First Glance
Larger Photos: Front RearSurrounded by golden canola flowers painted atop hills of the greenest grass, crawling down narrow gravel pathways into deep-cut valleys with the Rocky Mountains as a distant backdrop, it was not hard for me to imagine how the 2008 Toyota Highlander would appeal to the young, upwardly-mobile outdoor enthusiasts of Colorado or Alberta. Indeed it was clever of Toyota to fly us city dwellers away from the crowded canyons of our big city homes to test its new crossover in the pure-sky country near Calgary. We drove where humble family sedans would dare to tread and enjoyed every minute.
We even enjoyed the Highlander.
Like Calgary and its oil-rich province of Alberta, the new Highlander is about growth: longer, heavier, more powerful, better-equipped than the previous model. As a disciple of the "less is more" design philosophy I'm not awed with that aspect; I'd have been impressed had they told us the new model packed more features and more room into the same space. And made it lighter. Unfortunately the Japanese have caught that nasty old Detroit bug known as "bigger must be better." Toyota will insist it's what focus groups said they wanted (as a long-time ad writer I can tell you that focus groups have no idea what they want). Thus the 2008 Highlander now has a 3.5 liter V-6 producing 270 hp with 5000 lb. towing capacity, improved cargo room, a versatile interior, new styling, more refinement, and several nifty ideas meant to attract maturing families.
Continued below...
In the Driver's Seat
This section could be renamed In the Drivers Seats, for I tested three of the four Highlander models: Base, SR5, and Limited. Didn't try the Sport but that's okay... I've never found anything sporty about a sport utility other than the name. All Highlander interiors offer typical Toyota fit and finish, with instruments and controls that are large, round, easy to operate. Sport and Limited get heated leather seats, the others settle for cloth. Interior trim varies by model although there's nothing basic about the Base. The Limited has an optional DVD navigation system with voice commands. Images from the backup camera appear on the nav screen; in Sport and SR5 they show on a small multi-information display screen. Base buyers settle for a clock.
Base and SR5 get a manual climate control, Sport and Limited have dual-zone air-conditioning along with a separate rear climate control. Sound outputs range from 160 to 440 watts and six to nine speakers. By comparison, my computer speakers put out 1 tiny watt each (though I can still hear the tunes). I don't however, have Bluetooth hands-free telephone connectivity, available with the upgraded sound and nav systems. There are numerous storage areas and cupholders up front, a console sunglass holder, and an ingenious "integrated conversation mirror." No, that's not a talking mirror, just a convex glass panel that, when tilted, allows Mom and Dad to see what the kids are up to. Best not used while driving.
On the Road
With a full load of seven passengers, cargo, and 5000 pounds of trailer out back you're going to need those 270 horses galloping under that broad hood. The 3.5 liter V-6 is up by 55 hp over the previous Highlander yet Toyota claims it is more fuel efficient, thanks to "Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence." In plain English that means valve timing adjusts independently on all four camshafts for best performance and emission reduction. A 5-speed automatic with manual mode is standard. My driving partner and I both thought acceleration was brisk though not as quick as we'd expected. We also agreed the all-independent suspension was smooth and quiet other than some tire rumble on expansion joints, and felt the electric power steering lacked feel.It was on those gravel trails where we put the Highlander's technology to best use. With vehicle stability control and full-time all-wheel-drive we felt secure in turns and on steep grades. A Downhill Assist Control, activated by a console-mounted switch, allowed me to creep down at walking speeds with feet off the pedals. Stepping on the accelerator got things moving again but lifting my foot caused the DAC to cut in with a jolt at anything over 5 mph. A Hill Assist Control supposedly keeps the Highlander from rolling back, however my partner gave up after several tries when it failed to function as advertised. Perhaps he wasn't hitting the brakes hard enough to activate it.
Journey's End
The Highlander is high on safety with no less than seven airbags, including roll-sensing side curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag. Active headrests are designed to reduce whiplash injuries. Even pedestrians get a break from a unique protection structure up front. All that and I haven't even mentioned the new styling... perhaps because I like the details but not that pug-nose which reminds me of a diesel locomotive. Subjectivity aside, the 2008 Highlander is a flexible flyer with ample appeal to freedom-loving urbanites. It even appealed to me, a single guy with as much use for an SUV as a duck has for an umbrella.
Who should buy this car?
Families who like to ski, bike, golf and surf together
Who should not buy this car?
Automobile journalists who've just learned that canola doesn't grow in a plastic tub
