2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD Limited
Nina Russin
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD Limited Quick Facts
| Base Price: |
$39,950 |
| Price as Tested: |
$47,714 |
| Horespower: |
209 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque: |
212 lbs.-ft @ 3600 rpm |
| 0 to 60: |
N/A |
| ABS Brakes: |
Standard |
| Side Curtain Airbags: |
Standard |
| EPA Fuel: |
27/25 mpg city/highway |
| Towing Capability: |
No |
| Off-Road Capability: |
Yes |
| First-Aid Kit: |
Standard |
| Notes/Additional Info.:
|
A price increase that took effect May 1 raises the hybrid's base price by $500. Base price does not include a $685 delivery charge. |
Last year, Toyota rolled out the second-generation Highlander, including a model that utilizes the same hybrid synergy drive system as the Prius. Average fuel economy for the hybrid is 26 miles-per-gallon, as opposed to twenty for the gas powered Highlander.
The hybrid powertrain uses three electric motors: one which starts the engine, and one on each axle. The motors boost the gas engine's net horsepower from 209 to 270. A nickel metal hydride battery provides power to the electric motors.
The new Highlander shares chassis components with the Camry and Avalon sedans. It's longer and wider than the car it replaces, with an inch of additional ground clearance for better handling off-road.
The test car is the Limited grade: one of two available trim levels on the hybrid. Permanent four-wheel drive enhances off-road traction. A hill start assist feature prevents the car from sliding backwards when the driver accelerates from a stop on a steep grade.
Three rows of seating accommodate up to seven passengers. Third-row seats fold flat and second-row seats flip out of the way to create a long cargo floor that easily meets our bicycle-friendly standards.
Green Technology Without Compromise
The Highlander is a true hybrid: it runs solely on the electric motors when power demands are low. But unlike pure electric cars, the Highlander hybrid never needs recharging. It recharges on the go using heat energy from the car's brakes.
An energy meter on the instrument panel indicates power boost from the electric motors, as well as regenerative charging. On the left side of the meter, a hybrid system indicator consists of two modes: “normal” and “acceleration.” Keeping the needle within the indicator strips in either mode helps the driver to maximize fuel economy.
Like the Prius, the Highlander has an electronic air conditioning compressor. Whereas mechanical compressors are driven off the engine, this one can operate independently. Having sweated it out in other hybrids when the engine shuts off at traffic lights, the electronic compressor is a feature I can't say enough good things about.
Seamless Performance
The nicest thing about Toyota's hybrid technology is that it's invisible to the driver. Both Highlander hybrid grades come with keyless entry and start. A start button on the instrument panel replaces a conventional ignition switch. Depending on its power needs, the Highlander will either start on electric power, or if necessary, turn on the gasoline engine.
Once in drive, a continuously variable automatic transmission eliminates shift shock. Acceleration is exceptional, since the electric motors develop maximum torque at extremely low speeds. The Highlander doesn't have low gears as a traditional transmission would. Instead a “B” setting applies additional braking to slow the car down on hills.
Hybrid components make the car a little nose-heavy: something that's most noticeable going downhill. Buyers can opt to add downhill descent control, which uses the engine and brakes to automatically maintain a preset speed. I'd recommend it for anyone planning to take the car on serious off-road trails.
Steering is precise, with plenty of assist at low speeds and a good on-center feel on the highway. Engineers did a good job of adjusting the four-wheel independent suspension for the large battery pack in back. The car feels quite balanced, and corners flat. The Limited grade comes with standard nineteen-inch wheels. Four-wheel disc brakes product firm, linear braking.
Permanent four-wheel drive gives the Highlander plenty of traction on moderate off-road trails. The longer wheelbase and additional length on the new model make it less maneuverable through tight turns. I was able to snake my way through some winding single track, but it was hard to keep creosote bushes to the sides from scratching the clear coat.
