2008 Toyota Highlander Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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After a successful seven-year run, the original-recipe Toyota Highlander gets replaced for 2008 by an all-new version that sets the bar ever higher for midsize crossover SUVs.
Toyota gets the all-new 2008 Highlander’s styling exactly right. Its artfully flared fenders, handsome 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels (on Sport and Limited trims), and refreshing lack of gray plastic cladding give it a clean and modern appearance. A roof rack is standard equipment.
Surface gloss and grain levels are appealing, and clearly marked buttons and oversized stereo and climate control knobs dominate the otherwise minimalistic interior. They're so big, people living in colder climates will have no trouble operating the switchgear while wearing gloves. Gauges are located in deeply recessed housings, and the front passenger airbag is deftly hidden behind a seamless dashboard panel. A flip-up rear window and privacy glass are equipped beginning at the SR5 grade.
Any 2008 Toyota Highlander that doesn’t have a “Hybrid” badge on the front fender is equipped with a 270-horsepower, 3.5-litre V6 bolted to a five-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is not offered in Canada; all-wheel drive (AWD), which some literature refers to as 4-wheel drive (4WD), is standard here.
The Highlander Hybrid returns for 2008, pairing a 3.3-litre V6 with front and rear electric motors to create an electric AWD system. This powertrain uses an electronic continuously variable automatic transmission (e-CVT), which is a power management system that doesn’t work like a traditional CVT. Total output is 270 hp, and while the Highlander Hybrid is heavier than the standard version of the SUV, that weight feels offset, thanks to the instant torque from the electric motors. Toyota also provides an EV driving mode that allows for purely electric operation at lower speeds.
Both Highlanders return respectable fuel economy. The standard version averages 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, 8.8 on the highway, and 10.7 combined. For the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, those figures drop to 7.4 L/100 km city, 8.0 highway, and 7.7 combined. That’s fantastic for a seven-passenger midsize SUV, but keep in mind that Toyota wants a minimum of roughly $9,000 extra for the Hybrid version.
Any 2008 Highlander is quick and nimble, but for the greatest athleticism, choose the Toyota Highlander Sport for its standard 19-inch wheels, rear spoiler, and sport-tuned suspension. Regardless of which version you choose, the Highlander drives more like a car than a truck, which is one reason it’s the standard-bearer in the midsize crossover SUV segment.
Up front, the 2008 Highlander provides comfortable seats wrapped in cloth or leather. Heated seats are available, and with Sport or Limited trim, the driver’s seat supplies eight-way power adjustability, including a power thigh-support adjuster on the latter trim.
A 40/20/40-split second-row seat is standard, offering a “Center Stow” function that allows a Highlander owner to remove the 20% centre section to create a couple of captain’s chairs with a pass-through to the third-row seat. Legroom is generous in the second row, but not in the rear seats. Adults can sit here for short trips, but it really is best reserved for children.
You’ll want to keep the third-row seat folded down most of the time anyway, because the Highlander only has 292 litres of cargo space behind it. When it’s folded down, the cargo area measures 1,198 litres. With the second-row seats folded down, a Highlander swallows up to 2,701 litres, with is downright astounding.
Toyota says the Highlander V6 can tow up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds), while the Highlander Hybrid can manage as much as 1,588 kilograms (3,500 pounds). All trims are equipped with a heavy-duty battery, starter, alternator and heater.
Toyota dramatically improves the Highlander’s technology game with the new 2008 model.
Standard equipment isn’t terribly impressive, amounting to air conditioning, power windows, power door locks and keyless entry, cruise control, variable intermittent wipers, a CD/MP3/WMA player, and an auxiliary input jack allowing iPod operation through the stereo system. But the SR5 trim adds steering wheel audio controls, a backup camera that allows a driver to see what’s behind the SUV, a 3.5-inch driver information display screen, and a six-disc CD changer. Sport trim adds dual-zone automatic climate control, and Limited adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror and keyless push-button engine ignition.
A JBL premium sound system that also adds Bluetooth hands-free calling is equipped on the Toyota Highlander Limited trim. With Bluetooth, you can pair your cell phone to the infotainment system and make and receive calls without holding the phone to your ear. The Highlander also offers a navigation system.
Toyota ups the Highlander’s safety equipment for 2008. Stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes (ABS) are standard, and Toyota equips every version with dual front, front-seat side, and three-row side-curtain airbags. Drivers also get a knee airbag, and a reversing camera is standard on all but the base trim.
In testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Highlander gets Good ratings in all four assessments, including for the seats and head restraints. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines the Highlander gets a mix of four-star and five-star ratings.
A 2008 Toyota Highlander is not cheap, with prices starting at $39,650 for the base trim. Choose a Highlander Hybrid Limited, and you’re looking at spending $55,975.
Speaking of the Highlander Hybrid, it costs a minimum of roughly $9,000 more than the V6 version, which means it’s going to take forever to recoup the extra investment in terms of savings at the fuel pump. Given the price premium, choosing the hybrid version of this SUV is all about emissions and environmentalism and not at all about saving money.
Most people will be happiest with the Highlander Sport or Limited models. These versions of the sport utility vehicle are decently fuel-efficient and, if history is any indication, they will prove exceptionally reliable. But that happiness comes at an up-front cost.
Note: Images show a US model.
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2008 Toyota Highlander Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single rear air conditioning zones · Single third row air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: hard · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual
Exterior Features
Grille color: grey · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Auto height adjusting shoulder belts: front · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: fold flat into floor · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Anti-theft alarm system: with engine immobilizer
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single rear air conditioning zones · Single third row air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: hard · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Exterior Features
Grille color: grey · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Auto height adjusting shoulder belts: front · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: fold flat into floor · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Anti-theft alarm system: with engine immobilizer
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones · Single third row air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Wireless headphones · 4 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: ready · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: hard · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 115V · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: grey · Headlamp bezel color: smoked chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Auto height adjusting shoulder belts: front · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: fold flat into floor · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Anti-theft alarm system: with engine immobilizer
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: bench
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear wiper: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones · Single third row air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Wireless headphones · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear outboard seats · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: hard · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 115V · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Exterior Features
Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: smoked chrome · Headlamp bezel color: smoked chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Auto height adjusting shoulder belts: front · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: fold flat into floor · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Anti-theft alarm system: with engine immobilizer
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: bench
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear wiper: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones · Single third row air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Wireless headphones · 4 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated wood · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: hard · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Grille color: chrome · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Auto height adjusting shoulder belts: front · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: power · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: fold flat into floor · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: bench
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear wiper: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Single rear air conditioning zones · Single third row air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Wireless headphones · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: JBL · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: ready · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear outboard seats · Center console trim: simulated wood · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door trim: simulated wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: hard · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 115V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Grille color: grey · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor location: rear · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Auto height adjusting shoulder belts: front · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: power · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row seat folding: fold flat into floor · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody
Spare Wheel
Rim type: aluminum alloy
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: bench
Tires and Rims
Spare tire size: full-size matching
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: ready
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Rear wiper: variable intermittent