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Car Reviews: 2008 Toyota Highlander

Westbound on the Carefree Highway, the first thing you notice about Toyota's 2008 Highlander is the quietness. Although the previous model was reasonably silent for a midsize SUV, the new Highlander has been redesigned to Lexus-like levels of interior quietness. Even at highway speeds, the Highlander manages to make you feel isolated from the noise and chaos outside your windows. Nicely done, and all trim levels benefit not just the upmarket Limited.

I'm driving an AWD Sport model, tuned for slightly firmer suspension and better handling, although Toyota will never be confused with BMW in terms of ride. There's still a lot of road dampening by the shocks and springs; the steering is tighter than usual but a bit too relaxed for my preferences. Most drivers may well enjoy the smooth ride and not worry about S-curves on twisty roads at high speed.
The knock on the previous-generation Highlander was that while it was a great vehicle overall and delivered strong value for the price, the styling was bland and innocuous. Responding to those criticisms, the '08 is all angles and curves, bulging like a slightly larger rendition of Toyota's popular RAV4, seeming to mimic Mitsubishi's Endeavor. You may or may not like it, but trust me it looks better in person than in the pictures.
The new Highlander is noticeably roomier than the model it replaces. Second and third row passengers will notice the larger spaces: one intriguing feature is an available pass-through center section of the second row, which folds down for easy access to and from the rearmost seat. A clever feature, one that other carmakers should copy.
Roomier, heavier, quieter, more refined and the Highlander also packs more punch under the hood. Although the Highlander Hybrid, not yet released for 2008, will carry over with essentially the same powertrain as last year, all other Highlanders receive a much-improved V6 with more horsepower and significantly more torque. The result is a hefty mid-size SUV that drives smaller and nimbler than you'd expect. Highlander scoots away from traffic lights with considerable ease.
Safety features abound: all models have standard dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags for all three rows of seats, a driver's knee airbag, and other key features such as traction control, skid control and ABS. Hill descent control, a nifty feature if you take your Highlander over Sedona's rocks, is standard on AWD models.
Unless you prefer to special order, you should be able to find the color, trim level, and features you'd like - Highlanders are in stock and readily available! - David Frisbie

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