2008 Toyota Highlander: The Quintessential Family Car
In the evolution of the family car, Toyota's all-new 2008 Highlander probably represents the current state of the segment better than any other single model. Not as SUV-like as Honda's Pilot, not as sporty/crossover-like as Mazda's new CX-9, and not as big and "trucky" as the new GM Lambdas or Ford's Edge (those last models drive much better than any truck, but they are still "truckier" than the Japanese versions). I suppose it's not surprising that Toyota should represent the "average" or "middle ground" of the segment better than anyone else -- it's their specialty, and the sales figures prove it.
The Highlander displays all the traits I expect from a Toyota-badged vehicle in 2008. The engine is torquey and more than adequate for propellin the vehicle up to freeway speeds, yet it still manages decent fuel mileage with the new EPA standards (18/24 on non-hybrid, front-wheel drive models). The conservative, wagon-like exterior design is matched by a functional and comfortable interior with much better space utilization than the previous version.
HOWEVER, also in line with modern Toyota products, the Highlander's interior material quality was lacking in a couple areas. The main item I noted was a foam-like headliner and a thin, plasticky liner around the overhead controls for the dome light and sunroof. If this is the worst thing I can site on the vehicle (and it is, though the inability to use the nav system when the car is moving runs a close second) than it's still an excellent choice for the target buyer. Prices start at $27,300, but you're going to be over $30,000 for a nice.
Posted by Karl Nov 26, 2007 7:00 am
Permalink
Categories: Toyota
|
|
Is there really any point in getting a Highlander when the RAV4 is now essentially the same size, can carry the same amount of people and has the same engine? Ever since the RAV4 became so big, I didnt really see the point of the Highlander, kind of like how I dont see the point of the Sequoia and Land Cruiser.
|
|
 | |
heffling
- Nov 26, 2007 8:00 am
(#2 Total: 17)
|
|
|
|
How does it compare to a minivan?
|
|
| |
jr1m90
- Nov 26, 2007 8:01 am
(#3 Total: 17)
|
|
|
|
Pennsylvania, United States of America |
|
|
I agree, there wasn't much point in the previous Highlander version after the Rav4 was upsized, but the Highlander has also been enlarged, so there is a definite separation between the two again. The current Rav4 has 73 cubic feet of total capacity vs. the new Highlanders 95 cubic feet, so there is a difference between them again. Beyond size, they aren't competitors in price, as a loaded up Rav4 will come in around the same as a base Highlander (although ultimately, the Highlander has more available luxury features than the Rav4).
Plus, I'd imagine the Highlander's third row is a lot more accommodating than the Rav4's, and hopefully, the previous generation Highlander's. I sat in one, and there was no legroom for me, even when I was 15 and 5' 6" or so.
|
|
| |
|
|
Yawn.
Also, Toyota options and pricing are ridiculous. Good look finding one equipped the way you want it. I was looking at Camry's last month and couldn't find anything with less than $800 worth of pinstripes, door edge guards, and "protection package".
|
|
| |
|
|
worst thing I can cite
then it's still an excellent choice
for a nice what?
:-p
|
|
| |
7driver
- Nov 26, 2007 10:03 am
(#6 Total: 17)
|
|
|
|
I had a chance to check one out, but not drive it. Karl is right, the materials quality on the interior is pretty bad. That plasti-wood is atrocious. There was a time when car companies would at least *try* to fool you with a high-gloss finish that's supposed to remind you of a urethane coating. And the nav system is a waste of money.
I sat in the third row and indeed it is more spacious than the last Highlander and the current RAV4, but this isn't saying much. It's still a bit tight. Access to it is not bad, though.
What is the point of the Highlander? How does it compare to a minivan? I see it as a replacement for the SWB full size minivan, which seems to have gone the way of the dodo. The Highlander is about a full foot shorter than a Sienna and for some people that extra length is a liability. The Highlander also gets better mileage than the Sienna: it's 18/24 FWD Highlander vs. 17/23 FWD Sienna and 17/23 AWD Highlander vs. 16/21 AWD Sienna. On top of all that, the hybrid drivetrain can't be found on the RAV4 or the Sienna. Plus, the Highlander is rated for 5000lbs towing vs. 3500 of either Sienna or RAV4.
|
|
| |
calhon
- Nov 26, 2007 2:08 pm
(#7 Total: 17)
|
|
|
|
"I suppose it's not surprising that Toyota should represent the "average" or "middle ground" of the segment better than anyone else -- it's their specialty, and the sales figures prove it."
What sales figures are you referring to?
The Pilot, Edge and Exploxer each outsell the Highlander Oct YTD.
|
|
| |
|
|
Good point on the SWB minivans, 7driver. The only lamentable thing about the Highlander is that it's more expensive than those shorty minivans used to be. Case in point, Dodge's upcoming Journey crossover (which is rumored to be the spiritual replacement for the now-defunct SWB Caravan) is supposed to start some $5000 less than the Highlander, which price-wise is itself roughly equivalent to, if not slightly more expensive than, Toyota's own Sienna minivan.
|
|
| |
|
|
I too think Toyota has played the crossover game poorly for this latest iteration as far as size. The Enclave, Acadia, and Outlook may be a bit "truckier," but are excellently sized for large families with a good 3rd row, can tow about the same as the Highlander, and even have tons of cargo space behind the 3rd row. To boot, they get the same or better fuel economy while having more power. Edge and MKX play it better as well, in the opposite direction. They're much smaller than the Highlander, and have just two, very spacious and comfortable rows. However, several factors make the Edge worse, including obvious finish issues (screws uncovered in the door handles, exterior and interior gaps that were crooked or wide, and poor selection of materials.
To me, Highlander and Rav4 compete with each other, but they've found plenty of buyers for both, apparently.
|
|
| |
texases
- Nov 26, 2007 8:37 pm
(#10 Total: 17)
|
|
|
|
Not that most care about it, but what's with the styling of this, the RAV4, the Landcruiser/lLexus whatever? Bland/blobby, inoffensive at best.
|
|
| |
|
|
You mean characteristically Toyota, texases?
|
|
| |
|
|
L.A. CA United States of America |
|
|
"The Pilot, Edge and Exploxer each outsell the Highlander Oct YTD."
The 2008 Highlander went on sale too recently for 2007 YTD sales to truly represent how successful this model will be. The Edge is probably at the height of its "all-new, must-have" sales effect. The Explorer doesn't really compete with the Highlander because of its drivetrain and platform design.
Let's check back in a 12 months and see how this one is doing sales wise (though I agree that the current RAV4 has to be impacting sales of the Highlander -- even this newer, larger version).
|
|
| |
texases
- Nov 27, 2007 7:21 am
(#13 Total: 17)
|
|
|
|
Orangutan - yes, but worse than that. They all share a common style, but not a good one. The RAV4 is probably the best of the bunch.
|
|
| |
|
|
Ellicott City MD United States of America |
|
|
A deal-killer for me regarding the Highlander is that the 3rd-row seat does not offer a split-fold feature. Why they chose to go that route is a complete mystery, and as a result, it's off my short list of possible future vehicles. I'm sure others will come to the same conclusion.
|
|
| |
1487
- Nov 30, 2007 7:53 am
(#15 Total: 17)
|
|
|
|
Philadelphia PA United States of America |
|
|
The rav4 is going to limit the sales of the Highlander. The Edge is beating the Highlander by a significant margin in sales and the improvements made to the 2008 model are probably going to help things stay that way. I thought the interior was the trump card of the highlander but it sounds like its less than impressive overall. without that the Highlander is forgetable. If I dont need a 3rd row I'm getting an Edge and if I do I'm getting an Acadia. I see no advantage to gettting a Highlander unless I want the hybrid.
|
|
| |
|
|
Ellicott City MD United States of America |
|
|
A couple of features that I "do" like about the Highlander is that it comes with a full-size spare tire, and can be equipped to tow 5000 pounds, which is more than any other comparable Asian CUV.
|
|
| |
|
|
One vehicle that seems to be slipping under the consciousness of SUV buyers is the Ford Freest...er Taurus X wagon-thingie. It provides room for seven, with a split folding third row seat, has SUV-like body style, has a peppy V6, and a 5-speed tranny.
Why isn't it selling like hotcakes? If I had a family of 3+, and didn't want a van, the X would be on my short shopping list.
I really liked the Mazda MPV. For a small van, it had all the right moves. It had gadgets and stuff people liked in an affordable package. Too bad Mazda didn't redesign and improve on it. (I know the 5 is the spiritual successor, but I think it's a bit underpowered and small.)
|
|
|
|
