2008 Toyota Highlander 3.3L V6 Hybrid (212 HP)

Vehicle Overview

After seven years on the market, the Highlander needed a well-deserved new model, which Toyota unveiled as the second generation of this successful crossover at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show.

The Japanese automaker aimed high when it made the Highlander, also known as Kluger, in the Japanese and Australian markets. It was the first in its class to offer a hybrid, gas-electric powertrain that helped reduce running costs. Furthermore, its unibody construction made the vehicle feel like a sedan, not like an SUV. With the introduction of the second generation, Toyota stepped up its game and improved the vehicle in many areas. And unlike the first generation that didn’t come right from the start with three-row seating, this one did.

While the design was not the main asset of the vehicle, the Highlander still impressed many customers with its simple front fascia design that featured clear headlights and a trapezoidal-shaped grille. Depending on the trim level, that was black or silver. On the hood, the automaker made a bulged center section that visually connected the prominent grille to the lower side of the windshield. On the lower bumper, the Highlander featured a pair of clusters that housed the fog lamps.

Toyota kept the idea of a sporty-looking crossover for the Highlander’s second generation and penned flared wheel arches for it. The six-spoke alloy wheels were standard for most of the five trim levels, depending on the engine version. Chromed trims adorned the window line, and similar shiny parts were also available to decorate the side sills. Still, the B- and C-posts were darkened, like on the 2001 Highlander, and the body-colored D-pillar behind made the car look bigger than it was. At the back, the automaker added clear corner-mounted taillights.

But the biggest upgrade was noticed on the interior. The dashboard’s design was slightly more complicated than before, but it still featured the same instrument cluster with a binocular styling for the gauges. The center console housed the controls for the HVAC system and the Infotainment unit. In addition, the automaker added a small information display atop the main screen, between the center vents, that showed other information for the driver, showing which doors are opened or closed, time, and exterior temperature. Thanks to the three row-seating, the Highlander could provide enough room for up to seven people on board. The rearmost row was mostly suitable for kids due to the limited legroom.

Under the hood, Toyota installed a choice of three gasoline engines. The base model came with a 2.7-liter inline-four, while the rest of the range featured either a 3.5-liter V6 or a 3.3-liter hybrid drivetrain. The gas-electric variant also allowed customers to drive the Highlander in EV-only mode at low speeds for short distances. Like its predecessor, the second generation of this crossover was available with either a front or an all-wheel drive system.