2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review | Buyer Guide
Highlander Hybrid Offers Better Gas Mileage
The redesigned 2008 Highlander doesn’t look a lot different than its predecessor, but it’s bigger, more powerful and comes with more features.
Toyota made the’08 Highlander four inches longer, three inches wider and an inch taller than the old model. It also gave the new Highlander a longer platform with a 109.8-inch wheelbase. All this translates into more room in the cabin now. However, this year’s model weighs 400 pounds more than last year’s version.
To move this larger vehicle, Toyota installed a bigger gasoline engine—a 3.5-liter V-6 with 55 more horsepower, which gives it 270. (The anemic four-cylinder engine from 2007 has been discontinued.) The hybrid version, like the one I drove, is much the same as it was last year. However, this is not really a bad thing because the 3.3-liter engine, combined with the electric motors, generates the equivalent of 270 hp as well.
The Highlander Hybrid uses three electric motors. One motor powers the front wheels; another sends power to the rear wheels and the third handles a variety of functions, including that of starter motor. Torque is transferred to the wheels via a continuously variable transmission with a planetary gear system, rather than a conventional automatic.
The electric motors in the Hybrid also serve as generators and charge the battery pack. A system called “regenerative braking” provides additional charging as well. When the driver applies the brakes, or when the car is cruising, energy flows back to the batteries.
At low speeds around town, the electric motors do most of the work. Out on the freeway, the gasoline engine takes over. The Hybrid gets better gas mileage in the city, 27 mpg, than it does on the highway—25 mpg—since the gas engine is engaged more in highway driving. And even though the Hybrid weighs 300 lbs. more than its gas-powered sibling, it still accelerates about as quickly.
Driving the Hybrid is similar to driving the standard Highlander, with a few notable exceptions. First of all, when you turn on the ignition, you hear absolutely nothing. The electric motor is on, but there is no sound. The gas engine comes to life later. The transition from electricity to gas, and vice versa, is completely transparent. You won’t be aware of which one is working, unless you watch the display on the dash. When you come to a stoplight, the motor shuts down, but instant you take your foot off the brake, the motor is running again, and you are off without missing a beat.
In other respects, the Hybrid is like its gas-powered sibling. It’s available in Base and Limited models, but comes only with four-wheel drive. The cabin is spacious and airy with seating for seven. The front seats are chair-like, and provide a commanding view of the road. The second row offers plenty of head- and legroom. The third seat, as in many SUVs, is small. However, it folds flat into the floor when not in use, and becomes part of the cargo area. A backup camera lets you know what’s behind you whenever you engage reverse.
On the road, the Highlander is very quiet, even on the freeway, and it drives like a tall station wagon. The ride is compliant, and feels more like a sedan than an SUV. The handling is more than acceptable. The Highlander tracks around corners with confidence. And to make sure the Highlander stays under control, Toyota has equipped it with its new anti-skid system that anticipates vehicle instability, and makes corrections before trouble begins.
The Highlander Highbred does not come cheap. The Base model, like my test car, had a starting price of $34,385, which is $4000 more than the Base gasoline powered version. However, the Hybrid comes with additional features like the backup camera, the advanced anti-skid system and keyless entry and start.
Snapshot Review
Good Fuel Economy for an SUV
More Room Than Before
Comfortable, Quiet Ride
