2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

When Toyota redesigned its compact RAV4 SUV in 2006, it was, all of a sudden, not so compact anymore. Its new dimensions put it into close competition with the first-generation Highlander being sold alongside it - so it was clear a new Highlander was on its way - but when?

A partial answer came earlier this year at the Chicago Auto Show when the 2008 Highlander was revealed, but this new model never made it to the Canadian auto show circuit. That makes the preproduction hybrid version that Toyota brought to Ottawa for the launch of its cross-country Hybrid Tour, the first 2008 Highlander to make it onto Canadian soil for public viewing.
Not that there was much wrong with the original Highlander (aside from its lack of personality), but this new one appears to be a big improvement over the first-gen model. Most notably, it's much larger, both physically and visually, with attractive, if not particularly distinctive, styling compared to competitors in the rapidly ballooning mid-size crossover class.

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lexusis350 - 6/15/2007 1:01:49 AM

+3 Boost

I really like the new look. It looks like more of an upscale vehicle than you would expect from Toyota.

Homer008 - 6/15/2007 2:02:05 AM

0 Boost

I think Toyota Highlander is awesome and only vehicle that'll top this champ is the RX330.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/15/2007 2:54:32 PM

+4 Boost

RX350?

S4cabriofoxone - 6/15/2007 2:55:42 PM

+2 Boost

Honda is actually the greenest car manufacturer, with the highest average mileage rating.

Will_ - 6/15/2007 8:28:02 AM

+2 Boost

With the styling of this vehicle, Toyota and Subaru's ties are becoming more and more translucent. This looks like a tall, more elegant revision of the Subaru Forester.

Htay7500 - 6/15/2007 10:13:12 AM

-1 Boost

this is pretty neat, whos its rivals?

xboyjan9 - 6/15/2007 11:16:20 AM

0 Boost

Wait for the '09 Honda Pilot coming out early next year.

Htay7500 - 6/15/2007 11:21:08 AM

-1 Boost

wow, didnt expect tht.

Monk - 6/15/2007 1:00:36 PM

+3 Boost

I'm trying not to be biased here...but I actually don't really like it. Also, the center console (radio station buttons, gear shift knob etc) look the same as a lexus in my opinion. Good for Toyota's customers, bad for Lexus'

Monk - 6/15/2007 1:01:57 PM

+3 Boost

i also thought the tailights were wierd and the grille looks like it was from the old RAV (even thought it's bigger)
just an opinion though

S4cabriofoxone - 6/15/2007 2:56:38 PM

+1 Boost

It certainly looks better in these pictures than the auto show pictures.

silent_power - 6/15/2007 3:41:23 PM

+2 Boost

S4cabriofoxone said: "Honda is actually the greenest car manufacturer, with the highest average mileage rating."

But, Toyota is more impressive. Because you have to consider that Toyota is very close to Honda and yet... Toyota produces heavy trucks like HINO, LC's LX's, Tundra etc.
What Honda produces? 2litre CRV's?

http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_vehicles/vehicles_health/automaker-rankings-2007.html

trd1 - 6/15/2007 5:32:54 PM

+1 Boost

exactly what iwas going to say, all honda makes is little v6 and 4 cylinders. they haven't even created a v8 yet.

bevisroy - 6/21/2007 10:20:08 PM

+1 Boost

Lexus ALWAYS understates their 0 - 60 times by at least .5 seconds. Here are the results of the 5 Top Luxury Cars in this test which was reported in the January Issue of Car and Driver. Please note these tests were all done on the same day at about the same time and at the same altitude. The results reflect the average of 3 runs and all cars are the 2007 vintage.

Mercedes S550 5.6, 0 - 60 quarter mile in 14.1 (Benz show 5.4 in their specs)
BMW 750iL 5.7, 0 - 60 quarter mile in 14.2
Jag XJ Super 6.0 0 - 60 quarter mile 14.5
Lexus LS460L 6.2 0 - 60 quarter mile 14.6
Audi A8 6.8 0 - 60 quarter mile 15.2

Note that Lexus, as usual, is more than the 5.4 the manufacturer CLAIMS to get by .8 seconds.

Also note the LS430 (prior model the LS460 replaced) was rated at 295 HP and was actually 278 when Lexus corrected their rating. And there were no refunds or apologies from the so-called "quality" car company. ABC - Always Be Careful what you buy from the (REPREHENSIBLE) Toyota/Lexus people.....