2008 Toyota Highlander [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 44 Highlander reviews and test drives.
Toyota Highlander - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Toyota Highlander ranks 6 out of 26 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 44 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Highlander, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Highlander's ranking is based on its middle-of-the-pack power and family-friendly, practical functionality. But it's outranked by competitors with more personality, such as the Buick Enclave.
This year marks the Toyota Highlander's first complete redesign since its launch in 2001. Riding on a new platform shared with the Toyota Camry and Avalon, the second-generation Highlander boasts a restyled exterior and larger dimensions than its predecessor. Automobile Magazine predicts that this new Highlander "should be brilliant doing the things it was designed to do: hum along the expressway on family vacations, and zip to and fro around town every day of the week." The Highlander is a "Recommended" pick and "Best Family Vehicle" for 2008. Though many reviewers have good things to say, the changes aren't all for the better. The Highlander may be larger than before, but many still complain about the lack of interior and cargo room. And despite the previous two engines being dropped in favor of a standard V6, the Highlander continues to be outclassed by competitors that offer sportier driving.
The Highlander comes in three trims -- base, Sport and Limited -- in either front- or all-wheel drive. This review focuses on the gasoline-powered Highlander, but a hybrid version is also available.
- "Aside from some questionable cabin materials, the Highlander is a worthy contender in a competitive segment." -- CNET
- "The all-new 2008 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid raise the bar once again in the mid-size SUV segment with a complete redesign that is improved, refined and expanded in nearly every metric of comparison." -- Truck Trend
- "All new for 2008, the crossover sport utility vehicle is moving upscale, closer to its cousin at Lexus, the RX." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- "With its new style and increased interior space, power, and capability, the second-generation Toyota Highlander will force its competitors to play catch-up again." -- The Auto Channel
- "Minor gripes aside, the 2008 Toyota Highlander is radiant. Stylish? Yes. Functional? Yes. Family-friendly? Yes. Sassy? Yes. Van-like comfort? Yes, and without ever having to drive a van." -- Mother Proof
- "Many on staff said they take vehicles like the Mazda CX-9 and GM's new line of utes over the Highlander, but as a trucky alternative to a minivan, the Highlander will definitely appeal to a lot of folks." -- AutoWeek
Highlander Performance - 7.3 (Good)
The 2008 Toyota Highlander ranks in the bottom half of its class for performance, which falls short when compared to some of its quicker, more fun-to-drive rivals such as the Nissan Murano. "Great handling has never been a part of the Highlander package, and that continues for 2008," says MarketWatch. "You should not try to play tag with the neighbor's Porsche Cayenne." Most reviews appreciate the Highlander's new V6 engine power and smooth ride, but continue to complain about its numb electric steering. Continue with our full Performance Review to learn why one review describes the Highlander's handling as "minivan-like." continue
Highlander Exterior - 7.0 (Good)
The Toyota Highlander ranks in the bottom half of its class for its exterior, which is an improvement over the outgoing model but still too ordinary to garner much praise. "The result is an improved look, but nothing dramatic," says the Fort Worth Star-Telegram of the redesign. "In fact, many consumers will consider it to be still quite bland." To see exterior photos and learn why one major auto publication compares the Highlander's styling to vanilla ice cream, continue with our full Exterior Review. continue
Highlander Interior - 7.4 (Good)
The 2008 Toyota Highlander ranks in the bottom half of its class for its interior, which gets positive reviews but still falls short on space compared to top rivals. However, the Highlander excels in its versatile seating capacity and high-quality materials. New Car Test Drive says the SUV's look is "more upscale than the last model. Fit and finish are excellent and the design is attractive." Continue with our full Interior Review to see interior photos and learn why one review says the Highlander's seats have "more tricks than Cirque du Soleil." continue
Highlander Safety - 9.7 (Excellent)
The 2008 Toyota Highlander gets an excellent safety score for its performance in federal government crash tests. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives it a "Top Safety Pick" designation. "Highlander is equipped with one of the highest levels of standard safety features in the small-, and mid-SUV segments," says Truck Trend. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn about the Highlander's class-leading number of air bags. continue
Highlander Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2008 Toyota Highlander reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 Toyota Highlander comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn how Toyota is improving quality in its vehicles. continue
