2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid - Features Review

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Shopping for a new Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

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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.”