Just In: 2008 Toyota Highlander
When the redesigned-for-2006 Toyota RAV4 hit the market after growing 14 inches in length and gaining an optional small third-row seat, it wasn't a big jump to assume that the Highlander would be growing bigger in its next redesign.
So, just like almost every other redesigned Toyota we've recently tested, the Highlander grew in many ways. Some increases were expected: this new Highlander is four inches longer, heavier by (a considerable) 450 pounds, and packs 40 more horsepower compared to the previous model. The third-row seat is larger than the tiny perch in the old car, too.
An unexpected growth strategy: the radio and climate knobs are now big enough to operate with your feet. With a graduate degree in ergonomics, I'm all for large and easy-to-see controls, but these are the size of Dixie bathroom paper cups.
There is lots of new content here, as well. Since Americans are growing in size (along with their cars, it seems), the Highlander Limited has equipment that helps fit them better. A telescoping steering wheel and power-adjustable seat cushion length adjustment are welcome additions, helping address a (excuse the pun) shortcoming of earlier Toyotas. The backup camera has a separate small dashboard screen so you don't need to buy a navigation system--a nice touch.
Will the Highlander follow in the steps of the RAV4, our top-rated small SUV, and its predecessor to reign atop the mountain of midsized, three-row SUVs on the market? We'll see when we test it alongside other redesigned or updated car-based SUVs that have recently been introduced: the Buick Enclave (which shares its platform with the high-scoring Saturn Outlook), Ford Taurus X (the renamed and repowered Freestyle), and Subaru Tribeca (a previously so-so scorer with a new nose and new engine).
We will post our first Toyota Highlander driving impressions soon at ConsumerReports.org.
Posted by: Cannot wait to read the driving impression and road test result! | Sep 20, 2007 10:48:32 PM
I am actively considering buying a car-based SUV and have been debating among Highlander Limited, Lexus RX 350, and MDX. I have my trust in ConsumerReports (as a web subscriber and regular hard-copy buyer) and I am sure your un-biased test results will help me make my purchase decision.
By the way, please do comment on the removable second-row middle seat and the fake wood in the Limited edition - my wife and I have contradicting opinions about these and want to hear experts' comments.
Thanks.
Posted by: Tom Mutchler | Sep 21, 2007 1:45:07 PM
Jury's out on the removable second-row middle seat. It is quite easy to remove and install, with slick storage under the front center console, and when removed that console would give a pathway for kids to crawl out from the 3rd row. But we'll see how comfortable it is for an adult to sit there and how well/if a child seat would fit in that spot.
As for the woodgrain - you're asking an engineer, and we're, ah, not known for being fashionable. :-) It looks somewhat matte and is on the reddish side of woodgrain. Guess it doesn't really bother me much.
About the others: RX only gives 2 rows of seats. MDX is more sporty to drive.
Posted by: Nilo Goodarzy | Sep 24, 2007 2:36:48 AM
I am debating between the Toyota Highlander and its Hybrid Version. I drive mostly surface streets and occasionally I do go on the freeways of Los Angeles. I need to drive an SUV because I have 3 small children and am not a minivan fan. I do not however want to contribute to the greenhouse effect by buying a huge gas guzzler, hence, the Hybrid. Which do you think I should buy? Does the Hybrid make sense for me?
Posted by: Guosheng Luan | Sep 24, 2007 2:13:28 PM
Tom,
I saw you reply my post in the car buying form, too. Thanks a lot. I always feel privileged that your auto experts directly answer MY questions and communicate with me. Just a quick question, when will the first Highlander driving impressions be posted? I know that the formal road test will not be available until late November, but I may not wait that long to pull the trigger…I just want to read anything CR says about Highlander, plus how it is compared to Lexus and MDX.
Posted by: ANDREW K.CARLSSON | Sep 24, 2007 3:26:45 PM
I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY AND MY FAMILY "SIZE" MEANS WE ARE TALL ! I AM 6'6"; MY SON IS 6'11" AND MY GRANDSON AT 12 YRS IS 6'4" AND GROWING !
I THOUGHT TO BUY HIGHLANDER BUT I HAVE BAD EXPERIENCE WITH PRESENTLY DRIVEN TRAILBLAZER GASGUZZLING 15M/GAL! HOWEVER BEING WITH CONSIDERABLY AMPLE LEGROOM.
HOW WILL YOU EXPECT THE HIGHLANDER TO HAVE LEGROOM, ESPECIALLY FOR DRIVER? AND WHAT ABOUT GASGUZZLING?
Posted by: Jerry D Cooley | Sep 24, 2007 3:33:04 PM
I am a retired aerospace engineering executive who purchased a 2007 Highlander Hybrid last October and offer the following insights to your readers:
1) After almost 9,000 miles of mixed city and interstate driving in my normally agressive style, I'm averaging between 24 and 25 MPG depending on the mileage mix with interstate driving doing better.
2) The Highlander is an absolute pleasure to drive having responsive acceleration, great handling, excellent braking, and with a surprisingly quiet cabin at high speeds.
3) It took a little getting used to how quiet the engine starts out, virtually silent in battery mode.
4) I chose the basic Highlander Hybrid over its much more expensive twin (Lexus RX350)and the non hybrid Acura MDX for two primary reasons after having exhaustive informational and comparison searches including Consumers Reports:
a. The Highlander Hybrid was a much better value when considering initial costs, projected maintenance, and resale value. The payback period for the hybrid premium cost over the standard V6 in my case was between 7 and 8 years depending on several variables. That trade would not be adviseable for someone trading vehicles every few years, say 3-5 years, unless going "green" meant more than just money.
b. If available, I would have purchased the upgraded Limited version with most of the bells and whistles (leather, backup camera, navigation, moonroof, etc.) which would have compared favorably with the RX350 and MDX and at a much lower cost which made the Highlander Hybrid hard to beat even if I had to accept the basic model.
5)I have had absolutely zero issues with the Highlander, nor do I expect any, based on my experience so far. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone interested in excellent performance, comfort, and a small contribution to our environment at a reasonable cost. If you're looking for pinache however and willing to pay for it, then go for the Lexus RX350.
Sincerely,
Jerry
Posted by: Tom Mutchler | Sep 25, 2007 9:31:43 AM
As noted, we should have a First Look posted shortly on the Highlander.
Nilo, we don't know mileage on the hybrid Highlander yet since we don't own ours yet. But as mentioned above, the previous hybrid Highlander got quite good mileage for its size of vehicle and the level of performance. The only gas-powered alternatives for hauling 3 kids that would give better mileage would be a Mazda5 (but you don't like minivans) or a four-cylinder family sedan.
Andrew, our resident tall driver reports decent legroom. But since proportions differ, there's no substitute for trying it out at the dealer (and bring the family!) Off the top of my head, the Saturn Outlook/GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave offers plenty of legroom and should get better mileage than the Trailblazer - but based on other 3.5-liter equipped Toyotas, I'd expect Highlander's mileage to be better.
Posted by: Tim Pham | Sep 27, 2007 3:47:09 PM
My wife and I were interested in the 2008 Highlander hybrid and last week we stopped by a Toyota dealer and looked at the gas engine 2008 highlander. We have three kids and we want our kids always seat in the 2nd row seat (third row is only used for special occasion). We were very disappointed with the middle seat of the 2nd row. it's too small. My wife seated on it and did not feel comfortable (We're small size people). We then went to a Lexus dealer near by and looked at the RX350. This lexus is listed narrower than the Highlander, but the middle seat of the 2nd is more comfortable. The bottom line is why did not Toyota make the middle seat of the 2nd row of the 2008 highlander a little more comfortable, at least like the Lexus RX350 since it's wider?
Posted by: Guosheng Luan | Sep 29, 2007 12:38:12 AM
Tim, did you look at MDX, too? Its second seat is wider and can seat three adults.
Posted by: Guild Shasta | Sep 29, 2007 9:14:11 AM
I just ordered a Highlander Limited. Should receive it in 10 days or so. The second row was the largest selling selling point for us. We have two young children. They will stay in car seats--not boosters--until they grow out of the largest 5-point harness seats, maybe when they are 7 years old. With car seats in the 2nd row, the 3rd row in most SUVs/CUVs is inaccessible. Having the captain's chairs in the 2nd row of the highlander give us access to that 3rd row when we need it. Only the GM Lambdas (outlook, acadia, enclave) and maybe the Volvo CX90 (if you have a mechanic remove the 2nd row console) or minivan were similar. We just couldn't justify getting a SUV/CUV with 3rd row that no one could get into without the hassle of removing a car seat each time.
As for the plood (plastic wood), I found the Highlander's to be among the better I've seen. I'd rather not have it at all, but it certainly wasn't objectionable.
Posted by: Thomas Albrecht | Oct 1, 2007 5:10:28 PM
I am interested in purchasing a 2008 Highlander Hybrid, but in my area there are long waiting lists at the dealer. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can more quickly purchase this car. Thanks.
Posted by: David Wheeler | Oct 23, 2007 2:38:01 PM
I am buying a gas 2008 Highlander before my companies fiscal year ends October 31, 2007. Just a warning to those people considering a GVW 6000 lbs truck tax write off on the Highlander. Beware the Highander Hybrid Basic only weights 5935 lbs. Toyota, why did that happen? I could not wait 12 more months for the tax break nor could I justify waiting and spending an extra $12,000.00 to buy the Green Highlander Hybrid Limited for $40.000+.
Posted by: Joanne Keller | Nov 1, 2007 2:52:07 PM
I would love to find a station wagon with an actual tailgate - just like they used to be. I dislike hatchbacks with a passion. Are there any station wagons made anymore with a tailgate? Thanks.
Posted by: Emily | Nov 14, 2007 4:39:32 PM
Does anyone know if a carseat can be installed on the middle seat of the second row of the 2008 highlander??
Posted by: jeannie | Nov 22, 2007 10:59:44 PM
I have the same question -- Does anyone know if a carseat can be installed on the middle seat of the second row of the 2008 Highlander??
Posted by: Jeff Bartlett - Consumer Reports | Nov 23, 2007 9:57:26 AM
Most child seats will NOT fit in the second-row center, and only front-facing seats fit in the third row.
The Highlander road test is in the January 2008 issue. It will also be posted online in about a week, along with the full tech report in the New Car Buying Kit.
The link in my Comment goes to the First Look for our initial impressions.
Posted by: newton | Dec 22, 2007 10:57:27 AM
If anyone has a good picture of the 2008 H.Highlander ice amethsyt mica please send to me, thank you.
ao_icban@hotmail.com
Posted by: Vince | Feb 20, 2008 4:44:16 PM
I have a new 2008 Highlander Hybrid Limited. Love the car, however, only 22 mpg so far after 550 miles. I'm not sure the Hybrid is worth the extra money.
Any other new owners have mpg results?
Posted by: jerry horton | Mar 7, 2008 9:46:23 AM
I have a 2008 Highlander--it is quiet,decent for size of car (V6), comfortable to drive distances, roomy, attractive.
I have an issue that I would appreciate feedback re: JVL radio system problems. Not consistently, but with increasing frequency, there is a crackling, and occasional loud "bang" with the radio turned off. The radio will be "garbled" when I then turn it on; as soon as the sound normalizes, the noises cease. Toyota replaced the amplifier. Can't seem to figure out why it continues to occur.
Posted by: Linda Finkral | Mar 11, 2008 10:28:21 AM
We have a 2008 Highlander which we like. We are having a serious issue with the power outlets. We run a Garmin Nuvi or our cell phone chargers on trips. It blows out the fuses. We replace the fuses and it blows them again. Can't count on using my Garmin when I desperately need it. It is so frustrating when traveling. Toyota is unable to figure out why. Had it in to Toyota three times. HELP.
Posted by: Lewis | May 4, 2008 10:07:07 AM
I have a 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport model without the third row seats. Does anyone know how to remove the second row seats completely? I'm not sure it's practical but I was disappointed that unlike minivans like the Honda and others, the second row seats are not easily removed for those times when the additional storage height is needed.
Posted by: Frank Armistead | Jun 2, 2008 4:36:04 PM
I've just driven my 2008 Highlander from the North Atlanta suburbs to Daytona Beach, FL, racking up 495 miles of 70+ mph on interstrates 75, 16 and 95. After refueling in Daytona, I can accurately report using 21.75 gallons, yielding 22.75 MPG. Earlier trips on state highways where speeds were held to 55-60 yielded 25.0 to 25.5 MPG. The Highlander provides an extremely smooth, quiet and stable ride.
Posted by: Sharon Morey | Jul 29, 2008 11:54:24 AM
I have a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid which I love except for the snapping and crackling static in the speakers which eventually results in the speakers not working. The snapping and cracking happens even when the radio is not on! I also have my bluetooth and cell phone turned off. I have had both speakers replaced but problem continues. I would appreciate hearing from anyone with similar problems or hopefully, a solution.
Posted by: Sharon Morey | Sep 19, 2008 1:12:42 PM
Please see my July 08 posting. Since then, I have had the amplifiers replaced. It did not solve the problem. The snapping,crakling, electrical short-type sound happens when I first turn on my 08 Highlander Hybrid and it often takes out the speaker (speaker does not work). It has consistently happened nearly daily when I start the car after it has been sitting outside in the parking lot at work in 80+ degree weather. It does not happen when I start out in the morning or when it is cool. Please respond to my message if you have any ideas on what is causing this.
Posted by: Sandra Nacarato | Sep 21, 2008 8:57:53 AM
I have had two opposed responses to whether I can take the 2008 Highlander on local beaches. One dealership said " You may be able to get on the beach, but it is likely you won't be able to get off the beach!". The other said, "Absolutely no problem, you won't even have to take air out of your tires!"
Needless to say, I enjoy the availability of nearby beaches which are fairly level, some areas soft, others compacted with very little variance in incline. Can anyone tell me their experience or the wisdom of further information?