SUV Cars

This new second-generation 2008 Toyota Highlander is much bigger and more powerful than before, which gives the midsize SUV more breathing room between it and the automaker's recently enlarged RAV4 compact SUV. The gas-powered Highlander gets a new 3.5-liter V-6; (a gas\electric Highlander Hybrid variant is also available) Five-and seven-seat models are accessible, and Base, Sport and Limited trims are offered. Competitors to new Honda SUV are: the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-9.

The Highlander is powered by a 270-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine that teams with a five-speed automatic transmission. Front- and four-wheel-drive models are offered, and the Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the optional tow package.

The 2008 Highlander Toyota is sleeker than its predecessor and features smooth lustrous sides. It retains the upright D-pillar of the prior model and the liftgate — which can have optional power operation — can also have glass that opens independently. Standard wheels measure 17 inches in diameter, but 19-inch wheels are available. The 2008 Highlander is about 4 inches longer, 3 inches wider and an inch taller than the outgoing model. Ground clearance measures 8.1 inches. At 188.4 inches long and 75.2 inches wide, the Highlander casts roughly the same shadow as a Honda Pilot, Subaru Tribeca or Hyundai Veracruz. The Mazda CX-9 and Saturn Outlook are both about a foot longer.

This new SUV has front bucket seats and sliding, reclining second-row leader's chairs that can be configured to handle three people with Toyota's Center Stow seat. The Center Stow seat provides decent comfort and can be removed and stored when not needed. Seven-seat Highlanders have a two-person third-row seat that can fold flat into the floor. Optional features include Smart Start and Entry keyless access, a navigation system, a rear-seat entertainment system with a flip-down 9-inch screen, leather-covered seats and a six-CD JBL stereo.

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal crash tests, the 2008 Highlander scored the highest score, Good. IIHS has not tested the Highlander for side impacts. Toyota didn't skimp on safety features. All Highlanders come standard with four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system. The stability system now works with the electric power steering, which boosts the power assist when the driver is steering to correct a skid. It also assists combat steering pull under hard braking to help the Highlander stop in a straight line. (Toyota says the system cannot steer the SUV on its own, as some advanced systems now do, so if you steer the wrong way in a skid, don't expect any extra power assist.) Seven airbags are standard, including the required dual front airbags, a driver's knee airbag and side-impact airbags for the front seats. There are also roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three rows, which deploy during a rollover to prevent occupant ejection. All seats have head restraints, and in Sport and Limited models, the front ones are forward-adjustable for better whiplash protection. Active head restraints are standard on the front seats of all trims. The second row includes Latch child-seat anchors in the outboard seats, with simply accessible top-tether anchors midway down the seatback.

Specifications:
2008 Toyota Highlander
Base price: $34,150
Engine: 270-hp, 3.5-liter V-6
Fuel: 17/23 mpg
Length: 188.4"
Width: 75.2"
Ground Clearance: 8.1"
Turning Radius: 19.4'
Cargo space: 10.3-95.4 cu. ft.