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2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Features Review

May 29, 2008

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

nifty features
Car and Driver

center Stow seat provides decent comfort
Cars.com

optional goodies abound
Popular Mechanics

TheCarConnection.com read many reviews of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and most praised its flexible seating and optional features.

The base 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes with a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air conditioning, an MP3-compatible stereo with auxiliary headphone jack, and a display for tracking fuel economy, according to Edmunds. The Limited version offers third-row fold-down seating, the JBL sound system, a sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity, and the rear DVD entertainment system as well as navigation.

Car and Driver was quite taken with the "whompin' optional JBL sound system, flexible second-row captain's chair/bench seat configurability, and an excellent nav system." That captain's chair was also cited by Mother Proof as one of the reviewer's favorite features. These chairs have arms that can be folded down; an insert then can be placed in the middle to provide bench seating for three.

Most people who purchase an SUV such as the Highlander Hybrid have children; therefore, the "rear-seat entertainment system with a flip-down 9-inch screen" can be a potential godsend when traveling with small children.

Cars.com points out that “Smart Start and Entry keyless access is standard,” while CNet adds, “the new Highlander Hybrid gets a unique cabin feature: a standard small LCD display at the top of the dashboard stack, which displays the rear-view camera and hybrid system information.” However, they note that “navigation and a Bluetooth cell phone connection aren't available with the base model Highlander Hybrid; you will need to get the Limited model for those options.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has some great features available, but many are only offered on the pricey Limited version.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:nifty featuresCar and Drivercenter Stow seat provides decent comfortCars.comoptional goodies aboundPopular Mechanics TheCarConnection.com read many reviews of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and most praised its flexible seating and optional features. The base 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes with a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air conditioning, an MP3-compatible stereo with auxiliary headphone jack, and a display for tracking fuel economy, according to Edmunds. The Limited version offers third-row fold-down seating, the JBL sound system, a sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity, and the rear DVD entertainment system as well as navigation. Car and Driver was quite taken with the "whompin' optional JBL sound system, flexible second-row captain's chair/bench seat configurability, and an excellent nav system." That captain's chair was also cited by Mother Proof as one of the reviewer's favorite features. These chairs have arms that can be folded down; an insert then can be placed in the middle to provide bench seating for three. Most people who purchase an SUV such as the Highlander Hybrid have children; therefore, the "rear-seat entertainment system with a flip-down 9-inch screen" can be a potential godsend when traveling with small children. Cars.com points out that “Smart Start and Entry keyless access is standard,” while CNet adds, “the new Highlander Hybrid gets a unique cabin feature: a standard small LCD display at the top of the dashboard stack, which displays the rear-view camera and hybrid system information.” However, they note that “navigation and a Bluetooth cell phone connection aren't available with the base model Highlander Hybrid; you will need to get the Limited model for those options.” ConclusionThe 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has some great features available, but many are only offered on the pricey Limited version.  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:

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for a 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid near you

See the Toyota Highlander Hybrid in Other Years:

2010 | 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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