PHOENIX -- The original Toyota Highlander was one of the first crossovers to reach the market, but its design and driving dynamics were bland.
For the 2008 model year, Toyota has redesigned the Highlander to be bigger, brasher and bolder than its predecessor.
The basics: The Highlander has grown considerably, from being based on the old Camry to being mounted on the recent Avalon platform. The new version is 4 inches longer, 3 inches wider and an inch taller. Interior volume increased by 41 cubic feet.
But this growth comes with a weight penalty. Depending on the trim level, the Highlander has added as much as 450 pounds of curb weight.
To move this metal, Toyota replaced the 3.3-liter V-6 with a 3.5-liter engine that also powers the Camry and Avalon. It is teamed with a five-speed automatic transmission. The brake discs are larger. And Toyota has deleted the underpowered price-leader four-cylinder engine, making the price of entry steeper.
Notable features: The redesigned Highlander comes in a hybrid version. The 270-hp hybrid powertrain is mostly carryover, with numerous refinements.
As for the interior of both models, the second-row "center seat" is removable and cleverly slides into a cubbyhole below the center console between the front seats. The second row seats also fold, recline and slide.
Among the standard features on the new Highlander: a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, 10 cupholders and a CD player with six speakers.
Among the standard features on the new Highlander: a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, 10 cupholders and a CD player with six speakers.
Standard features include cruise control, electric power steering, 10 cupholders, 17-inch wheels, air conditioning, a CD player with six speakers, auto-off halogen headlamps, keyless door locks, power windows and mirrors and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. The tailgate has a separate glass hatch that opens independently.
Standard safety features include seven airbags, ABS, traction control, vehicle stability system, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, hill-start assist and downhill assist. For purists, the traction and stability systems can be turned off. "Active" headrests move to restrict whiplash in a rear-end collision.
What Toyota says: "The next-generation Highlander has a more upscale image," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division general manager, at a press event here. "Customers wanted a roomier and more comfortable interior, more interior without compromising economy (and) a more forceful styling statement."
Compromises: The four-cylinder version generated less than 20 percent of Highlander sales. But given the price of gasoline, Toyota may regret dropping it. Toyota hopes the larger RAV4 will eliminate the need for a base model Highlander, but executives say the four-banger Highlander can be revived if needed.
The hybrid powered model illustrates Toyota's decision to calibrate hybrids for power as much as fuel economy. Whereas the old version could reach 30 mpg in easy driving, an hour-long test drive of the 2008 model netted less than 28 mpg.
Nuts and bolts: The standard Highlander arrives in July, and the Highlander Hybrid debuts in October. Toyota expects annual sales of 105,000 standard models, plus 28,000 hybrids.
The skinny: The new model is a big improvement, but fuel economy will take a hit in an era of rising gasoline prices. Toyota styling aims for sophistication over dynamism, meaning some folks will see it as bland. But the typical Toyota buyer will see it as a perfect fit for a growing family.
By Automotive News | Mark Rechtin
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