08 Toyota Highlander Hybrid This Mid Sized CUV touts power and comfort By: MICHAEL HERZING www.letstalkwheels.com                                                         Toyota's entry into the popular mid sized crossover segment is the Highlander, which is based on the Camry. For 2008, the Highlander was made longer, taller, and wider than the original. Toyota used the extra room wisely, and gave the Highlander noticeably more legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and rear cargo space.

 The Highlander isn’t the flashiest, the fastest, or the most popular CUV Toyota makes, however it could be the most versatile. It is a good size for a family, not too big and hulking and not too tiny. It had good room for five and an optional third row seat that is now useable for adults.
  The gas - electric Hybrid version of the Highlander costs several thousand dollars more than the standard model, but it is much more environmentally friendly. I don't think the fuel economy, which is better than a standard model, is going to be good enough to recover the extra cost of the Hybrid system quickly. If you want a Highlander Hybrid, it needs to be because you want to do your part for the environment, not to save money. I got fuel economy in the mid 20’s range the week I had the vehicle, about 20% better than the four cylinder model. However, the extra power the Hybrid provides sure makes it fun to drive. If and when Toyota introduces a four cylinder Hybrid Highlander, the fuel economy would make it unbeatable.
Outside, the Highlander looks a little conservative, again typical Toyota. It has a good shape and the Hybrid model is noted by a small badge on the front fenders. The vehicle drives very well for the use it was intended for, moving people and their stuff. The best way to describe the Highlander is “comfortable to own and to drive.”

Inside, the only way you know it is a Hybrid is the power meter that replaces the Tachometer. This gauge shows the combined output of the engine and electric motors in kilowatt-hours. The dash and interior are typical Toyota, laid out well and easy to use. Of course, it has great seats, great visibility and plenty of room for stuff. Second row seats that adjust fore and aft are a handy thing for bigger people in the back to have legroom. The interior is well thought out, again typical Toyota.

The Highlander Hybrid drivetrain consists of a 209hp 3.3 liter V6 that runs great on its own, coupled with a powerful Hybrid Synergy drive that runs the vehicle below 25mph or so. When you accelerate briskly, the gas motor joins in and gives you great performance. It actually is QUICKER than the V6 model on its 0-60 mph times. This vehicle really scoots, let me tell you. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), a common feature on hybrids, it's designed to keep the gas engine at the best rpm for power and economy. It takes a little getting used to, but it works great.

Of course, the Highlander is loaded with airbags all around, anti skid/ anti roll controls, traction control, and just about any safety feature you could want. My test vehicle was loaded with near luxury items like: dual zone a/c, a great stereo, 6 disk CD changer, power heated mirrors and seats, and much more.
 The Highlander Hybrid starts in the low $30s' and is well equipped at $40k, so it is a little pricey. However, the vehicle is rock solid and durable, so if you are looking for a mid sized CUV, check out the Highlander.