2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Consumer Reviews Page 3

Great Green SUV

Written by: JE on 06/20/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I have had this car since Dec 2007 and love it. I've been averaging 25.5 mpg (through winter, spring, and summer driving). It's been great for my family of four with plenty of space. I bought the base model but added leather (through a 3rd party), nav, bluetooth, iPod connectivity, DVD interoperability, a rear DVD player and heated seats. These additions probably saved me approx $5K over getting them through Toyota on the Limited package.

Favorite Features

Driving is extremely comfortable - quiet ride, very smooth, lots of room.

Suggested Improvements

Toyota should offer more options in the base package. I had the POPULAR PLUS package which is nice but I wasn't able to do any a la carte from it.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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I would buy another one

Written by: mcnamara on 06/14/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

We have owned the vehicle for 5 months. There has not been one problem with the car. Mileage 27.5 mpg city and 26 - 30 mpg on the highway. Most driving is at 5,000 to 6,500 feet above sea level. Gasoline is typically purchased with an ethanol/regular mixture. The ride is quiet and smooth. Plenty of power.

Favorite Features

Lots of room for a family of 4 plus all of the stuff. Mid row captain chairs with middle seat option is great. Like the fact that we have an available 3rd row of seats if needed. Auto lift gate, XM radio, ride, auto temperature, digital display status.

Suggested Improvements

Plug in electric for city driving 40 mpg average would be a good goal for a vehicle of this size

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Could be a lemon

Written by: Sr Tocino on 06/04/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

We have purchased the hybrid and so far we are far from satisfied. The black box that displays engine performance has died. Lojack and handsfree telephone (dealer installed) took 2 weeks to get installed and the handsfree doesn't work and there was no manuals for either. We were told by the salesman and his manager we could get a luggage rack without having to get the sunroof (between skin cancer on my bald head and the fact I'm 6'4" the sunroof takes up headroom) only to be told after buying the car we couldn't get a rack without the sunroof package. We bought the vehicle to take our kayak and gear to the shore, now we can't. I feel that Toyota is taking customers for granted.

Favorite Features

gas mileage

Suggested Improvements

Roofracks, aftermarket add ons that work.

14 out 35 people found this review helpful

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Great Car ! Very happy with purchase.

Written by: JAB on 05/31/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

We bought this vehicle about 6 weeks ago and love it! The mileage is right about what it is rated at 27/city, 25/hwy. It probably could get better but I don't like always driving like a grandma so that's great mpg for me. The car has a lot of power when you need it such as getting on highways, etc., and has a smooth ride.

Favorite Features

Popular Plus package with auto lift-gate and separate glass opening, auto temperature for front and second row seats, third row seating. The space is great!

Suggested Improvements

Programmable seating for 2 drivers. Slightly sportier suspension.

11 out 11 people found this review helpful

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Well-planned

Written by: mb on 05/27/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I love this car! We got it b/c we wanted an SUV for kids and knew we'd get hit hard at gas pumps, but also b/c in test drive, it was the most comfortable, and most thoughtfully planned interior of many SUVs, including new Acuras. I've had a honda for 11 yrs and enjoyed the FWD, the reliability and all the nooks and crannies in it (I miss those hidden compartments) but this car has style, more cupholders than you could possibly need and that 3rd seat in the 2nd row is an amazing feature!

Favorite Features

Nav system, bluetooth, sunroof, watching the energy go from elec to gas and back, 12 cupholders and I LOVE the auto open/close hatchback

Suggested Improvements

Allow nav system changes while driving - what's the passenger for, anyway?! Reduce cost. You certainly don't break even at the gas station when you pay 10k extra for hybrid, but it may sell quicker in a few yrs than the typical SUV guzzler.

8 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Mixed emotions

Written by: grider on 05/22/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

My feelings on this vehicle are very mixed. We bought this to replace our gas guzzling pathfinder. It is touted as getting between 25 & 27 miles to the gallon, which we were getting until about a month ago when it fell and has not gone above 22 MPG. We took it in to get inspected and went through all the obvious factors, tire pressure, driving habits,and so on. They informed us that it takes 5,000 to 10,000 miles to "break in" the vehicle and see the actual MPG.We were informed that 26 MPG was not actually realistic and those tests are done under conditions which are impossible to drive under. I am not saying its a bad vehicle, but don't believe your salesperson that u are going to get 26 MPG

Favorite Features

Very comfortable and spacious

Suggested Improvements

Lower the price!! You are saving money in gas just to jack up your payment. FYI, they took away the tax incentive for this hybrid vehicle because people were buying too many we did not find this out until after purchase, we just assumed we would get the tax incentive.

13 out 13 people found this review helpful

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Impressive gas mileage

Written by: MM on 05/22/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

We just leased our 2008 highlander hybrid and currently have 800 miles logged. We are averaging 27.4 mpg and utilizing the econ and ev modes. Without those, our average was around 24. The vehicle is very comfortable and fits my 6'7" very well. Overall, it is a very quiet vehicle.

Favorite Features

Econ and ev mode. Back up camera standard. Easy access if you want to upgrade the lights. Technology. MPG for size of vehicle.

Suggested Improvements

An automatic rear door should be standard on all models. It is very heavy and close to impossible to close with one arm. LED lights and HID standard.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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The Perfect Balance

Written by: Al on 05/19/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Wow! This vehicle has an excellent balance of performance, economy, ergonomics and reliability. Beginning with Toyota's amazing commitment to quality and reliability. Continue with Toyota's attention to comfort and ergonomics. Top it all off with 270 hp and 460 ft lbs of torque (almost as much as my turbo diesel!!) and it's hard to believe that it holds 7 people and gets 27 mpg!! We traded our Sequoia in for the Highlander and haven't looked back (we loved our Sequoia!). I think I love it more than my Camry hybrid and my diesel truck! Especially as fuel moves well over 4.00/gallon.

Favorite Features

Ride, creature comforts, power and, of course, mpg!!

Suggested Improvements

As others have said, the 3rd row seat must be split 50/50 or 60/40. Back-up sensors should be a standard for this caliber vehicle.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Definitely different! Great car!

Written by: Steve on 05/06/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Driving a hybrid in order to maximize fuel economy is definitely a skill. And that is why I had to give a lower "fun" score. Simply getting in the car and driving away as you would any other car will not yield optimal fuel economy. Read about "hypermiling" for more info. The power steering and shocks could be a little stiffer to give a sportier, controlled driving experience. The car leans more into turns than my 4Runner. The interior is definitely designed for luxury and comfort. The Synergy system and variable transmission work seamlessly to provide power when needed.

Favorite Features

The EV Only button, larger navigation/system info screen and 19" wheels made the top of my favorites list.

Suggested Improvements

Lower the price. $10,000+ for Hybrid system is a bit steep. Sportier steering and shocks. Enhance EV Only mode speed and distance. And add an driver activated 4WD or AWD performance when situation demands it.

17 out 18 people found this review helpful

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Happily owned

Written by: first hybrid on 05/04/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Just purchased 200 miles ago. You must drive in eco to receive better fuel economy. Bought it to replace a Odyssey. With our family of 5 the room is good. Cargo space is smaller than van but leg room is equal. Lots of power, options and comfort. We are getting 23 mpg but expect to do better with experience. Good replacement of a bad gas mileage van.

Favorite Features

Blue tooth, eco and ev mode, fuel ecomony monitoring, and navigation.

Suggested Improvements

Too get picky the third row should split, the nav should not lock out when moving. I pod should work with nav. The dvd playershould be controlled from nav. You must use remote control to power on and start movie without seeing menus.

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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