2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Consumer Reviews

Nearly Perfect

Written by: JShue on 09/29/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

There's nothing bad to say. I'm getting great gas mileage for an SUV, 24-32 mpg. You have to pay attention to your driving style to get it though, no fast accelerating, etc. It handles really well for you non-sports car drivers. It's easy to drive, fun and very comfortable. Tons of room, head and legs, unless you are 6-2 and try to fit in the third row, although that still was better than any small car backseat I've been stuffed in. The standard features with the base model are good enough although mine came with the popular plus package which came with more features than I would have asked for. This vehicle was simply better than anything else I researched and/or test drove.

Favorite Features

Comfortable, roomy, flexibility with 2nd-3rd rows, styling, power, fuel economy and reliability.

Suggested Improvements

Ala-carte options, I have some that I don't really need and probably would have added a better stereo or something. No important improvements though.

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Shocked

Written by: pondscum on 09/28/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Being an engineer I way underestimated this vehicle. The better half primarily drives it but I look forward to the rare opportunity to "steal" it. Our location uses ethanol in the fuels. We are now at around 10,000 miles and getting around 29 MPG (note using Mobil1 synthetic oil). I think it was a little lower when it was new. The hybrid system is seamless and a pleasure to drive. The seats and controls are well positioned thus comfortable to operate. Handles great and is comforting to know every time you hit the brakes a great deal of energy goes back into the batteries.

Favorite Features

Towing package is standard. There is a small funnel mounted to the block under the oil filter, no mess oil change. Rear tires are electrically driven only, less mechanical drag on the system. During towing the CVT and hybrid system are incredibly smooth and peppy.

Suggested Improvements

The only thing I miss is a compass.

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Love it

Written by: highlandreview on 09/21/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I just bought this car 1 week a go with only 7 miles on the odometer. I put 900 miles on it in one week (went on a road trip). I have averaged 26 mpg both in city and highway. I drove over a nail and a warning light showed me that I was losing psi in one of the tires. Without this feature I could have been stuck late at night on the road with 2 young kids. I stopped at the nearest gas station, filled up with air, and made it to my destination safely. I have a fully loaded limited hybrid and love it! The kids watched movies on the dual tv headrests while I listened to my iPod and called family via the voice activated blue tooth feature.

Favorite Features

Bluetooth, iPod aux, voice activated navigation w backup cam, tire pressure readings, mpg consumption, movable middle 2nd row seat, lots of space for backpacks in second row, 3rd row when needed for extra passengers, moon roof, headrest tv(s), smart key, good ground clearance, lumbar/ thigh support

Suggested Improvements

Upgrade nav dvd to allow no-lock out when passenger weight detected, display which tire needs air, allow iPod control via steering wheel - improve voice recognition for telephone number (sometimes had to repeat number 6-7 times before the computer understood -and English is my native language ;)

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Toyota Highlander

Written by: RICHARD12342 on 09/08/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I just bought this vehicle because of a desire to do my part against OPEC and I needed a new one. The car started out with a mileage of 11.5 miles per gallon on the dash board computer. After approx 120 miles it is up to 22.5. So far I am disappointed because I am expecting to get the sticker mileage of 27 MPG. I was shocked and disappointed by the lack of luggage room when the fold away seats were unfolded. Folded there is plenty of room for stuff. I missed having my headlights turn on automatically when needed. I love the key less operation but because of the quietness I have gotten out of the car with the car still "running." roof needs protective strips to protect carrying baggage.

Favorite Features

Hybrid although a large capacity hybrid battery would allow for more electric travel. Keyless operation is wonderful. Backup camera

Suggested Improvements

Automatic headlight turn on. Needs a better owners manual made just for this car. Larger hybrid battery for longer electrical running.

7 out 11 people found this review helpful

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More Than Expected

Written by: Freemarket2010 on 09/03/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Picked this up last month. Got it at invoice since the car market is slow and 2009 models are coming. VERY impressed with the car. Drove every hybrid out there and thought the RX400h would be the one but there is really no comparison between the two. The RX is an older, noisier, less luxurious ride than the Highlander and, interestingly, very few people realize that. That may change in 2010 with the new RXh. This Highlander really excels in many areas. Mileage around town has been 26.5 mpg-better than we read here. It is very quiet and the intelligence of the interior layout is impressive. This is my wife's car and she's coming from a Lexus LS430 Ultra and she is more than satisfied.

Favorite Features

Smart Key is very impressive. Locking and unlocking are easy and quick as is the start up of the car. The key hasn't left my or my wife's pocket yet. The visual displays are informative and easy to understand. Sound quality on the JBL is better than expected. The quietness of the cabin is very good.

Suggested Improvements

Any more luxury features would compete too directly with Lexus. If you put your foot into it with ECON off, this machine goes... a little more horses, however, wouldn't hurt my feelings. Cars generally disappoint me but this is an impressive vehicle thus far.

12 out 12 people found this review helpful

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Green SUV of the future

Written by: SUV_PRO on 08/16/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I'm an extremely experience & picky SUV driver, I've spent over 2 months test driving several SUVs in the market which includes BMW X5, BMW X6, Land Rover LR3, Mercedes M-Class, and Porsche Cayenne. Yes, they are nice and fast, but nothing blow me away like Highlander Hybrid, it amazed me by its unconventional and futuristic technology with Synergy drive, VDIM, and CVT. European/American SUVs in the market attract the buyer by putting a bigger engine, bigger disk brakes to achieve better speed and cornering, but none of them put as much work as Toyota on engineering such clean and environmentally friendly vehicle. I am getting 29 MPG with my Highlander Hybrid in mix city/highway.

Favorite Features

Highlander Hybrid's interior is about 1/3 less noise than BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne. The second generation Synergy drive is really a technological marvel, it's so refined. VDIM definitely beats BMW's DSC; I've seen several videos on the web, it outperforms BMW X5 when racing on wet/ice surface.

Suggested Improvements

The mechanical part of this vehicle is extremely competent. The exterior design is muscular, but not as attractive or sporty as some of the Europeans. But it has great futuristic looks which I really love. The interior gives very airy feeling for both passengers and drivers which is a big plus.

11 out 11 people found this review helpful

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We love our Highlander Hybrid

Written by: nihonkara on 08/16/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

We were moving back to the US from Japan and wanted a Hybrid SUV. We are planning on a larger family than we have right now and needed the space. Also, since the gas prices had been going sky-high, we felt we needed the hybrid. We also did some simple math computation and realized that getting the hybrid for about $4K more that the non-hybrid, we could save about $3K in gas per year. (It pays for itself in 2 years!) Haven't had ANY trouble, it is perfect.

Favorite Features

Hybrid system, back-up camera, and it is very quiet. Averaging about 25 MPG highway and city combined.

Suggested Improvements

Fog lights standard and possibly sunroof. We love our Hybrid.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Like a Lexus

Written by: Basuk on 08/02/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Driven several BMW, Mercedes, and Land Rover SUVs Highlander Hybrid is far superior in terms of comfort, fuel economy and reliability. I have been driving my new HiHy for about a month and still wondering how it is putting together especially the transition from EV to ICE is seamless. Because of my office's location I have to drive approx 3 hours a day, and driving this vehicle is really effortless and smooth without worrying wasting gas in traffic jams. This car is innovative, it has leading edge technology, and the most important it is extremely reliable.

Favorite Features

Hybrid system, brakes, handling, fuel economy, fit and finish, technology.

Suggested Improvements

None

8 out 13 people found this review helpful

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18 days and 2 tanks

Written by: Initial Impressions on 07/19/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I've had this vehicle for about 680 miles and two tanks at 23.5 and 25.5 mpg. Not bad coming from a V8 Grand Cherokee @ 13 mpg. Ride is comfortable but a bit soft according to my preferences. Body roll and motions are controlled but nevertheless a bit too active for my taste. Steering is light which is good in parking lots but overly sensitive on the highway. Hybrid system works well but requires much attention to use effectively and optimally. Overall, the vehicle is quiet and suits my family needs well albeit in an unexciting and uninspiring way. If not for the hybrid system and the need for a SUV, I would have looked elsewhere.

Favorite Features

Hybrid system, energy monitor, small LCD display features, 2nd row leg room, 2nd row captain's chair, 2nd row fore/aft adjustment and recline feature, 2nd/3rd row HVAC vents in ceiling,

Suggested Improvements

Driver's memory seat std, 6-way min pass seat, remove navi lockout, real iPod interface, trailer hitch std, split 3rd row, increase EV to 40mph, more flexibility when EV mode can be used, allow rear DVD to play thru speakers, location ID for tire press, pwr folding ext mirrors, lower price by $4k

12 out 15 people found this review helpful

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Initial Impressions

Written by: MJS on 07/08/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

~200 miles so far. Comfortable but chassis is geared for grandma. I prefer more responsive steering and suspension feedback but hey, this is a Toyota. I bought this for the MPG only and the need for a SUV. Otherwise not too exciting. Ride is quiet but steering is a bit loose at highway speeds. Too much assist and its not the speed sensitive type. Center console lacks imagination. No coin slot for individual coins amongst others. I can fit a rear facing carseat behind the passenger seat and someone can still ride in the front. Too bad you can't put the child seat in the center and have two 2nd row passengers (seat belt interferes) So far about 24mpg... lots of breaking in left

Favorite Features

MPG, drivers seat thigh extension, secondary LCD screen, EV mode, captains chairs in 2nd row, full size spare, 2nd/3rd row HVAC vents in ceiling, reliability (I hope), power rear hatch, push button start

Suggested Improvements

Fully functional navi, driver's memory seats, 8-way pass power seat, tow hitch std, tire pressure location indicator, true iPod connection & charge, Rear DVD to play thru vehicle speakers, more cargo storage bins like 09 Pilot, side window shades, larger sunroof, raise EV speed to 40, split 3rd row

9 out 10 people found this review helpful

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