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For 2008, Toyota completely redesigned the Highlander Hybrid. It offers more refinement and a larger body, while still maintaining the same level of fuel economy as its predecessor. That’s an achievement because a change in size (an therefore, weight) usually has an immediate and noticeable effect on the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. Not so with the Highlander Hybrid. This versatile SUV grants more room and better packaging, while keeping its green stripes.
Power for the Highlander Hybrid comes from a 3.3-liter gasoline V6 engine, which is rated at 208 horsepower. In addition, two electric motors join this powertrain, one in the front and one in the rear, boosting the overall horsepower to a very respectable 270. There is a third electric motor that operates soley as an engine starter. The whole system mates to a continuously variable transmission, which is engineered to manage the various sources of power in a way that maximizes the Highlander Hybrid’s efficiency. In the way of performance, expect brisk acceleration and capable handling. You will have little to complain about in that department.
For even greater emphasis on efficiency, Toyota has outfitted the Highlander Hybrid with both "EV" and "Econ" driving modes. In EV, this hybrid functions solely on electric power, but only at low speeds and distances up to one mile. The more practical “Econ” mode works to limit throttle response in order to promote greater fuel economy. In other words, it restrains the engine’s ability to operate at its full potential. The ideal time to use this function is during stop-and-go traffic. The EPA rating for the Highlander Hybrid is 27 city/25 highway. Its city rating is actually better than its highway rating because the Highlander Hybrid makes more frequent use of its electric propulsion when traveling at lower speeds.
Though the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a four-wheel-drive vehicle, it is not very well suited for harsh road or weather conditions. It usually operates in front-drive mode, and is configured much differently than the all-wheel-drive version of the non-hybrid Highlander, which favors more power to the rear wheels. In the end, the Highlander Hybrid may be a very capable family/commuter/touring vehicle, but it is not ideal for those needing a heavy-duty utility truck for more demanding climates or terrain.
Regardless, the Highlander Hybrid is an excellent example of Toyota quality, inside and out. Larger families may still lean toward more spacious alternatives such as minivans or bigger crossovers like the Saturn Outlook. But for most eco-minded consumers looking for a practical people-mover, who can ask for anything more than the most fuel-efficient seven-passenger vehicle on the market?
Reviews:
“Toyota claims that since its debut, the Highlander Hybrid has been a good seller, attracting more than 31,000 buyers in 2006 and helping the brand capture 67 percent of the U.S. hybrid market. That’s great, but Toyota’s own data suggest that the next Highlander needs to be larger and more powerful. Hence, gas and hybrid versions will be larger and will boast 270 horsepower. This is especially significant since it not only puts a fresh, more competitive crossover in Toyota’s fleet, but it also marks the introduction of one of the market’s largest mainstream hybrid models. With its enlarged dimensions and impressive power ratings, the 2008 Highlander Hybrid rises above competitors such as the Ford Escape Hybrid.” Autobytel
“As is the case with other gas/electric-powered vehicles, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s fuel economy is typically at its best in city driving because the electric motors work optimally at lower speeds. To further maximize miserliness, the driver can activate an EV mode, in which the Highlander Hybrid will operate for a greater period of time solely under electric power in certain conditions; similarly, an ECON mode smoothes out throttle response to limit excessive acceleration.” ForbesAuto
“The 2008 Highlander is the first vehicle developed under Toyota Motor Corporation president Katsuaki Watanabe’s new “Customer First” quality initiative. After years of ruthless compressing and cost cutting, the Japanese automaker says its vehicle-development process is down to skin and bones, with a resulting effect on fit and finish.” Car and Driver
"While the Highlander’s efficiency is only OK in absolute terms, it’s pretty good for a three-row, all-wheel-drive vehicle that hauls around a family of five in comfort during cold winter weather. By way of comparison, the GMC Acadia managed only half the Highlander’s around-town fuel economy in the same driving conditions. The bland, blocky exterior styling of the Highlander suits the hard antiseptic interior plastics and numb, uncommunicative electric power steering to yield what could be the perfectly soulless transportation appliance." MSNBC.com
"One would think that the more expensive and complex hybrid powertrain would be smoother, but that was not the case. There were far more vibrations from the Hybrid, many of which could be felt in the steering wheel. Under hard acceleration, the hybrid powertrain was also noisier than the 3.5 liter V-6, which was wonderfully well-behaved." New York Times |
