2008 Toyota Highlander Exterior Review [ 2007 ]

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Specs
• Photo Gallery

Exterior - What the Auto Press Says

As mentioned in the Exterior Overview, even though most reviews say the restyled Highlander is an improvement over the outgoing model, the changes aren't enough to lift the 2008 model out of the lower part of the class for its bland exterior styling.

• "The Highlander has an anonymous look that Hyundai's vehicles are notorious for." -- Automobile Magazine
• "From the outside, the new Highlander has matured. The previous generation's nondescript exterior was as exciting as a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Now, it's vanilla with sprinkles. No Sanders hot fudge just yet, but it's better." -- Detroit News
• "The second-generation Highlander now looks more like the RAV4's big brother instead of the rolling box that was the 2002-2007 model." -- Motor Trend
• "We can tell you that it is an attractive vehicle that is designed more to blend into the automotive landscape than stand out from it. It is not as distinctive as the Hyundai Veracruz or the Buick Enclave crossovers, for instance, but it is handsome." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "With its creased headlights, flashy grille and characterless bumper, the Highlander seems a bit too slick -- like a convenience store shopper who won't take off his sunglasses." -- Cars.com
• "When it comes to exterior styling, the new Highlander is an odd assembly of influences." -- CNET
• "The Highlander's exterior was significantly redesigned as well, in a move to make it more appealing and less bland. The result is an improved look, but nothing dramatic. In fact, many consumers will consider it to be still quite bland." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram