars in design quality and 2.5 stars for performance and design. Problems with the first generation include faulty skid-control computers and engine noise. Three recalls were issued for air sucked into the master cylinder, possible nozzle breaks in crashes and faulty child locks. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Highlander earned 4.5 stars in government frontal crash tests and 5 stars in side tests. It earned perfect IIHS scores and is one of their 2008 "Top Safety Picks." Anti-lock brakes, hill-assist, full side airbags, a driver-knee airbag, and stability and traction control come standard. AWD is available.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Roomy & versatile
+ Reliable
+ Safe

Cons
- No standard CD changer
- AWD not standard
- Not an off-road vehicle

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Honda Pilot includes a CD changer, but has nearly 30 less hp and less payload capacity. The Chevrolet Equinox Sport lacks side airbags and has less carrying capacity. The Ford Edge SEL includes a CD changer and a six-speed transmission, but can't carry as much.

What Others Are Saying:

"Housewives and hipsters: your trips to the mall and to soccer practice are about to get a lot more posh. Toyota has redesigned its mid-size urban assault vehicle, the Highlander. Already quite a competent errand runner and road trip-mobile, this new Highlander has been improved in every way to perform those tasks with even more competence." - Automobile Magazine

"A full day's sample driving of the new Highlander over two land roads (and a bit of off-road) in central Arizona was hardly enough time to sample all of the new features (more details below). But some stand out: The quieter interior you notice right away, because this is not your typical SUV, with a cabin more akin to a mid-price sedan. Even with the lower overall height, the driver still gets the feeling of an SUV's higher seating-that 'I'm in control' position." - Popular Mechanics

"Subjectivity aside, the 2008 Highlander is a flexible flyer with ample appeal to freedom-loving urbanites. It even appealed to me, a single guy with as much use for an SUV as a duck has for an umbrella." - About.com

Read more about the 2008 Toyota Highlander at the Toyota manufacturer web site.

Published on Wednesday, January 2, 2008 - Email to a friend

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