2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Test Drive and Review
I've been accused of carrying a torch for Toyota. After all, my own daily driver is Moose, a 1994 Toyota 4Runner. Well, I can assure you that I am aware of my bias. If anything, it makes me tougher on Toyota products than on any other, all in an effort to ensure fairness.I may be accused of being too hard on Toyota after you read my 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Test Drive and Review. I really didn't fall in love with this one, folks. I don't want to spoil the surprise, but let me just tip my hand a little -- I'd rather have a used 2006 Highlander Hybrid in my driveway than a brand new 2008.
Part of the problem is bloat -- Highlander has gone from cute ute to big lummox without cause, in my view. If anything, I would have liked a leaner, meaner Highlander, not a bigger, beefier version.
What do you think? Read my 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Test Drive and Review, then click on "comments" below and share your opinion.
Want to find out more about how hybrids work? Check out Scott & Christine Gable's great About.com Alternative Fuels site for the ins and outs.
Photo © Jason Fogelson
Comments
Jason,
You are in luck! They make a leaner, meaner Highlander now. It is called a RAV4..
No doubt the growth in the Highlander is due to the segment pressure by Pilot, Acadia(and siblings), CX9 and the like…
I have had my 2008 HiHy for just over a week. I absolutely love it! I had to be able to seat 7 and, being environmentally conscious, it had to be a hybrid. Having spent time comparing the many hybrid SUVs, the third-row seat made hiHy the only choice. This vehicle is comfortable, drives effortlessly, has all the safety features I could have asked for, and we were able to move a full-sized couch without lifting it high into the back of my former SUV. The price is high but I believe the vehicle is worth every penny. I am very happy with my purchase.