2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Consumer Reviews Page 5

Green is Good!

Written by: Mary on 03/08/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I've wanted a hybrid for a couple of years. Giving up my Montero was tough - it had great style and fit my large family well, but the Earth's needs came first so I bought the HiHy. We are more cramped than we used to be but we are very comfortable. The ride is much more like a luxury car. I find that I drive with a more relaxed style now since I can see on the display how I'm using the engine (EV, EV-assist or gas). The roofrack is adjustable so our topper for our camping gear and my kayak will fit nicely. My absolute only complaint, and it's minor: it's got no style. But I'll take 'not much to look at' for the super low emissions and the comfort. I'm very pleased with it.

Favorite Features

The display is really nice. I can tell exactly what's going on with the tire pressure, the engine(s), the back-up camera is there, the trip odometer, system functions, it's very cool :)

Suggested Improvements

Style! LOL It's got no "wow" when you see it. It's hardly even noticeable and I got a beautiful green color.

19 out 21 people found this review helpful

Report It

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Ltd.

Written by: Tomas Corlette on 02/26/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

We traded our 2005 Highlander Limited with 65,000 miles for an '08 Highlander Hybrid and went from average 21 mpg to average 26 mpg, more performance, more room and comfort. It wasn't cheap and we expect to keep it past 100,000 miles. We were not impressed that the new Limited didn't include roof rack crossbars ($200) or door side moldings($180). The rear-seat-floor battery vents must not be blocked and that removes some room when we pack the car for long trips.

Favorite Features

Hybrid technology, comfort for long drives - especially seating, seating flexibility, respectable performance for 65+ year olds and hopefully Toyota trade-in value. The CVT gives the impression of better performance than the tests indicate. Very smooth.

Suggested Improvements

No rattle in dash. Less chunky styling, make roof rack cross bars and side molding standard, We could have done without the rear vision tv and the trendy big wheels. We would rather have a vehicle that might work for some mild off-road use. The no-key feature also seems superfluous. Add wheel locks.

27 out 30 people found this review helpful

Report It

Awesome suv

Written by: Jonathan on 02/22/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I just got it about two weeks ago. I have previously owned a 2005 Camry and I traded in my 2007 Rav4 for this one. Oh boy this was the best decision I made, this SUV is a combination of a sedan and the styling of a Crossover. Definitely eye-catching and stunning on the road, and the ride is astounding. Toyota made a hit! Mileage is reasonable considering the size and the options. This SUV is incomparable to anything in its class.

Favorite Features

Smart Key System. Multi-information display/ back-up camera. EV and Econ Mode. Blizzard pearl color. The exterior body. I love this SUV!

Suggested Improvements

Fog lights should be standard in Hybrid models.

7 out 11 people found this review helpful

Report It

As good as it gets

Written by: jniska on 02/11/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

This vehicle is just about perfect. Ride is great, driving dynamics are good for a bigger SUV, and the mileage for a vehicle this size is outstanding. We test drove the Escape Hybrid and it falls way short of the Highlander in comfort, and overall driving feel. This car is the perfect compliment to our Prius. Not only do you we get over 26 MPG, the car can seat 7 and tow 3500 pounds. I don't know of any other vehicle that can do that. We typically trade in our cars every few years, but this one is going to stay for quite a while, or at least until Toyota comes out with a plug in model.

Favorite Features

Smart Key, power rear door, back up camera without having to pay for the nav system. JBL stereo is great. Econ mode for the tranny is also a help. Very comfortable car, and the attention to detail is obvious.

Suggested Improvements

50 out 50 people found this review helpful

Report It

Very Happy

Written by: Ohio Driver on 02/06/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I have owned my 08 Highlander Hybrid for just 5 days but I am very happy. I am a discerning consumer and I researched and thought about thiw vehicle for 5 months before purchasing. I have owned Toyotas for 23 years and this is the best out of the gate. It is actually smoother and quieter than I expected and rivals my Avalon - BUT the pick-up power is till great!

Favorite Features

Smooth ride, fuel economy, styling, space, digital/auto climate control, flexible use for rear space, and definitely the clear digital display that provides plenty of info about fuel economy/battery efficiency.

Suggested Improvements

Flexibility to choose/add specific options - more detailed info in the manual about the drive modes and how to use them to their fullest - econ, EV (electric).

22 out 22 people found this review helpful

Report It

Went the extra mile

Written by: bwolfe99 on 01/28/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Every imaginable gadget, great looks, great ride, it did not disappoint. Got just under 32 MPG driving to work today (25 miles in stop and go traffic). The car is great, if you could just actually order one with what you want in it, that would be big.

Favorite Features

Nav/Bluetooth is awesome, also audio/video/110V outlet that comes with the rear-screen entertainment center, we can use our Tivo in the Highlander or bring along the WII.

Suggested Improvements

A backup-sensor so you could "hear" how far you are from an obstacle would be cool. Other than that, it is a perfect vehicle. Some interior materials could be slightly better.

15 out 15 people found this review helpful

Report It

Great mileage for a SUV

Written by: very happy on 01/21/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Very happy overall. Very quiet, very good MPG 1st tank 26, 2nd 28, 3rd 28 and fourth 31 MPG! True, lots of LA traffic involved to get those numbers. We also own a Prius so we have practice at driving hybrids. I'm 6'3" and have lots of leg room. Front seats could have a bit more thigh support, but still very comfortable. Would have prefered black leather interior...not offered. I've owned lots of Toyotas this one is by far the best.

Favorite Features

Smooth quiet ride. Great sound system. GPS is wonderful. No beeping while backing up. Thank you Toyota.

Suggested Improvements

Offer an option for black leather interior. Full iPod integration.

14 out 15 people found this review helpful

Report It

Cream of Crop

Written by: gabe on 01/19/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Toyota did it again! This HH is bigger, roomier & better mileage. Just loving it.

Favorite Features

Keyless entry & engine start. Backup camera.

Suggested Improvements

Override of the GPS. More clearance for winter traction devices. Split 3rd row seat.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report It

Our 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Ltd

Written by: Bill in FL on 01/18/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

We did lots of research for our next new car. We also have a 2006 Prius & we knew nothing could touch it for gas mileage. So far it exceeds our expectations in all areas & now shows 26.2 MPG.

Favorite Features

Bluetooth, nav, sunroof, the entire car.

Suggested Improvements

Only to improve the MPG closer to the Prius.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report It

A great vehicle with a few quirks

Written by: Craig on 01/09/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

This is my first hybrid. I have noticed that if you want to milk every bit of mpg from this vehicle, you need to drive in ECON mode. Using ECON mode I get 25 mpg in mixed driving. Without ECON mode I get around 20 mpg - sometimes less. EV mode is, IMHO, a marketing gimmick as it will not work unless the temperature is right, the batteries are fully charged, etc, etc, etc. When idling in park or in traffic, you sometimes feel a bump and small surge forward. When driving, you do not feel gas/electric switching at all. In ECON mode, acceleration is damped to conserve fuel. In normal mode this vehicle is quite powerful and easily gets to freeway speeds.

Favorite Features

Voice command system allows control over all aspects of the electronics. JBL sounds system provides great sound to all types of music. Automatic headlight system ensures lights are on/off at appropriate times. Nav display screen is HUGE and bright. Many system display options all useful.

Suggested Improvements

Reduce road noise Voice command system is annoying because there is no way to turn off the prompting of what to do next. The Nav maps are nowhere as detailed as Garmin/Magellan maps - functionality does not compare. Bluetooth system only holds 2 numbers and you can voice dial only the first.

32 out 34 people found this review helpful

Report It