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2008 Toyota Highlander: More Power, Better Styling
Some things simply get better with time. So is the case with the second generation 2008 Toyota Highlander. We recently had the pleasure of experiencing the Highlander’s capabilities with some brief seat time in this all new CUV. From Toyota’s original introduction of the Highlander in 2001 to the now redesigned 2008 version, the Highlander has received improvements in style and performance.
 Beginning with the interior, the 2008 Highlander has a much quieter and larger cabin while the dashboard has the luxury look and feel of Toyota’s Lexus Division. Wood paneling and chrome-like trim accents on an elevated instrument panel are among interior highlights. The front cup holders also bear chrome-like trim that gives the interior a touch of class. All 2008 Highlanders are equipped with a rear-view camera/monitor. Hopefully that should equate to less careless dings and higher resale/trade-in value for owners. You have several rear-view monitor choices - an optional 7” monitor with navigation, or a standard 3.5” monitor on base models. If you opt for the JBL Premium Audio with navigation system you will have an 8” display screen! The larger upgraded navigation screen was an initial attention getter when I took seat in the Limited model.
 The dash mounted 3.5” Multi-Information Display (MID) provides time, temperature, average fuel economy, average speed, distance to empty, current fuel economy and trip timer. I found the MID to be a nice touch with impressively sharp color, making the small screen easily readable. The audio system comes with a four or six disc in-dash CD changer that is compatible with MP3 and WMA files heard through six or nine speakers depending on your audio package. The Limited model also features Bluetooth and a rear seat entertainment system with a 9” monitor.
 The exterior of the vehicle is much bolder, giving a more muscular stance than previous generations. Its trapezoidal grille projects the Toyota SUV identity, showing the Highlander some needed personality improvements A more powerful 3.5 liter, 24-valve V6 delivers 270-horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque with fuel economy set at 18/24 mpg in the 2WD model and 17/23 mpg in the 4WD version.
The Highlander is loaded with safety features such as dual-stage front airbags, standard side and side curtain airbags and standard driver’s knee airbags to name a few. With Honda’s Pilot, Mazda’s CX-9, Saturn’s Outlook, GMC’s Acadia and Suzuki’s XL-7 as chief competition, the 2008 Highlander is a worthy opponent.
 The Highlander will go on sale with a choice of nine different trim levels and three model types: Base, Sport and Limited. The Highlander base front wheel-drive model starts at $27,300 while its 4x4 stablemate hits the mark at $28,750. Sport editions range between $29,950 and $31,400 depending on your needs for front wheel or all-wheel drive. The Highlander Limited model begins at $32,700 in the front-wheel version and $34,150 for the all-wheel drive. And if you’re environmentally sound, hybrid versions add an additional $6,000 to the sticker price. Due to time constraints, I wasn’t able to evaluate the hybrid that will debut this fall.
For additional Automotive Rhythms CUV reviews see:
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