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2008 Highlander sets standard for SUV performance

Toyota introduced the first Highlander in 2001 and since then has continued to mold it into one of the industry's most versatile Sports Utility Vehicles. The latest Highlander has been redesigned to offer more cabin area and better fuel economy. It also comes in a fuel-efficient hybrid model.

"The all-new Highlander raises the bar in every metric of comparison, particularly in the areas of safety, quality, and environmental concerns," said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manger, Toyota Division. "Highlander will be the most versatile and innovative vehicle in our entire model lineup as it will continue to offer something for everyone."

The 2008 Highlander is available in several models that feature two-wheel and four-wheel-drive versions. Hybrid versions are equipped with four-wheel-drive. Toyota stretched the latest Highlander to make it nearly four inches longer and three inches wider than the previous generation. Its new chassis, derived from the Camry and Avalon, offers an inch more ground clearance as well as three inches of additional wheelbase. The underfloor was designed to reduce drag and enhance driving handling.

Under the hood

Highlander is powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 that delivers an impressive 270 horsepower, a 55 horsepower gain over the previous generation. The upgraded engine generates an impressive 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 RPM. It delivers EPA-estimated city/highway mileage of 18 /24 mpg on vehicles equipped with two-wheel drive and 17/23 mpg on four-wheel drive versions.

The hybrid version Highlander uses a 3.3-liter V6 engine with a high-torque, electric drive motor-generator. It delivers 270 net horsepower and EPA-estimated city/highway mileage of 27/25 mpg.

The five-speed, electronically controlled transmission gives drivers fully automatic shifting as well as sequential shifting. Drivers simply move the shift lever to the left from the "D" position.

Comfort and Convenience

Drivers can travel in style no matter where they take their 2008 Highlander. Its stereo system, or head unit, includes six-speakers that deliver full sound to front and rear occupants.

Other standard amenities include a universal mini-jack, defroster-linked CFC-free front air conditioning; front seats with height-adjustable active head rests and eight-way (10-way on Limited) adjustable driver's seat; color-keyed power remote outside mirrors and power door locks and windows with driver's window jam protection, cruise control and multi-function keyless entry system; Passengers will find plenty of places to store travel necessities. Toyota engineers designed ten cup holders; four bottle holders, two front and one cargo area 12-volt auxiliary power outlets and cargo area tie down hooks.

Safety

All Highlander models but the base configuration include a backup camera. A multi-information display combines the camera monitor, clock, outside temperature and warning messages. It also provides cruise information such as average fuel economy, average speed, distance to empty, current fuel economy and trip timer. In models with the optional navigation system, back-up images are viewed on the navigation screen.

Toyota includes two important systems that help prevent steering-related problems. The Star Safety System, a package of baking technologies, is built into all Toyota SUVs. It includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA). Separately, a direct tire-pressure warning system notifies drivers when tire pressure drops to critical levels.

The 2008 Highlander includes seven airbags—the most airbag coverage ever in a Toyota vehicle. They include driver and front passenger airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, driver's knee airbag and roll-sensing curtain airbags for occupants of all three rows.

Toyota offers a 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60 months/60,000 miles and corrosion perforation for 60 months with no mileage limitation.

The Highlander Hybrid's components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter are covered for eight years/100,000 miles.

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