Have you ever driven a particular car and felt like you were behind the wheel of another? That's exactly the impression I got when I sat at the helm of Toyota's all-new 2008 Highlander crossover. I'm not saying that the vehicle is devoid of interest; it's just that there are so much resemblances with the Camry sedan that one could call it the "Camry Wagon".
Sure, ever since its introduction in 2000, the Highlander has been using the same platform as the Camry. Actually, it nearly became the first true car-based crossover in the industry.
This time, however, company executives loudly claim that things are different. The Camry platform remains, but almost every other component has been revised, according to Yukihiro Okane, Chief Engineer for the development of the new Highlander.
A more modern look
In order to update the styling of this crossover, designers slightly reshaped the body. Up front, the headlights have been softened and drawn more like a pair of eyes. The grille is different and the hood has been slightly raised. Out back, the rear hatch with independent window is rounder and makes the overall appearance a bit more friendly. Focus groups were organized at every step of the development process in order to collect detailed consumer feedback and help Toyota make the necessary changes to satisfy the needs and wants of the target market.
As a result, the 2008 Highlander is 96-mm longer, 84-mm wider and has a 75-mm longer wheelbase than the previous generation. The extended dimensions all served to expand interior room for passengers, who can stretch more freely. Meanwhile, cargo room has been increased by more than 420 litres.
The Highlander is now a true 7-passenger vehicle. One little finding allowed engineers to incorporate a removable Center Stow seat between the two second-row captain's chairs: a module fitted underneath the front section of the console simply transforms into an actual seat. It's kind of hard to explain (seeing is believing), but the system is easy to use and truly convenient.
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| Driving the Highlander is oddly similar to driving the Camry. |
Sure, ever since its introduction in 2000, the Highlander has been using the same platform as the Camry. Actually, it nearly became the first true car-based crossover in the industry.
This time, however, company executives loudly claim that things are different. The Camry platform remains, but almost every other component has been revised, according to Yukihiro Okane, Chief Engineer for the development of the new Highlander.
A more modern look
In order to update the styling of this crossover, designers slightly reshaped the body. Up front, the headlights have been softened and drawn more like a pair of eyes. The grille is different and the hood has been slightly raised. Out back, the rear hatch with independent window is rounder and makes the overall appearance a bit more friendly. Focus groups were organized at every step of the development process in order to collect detailed consumer feedback and help Toyota make the necessary changes to satisfy the needs and wants of the target market.
As a result, the 2008 Highlander is 96-mm longer, 84-mm wider and has a 75-mm longer wheelbase than the previous generation. The extended dimensions all served to expand interior room for passengers, who can stretch more freely. Meanwhile, cargo room has been increased by more than 420 litres.
The Highlander is now a true 7-passenger vehicle. One little finding allowed engineers to incorporate a removable Center Stow seat between the two second-row captain's chairs: a module fitted underneath the front section of the console simply transforms into an actual seat. It's kind of hard to explain (seeing is believing), but the system is easy to use and truly convenient.
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| The Highlander is longer and therefore roomier. |