Toyota Announces Prices For All-New 2008 Highlander

Toyota Announces Prices For All-New 2008 Highlander
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new Highlander mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV).

The 2008 Highlander is significantly larger, roomier and more powerful than the vehicle it replaces. Yet its fuel efficiency will be virtually unchanged. It is noticeably quieter, smarter, with significantly improved versatility and ride comfort. The 2008 Highlander will have one of the most comprehensive lists of standard safety features in it the mid-size SUV class where safety is at the top of purchase considerations.

Highlander will be offered in Base, Sport and Limited grades. All three grades will be powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 with dual independent variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) that delivers an impressive 270 horsepower -- a 55 horsepower gain over the previous generation's 3.3-liter engine.

Highlander has an impressive list of standard safety features. It will provide a segment-leading total of seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three rows in addition to active headrests for the driver and front passenger.

As with all Toyota SUVs for the last three years, Highlander will provide Toyota's STAR™ safety system, featuring: anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and for the first time, enhanced vehicle stability control, with electronic power steering.

For all Sport and Limited models, a stand-alone backup camera with a 3.5-inch LCD multi-information screen, not tied to a navigation system, is standard equipment.

Highlander rides on an all-new chassis derived from the current Camry and Avalon. It is nearly four inches longer and three inches wider, with an inch more ground clearance and three inches of additional wheelbase than the Highlander it replaces.

Highlander's second-row seating flexibility features captain's chairs with armrests that, if needed, can be converted to a bench seat for three passengers. A "Center Stow™" seat, when not in use, is hidden in a compartment under the front center console. In its place, passengers can easily put in the Center Stow™ console or choose to leave the area open as a walk-through to the third row. The second row also slides forward and back 4.7 inches and reclines.

Clever and convenient standard features include: a third-row bench seat with foldable headrests for a flat rear cargo area, a rear glass hatch for quick access to the rear cargo area (optional on Base grade), and Smart Key System with Push Button Start for Limited. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels will be standard on both Sport and Limited gas models.

The 2008 Highlander adds significant standard features (all new V6 engine, new five-speed automatic sequential shift transmission, electronic power steering, three-row curtain side airbags, driver's knee airbag, new larger alloy wheels, etc.) with only a modest MSRP increase.

The 2008 Highlander Base grade will carry a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $27,300 for the 4x2 model, an increase of $510, or 1.9 percent over the previous generation Highlander. The Base grade 4x4 will carry a base MSRP of $28,750, an increase of $560 or 2.0 percent.

The base MSRP for the Sport grade will carry a base of $29,950 for the 4x2, an increase of $985, or 3.4 percent. The Sport grade 4x4 will carry a base MSRP of $31,400, an increase of $965, or 3.2 percent.

The MSRP for the top-of-the-line Highlander Limited will be $32,700 for the 4x2, an increase of $1,890 or 6.1 percent. The Limited 4x4 will carry a base MSRP of $34,150, an increase of $1,940 or 6.0 percent. Highlander gas models will go on sale in July with hybrid models reaching Toyota dealers in late September.



S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 6/20/2007 1:28:36 PM
+1 Boost
$27K. Not bad.

I just have one question: why buy it?

The RAV4, Highlander, 4Runner, Land Cruiser and Sequoia ALL offer seven seats, at least as options. Isn't Toyota making their SUVs too close for comfort?


lexusis350lexusis350 - 6/20/2007 3:21:44 PM
+4 Boost
Each model is probably for different family scenarios. Like the RAV4 would be for a family with small children that could fit in the back. The 4Runner is for the same reason with off-road capabilities. The Highlander is for families with older children. The Sequoia is for families with older children with off-road capabilities. And the Land Cruiser is more of a luxurious SUV.


RupertRupert - 6/20/2007 4:06:21 PM
+1 Boost
but if the Land Cruiser is luxurious, then why the LX?


lexusis350lexusis350 - 6/21/2007 12:10:21 AM
+1 Boost
The LX is purely for image. Would you rather say "Hey, let's take the Toyota" or would you rather say "Hey, let's take the Lexus"? The Lexus has a more luxurious name than Toyota. But personally, I like the Land Cruiser better than the LX. Not the new LX, obviously.


kpaxxkpaxx - 6/20/2007 1:36:24 PM
-6 Boost
Looks Hideous! and too much money for a car that has no real purpose. To me it is pretty much a glorified minivan.





Htay7500Htay7500 - 6/20/2007 1:39:39 PM
+5 Boost
this isnt bad but I would want a land cruiser



SupraNeverBackSupraNeverBack - 6/20/2007 1:41:26 PM
+4 Boost
Gaining 500lbs and 55hp and yet its fuel efficiency will be virtually unchanged.

270hp: 19city/25hwy 2wd, 18city/24hwy,4wd
So the Hybrid mpg will be 31city/27hwy for 2008?

Good job, Toyota. The efficiency of Hybrid Synergy Drive must be improved a lot, but why not use the more efficient 3.5L v6 as ICE?


Will_Will_ - 6/20/2007 1:41:39 PM
+1 Boost
Offering 7 seats on all their SUVs is a brilliant way to attack your competition. There's a 7-seat Toyota alternative for just about any other competitor's SUV, at different price ranges.

I'm still mad though that this shares alot of exterior lines and angles with the new LX. I too, would spring for a Land Cruiser. And I personally don't think they need the Sequoia anymore. Undoubtedly they'll be crucified by the green car hippies when that hits the streets.


Htay7500Htay7500 - 6/20/2007 1:43:27 PM
+1 Boost
i agree, they should cut sequoia.


SupraNeverBackSupraNeverBack - 6/20/2007 1:47:45 PM
+3 Boost
So much improvement for so little price, only $510, 1.9 percent increase


JUGNUJUGNU - 6/20/2007 3:31:46 PM
+1 Boost
We don't get Highlander but Innova here in Middle East.

It would be great if Toyota offer this in our region.

JUGNU


EL34EL34 - 6/20/2007 4:06:29 PM
-5 Boost
Me no likey the headlights and the interior looks kind of cheap.


PlanBPlanB - 6/20/2007 4:18:42 PM
-1 Boost
Aren't the Highlander and the RAV4 like the same size, same features? Also why do they make two full size SUVs with Land Cruiser and Sequoia? I like Toyota but I've always wondered that.


EL34EL34 - 6/20/2007 7:28:58 PM
0 Boost
I know why don't they just it the RAV4L?!?


lexusis350lexusis350 - 6/22/2007 2:29:43 AM
+1 Boost
I don't know for sure, but I think the new Highlander will be fairly bigger than the RAV4. And as far as the Sequoia and Land Cruiser go, I think it's just for people's different tastes in vehicles. The Land Cruiser is more luxurious than the Sequoia. They probably also made the Sequoia as a full-sized SUV that was more affordable.


jt716jt716 - 6/20/2007 7:15:34 PM
+1 Boost
Ugly..and pricy. Land cruiser is the only good SUV Toyota makes


delandelan - 6/20/2007 9:33:24 PM
+2 Boost
Poised to be a segment leader, yet again.


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