2008 Toyota Highlander Preview

The Toyota Highlander stands out from the rest in the 2008 SUV pack due to its unique features. Among them: a novel stowaway second-row seat designed for easier access to the available third-row seat; seven airbags; an available backup camera on several models; push-button (keyless) start and remote illuminated entrance.

Additionally, the 2008 Highlander is much larger, roomier and more powerful than last year's version, but its fuel efficiency is virtually unchanged at 24 miles per gallon on the highway and 18 mpg in the city; the Hybrid's mpg is estimated by the EPA at 27 and 25 mpg. The Highlander offers Base, Sport and Limited grades, all powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 270 horsepower - a 55 horsepower gain over the previous generation's 3.3-liter engine.

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

Where the Highlander excels is in the ride department. Unlike many of its competitors, which are built on a truck platform, the Highlander employs a new chassis derived from the Camry and Avalon, making it 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 features captain's chairs with armrests that, if needed, can be converted to a bench seat for three passengers. A center-stow seat is hidden in a compartment under the front center console when it's not being used. In its place, passengers can easily put in a console or choose to leave the area open as a walk-through to the third row.

The 2008 Highlander Base grade has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $27,300 for the 4x2 model; the Base grade 4x4 starts at $28,750, both of which are about two percent higher than last year's models. The base MSRP for the Sport grade is $29,950 for the 4x2; the Sport 4x4 base begins $31,400. The top-of-the-line Highlander Limited is priced at $32,700 for the 4x2 while the Limited 4x4 is $34,150. The Hybrid sticker lists at $33,700 and the Hybrid Limited is priced at $39,950.

In its initial year, there were only five colors available; this year, 10 colors are offered. Interior options include five fabric and three leather colors.

Standard features also put the Highlander well above the rest of the crowd in the mid-size SUV class, where safety is a major concern of many buyers, fearful of an SUV's reputation - albeit unwarranted - for rollovers. The vehicle has a 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.

Highlander also boasts 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.