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2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

May 29, 2008

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

boasts some very favorable aerodynamics
Car and Driver

sleeker than its predecessor and features smooth sides
Cars.com

looks like it has spent some time in a spa
Mother Proof

TheCarConnection.com consulted a wide range of reviews of the new 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid from across the Web, and most were lukewarm on the Highlander’s new look.

AutoWeek says of the Toyota, 2008’s Highlander is "bigger, brasher and bolder than its predecessor,” but notes that it’s “grown considerably…the new version is 4 inches longer, 3 inches wider and an inch taller." Interior volume increased by 41 cubic feet.

Automobile thinks that “with its aggressive but inoffensive stance, the Highlander looks good,” while Cars.com says, “the 2008 Highlander Hybrid is sleeker than its predecessor and features smooth sides.” Cars.com also points out that differences between the Hybrid and its gasoline-only powered siblings are "minimal," consisting mainly of the grille and taillights.

“Beefy” is what Edmunds calls the new Toyota; 2008’s Highlander Hybrid “isn't revolutionary, but the Highlander's new look is more robust than the old version.” Meanwhile, the gadget gurus at CNet say, “we're a little disappointed that the Highlander has gotten bigger, as the older model seemed nicely proportioned.”

The most fervent admirer is Mother Proof, where the writer finds herself "marveling at it, admiring its face-lift...new lines, more contour, a sassy snout and a higher profile" in describing its "complete makeover."

Edmunds was one of the only sources to comment on the new interior, saying that “its ergonomics are excellent.”

TheCarConnection.com thinks that Toyota has missed a real opportunity with the design of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. While other, newer crossovers offer great style—see the Buick Enclave, Ford Flex, and even the 2009 Honda Pilot—the Highlander Hybrid’s lines seem unimaginative. The Highlander Hybrid does offer the unmatched gas-electric powertrain, but when it comes to style, crossover shoppers have ample reason to look elsewhere.

Conclusion

The 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid turns no heads.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:boasts some very favorable aerodynamicsCar and Driversleeker than its predecessor and features smooth sidesCars.comlooks like it has spent some time in a spaMother Proof TheCarConnection.com consulted a wide range of reviews of the new 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid from across the Web, and most were lukewarm on the Highlander’s new look. AutoWeek says of the Toyota, 2008’s Highlander is "bigger, brasher and bolder than its predecessor,” but notes that it’s “grown considerably…the new version is 4 inches longer, 3 inches wider and an inch taller." Interior volume increased by 41 cubic feet. Automobile thinks that “with its aggressive but inoffensive stance, the Highlander looks good,” while Cars.com says, “the 2008 Highlander Hybrid is sleeker than its predecessor and features smooth sides.” Cars.com also points out that differences between the Hybrid and its gasoline-only powered siblings are "minimal," consisting mainly of the grille and taillights. “Beefy” is what Edmunds calls the new Toyota; 2008’s Highlander Hybrid “isn't revolutionary, but the Highlander's new look is more robust than the old version.” Meanwhile, the gadget gurus at CNet say, “we're a little disappointed that the Highlander has gotten bigger, as the older model seemed nicely proportioned.” The most fervent admirer is Mother Proof, where the writer finds herself "marveling at it, admiring its face-lift...new lines, more contour, a sassy snout and a higher profile" in describing its "complete makeover." Edmunds was one of the only sources to comment on the new interior, saying that “its ergonomics are excellent.” TheCarConnection.com thinks that Toyota has missed a real opportunity with the design of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. While other, newer crossovers offer great style—see the Buick Enclave, Ford Flex, and even the 2009 Honda Pilot—the Highlander Hybrid’s lines seem unimaginative. The Highlander Hybrid does offer the unmatched gas-electric powertrain, but when it comes to style, crossover shoppers have ample reason to look elsewhere. ConclusionThe 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid turns no heads.  2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID STYLING | [7 out of 10] Car and Driver: "boasts some very favorable aerodynamics" Cars.com: "sleeker than its predecessor and features smooth sides" Mother Proof: "looks like it has spent some time in a spa" TheCarConnection.com consulted a wide range ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2008 Escape Hybrid and its kissing cousins, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid and the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, are the highest-mileage SUVs in all the land. But these Fords are smaller than the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid inside and out. The Escape uses a four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that gets 34 mpg city, 30 mpg highway.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid near you

See the Toyota Highlander Hybrid in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Comments (2 total)

  1. By  Clean Energy #1, Posted: 5/29/2008

    Hybrid Underwhelming

    I was expecting much better range and performance under battery mode than reported here. And even though the MPG in the city is higher than highway, 27 mpg is nothing to be too proud of when fuel prices and supply are where they are, let alone with the eco consequences of fossil fuel use. Nice summary here though!

  2. By Sharon Morey #2, Posted: 9/19/2008

    Electrical Problem Cannot Solve

    I love my 2008 Highlander Hybrid except I have an electrical problem with loud pops and snaps in the speakers. Speakers and amps replaced - still a problem. Desperate to find a solution.

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