New muscle and size for Highlander, but highway handling fails to impress
Toyota's new-for-2008 Highlander SUV carries the family Toyota truck look while modernizing the popular model at the same time. In a market full of crossover look-alikes, it's nice to see something that stands out.
The sport package equipped tester featured sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, special badging, and a few other body add-ons. It's all tough, rugged and masculine at first glance, and the front carries some scowling attitude which was missing from the last generation machine. A planted, solid stance is imparted from any angle.
Commanding and comfortable
This stance lays the foundation for a commanding driving experience. Drivers sit up high and are treated to a truck-like view. There's a step into the Highlander, but if you like a good view of the road from a healthy perch above, you won't mind at all.
There's abundant room inside for four big adults thanks to two captains chairs in the first and second rows. The middle row seats recline and have arm-rests- very comfy. The middle row can be converted into a 3-seat bench too, by snapping in a simple attachment. They also fold, slide and collapse with ease, allowing access to a small third row of 2 seats. These hide when they're not needed, but chew up most of the cargo space when they are. They're large enough for two small children- or adults who don't complain easily.
Functional, cozy, safe, and sound
The tester featured heated leather seating up front with power adjustments on the driver's side. There's abundant storage, including 6 available cupholders for front passengers. Entertainment duty is handled by a 6-CD changer stereo with punchy, clean sound- though even at full volume it will prove inadequately loud for most music lovers.
A small color LCD screen houses a trip computer, climate information and exterior thermometer. There's even a backup -camera hooked up to it, no navigation system required. The build quality and materials aren't exceptional, though average for the price. Controls are all enormous and can be easily manipulated with a heavy pair of winter gloves on.
Toyota's new-for-2008 Highlander SUV carries the family Toyota truck look while modernizing the popular model at the same time. In a market full of crossover look-alikes, it's nice to see something that stands out.
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| The vehicle's height gives you a good look at what lies ahead. |
The sport package equipped tester featured sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, special badging, and a few other body add-ons. It's all tough, rugged and masculine at first glance, and the front carries some scowling attitude which was missing from the last generation machine. A planted, solid stance is imparted from any angle.
Commanding and comfortable
This stance lays the foundation for a commanding driving experience. Drivers sit up high and are treated to a truck-like view. There's a step into the Highlander, but if you like a good view of the road from a healthy perch above, you won't mind at all.
There's abundant room inside for four big adults thanks to two captains chairs in the first and second rows. The middle row seats recline and have arm-rests- very comfy. The middle row can be converted into a 3-seat bench too, by snapping in a simple attachment. They also fold, slide and collapse with ease, allowing access to a small third row of 2 seats. These hide when they're not needed, but chew up most of the cargo space when they are. They're large enough for two small children- or adults who don't complain easily.
Functional, cozy, safe, and sound
The tester featured heated leather seating up front with power adjustments on the driver's side. There's abundant storage, including 6 available cupholders for front passengers. Entertainment duty is handled by a 6-CD changer stereo with punchy, clean sound- though even at full volume it will prove inadequately loud for most music lovers.
A small color LCD screen houses a trip computer, climate information and exterior thermometer. There's even a backup -camera hooked up to it, no navigation system required. The build quality and materials aren't exceptional, though average for the price. Controls are all enormous and can be easily manipulated with a heavy pair of winter gloves on.
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| Fit and finish is just average, something uncommon for a Toyota. |