Used 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Consumer Reviews
Used Highlander Hybrid for sale
1
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
MPG
santabob1, 09/18/2014
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
57 of 59 people found this review helpful
When we purchased the Hylander, new, we got 28 to 30 mpg. Now with 116,000 miles on the car we get 23mpg. We keep the car in ENCON all the time and I drive like an old man.....because I am an old man. Any ideas on the drop in mpgs?
Shocked
pondscum, 09/29/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
26 of 27 people found this review helpful
Being an engineer I way underestimated this vehicle. The better half primarily drives it but I look forward to the rare opportunity to "steal" it. Our location uses ethanol in the fuels. We are now at around 10,000 miles and getting around 29 MPG (note using Mobil1 synthetic oil). I think it was a little lower when it was new. The hybrid system is seamless and a pleasure to drive. The seats and controls are well positioned thus comfortable to operate. Handles great and is comforting to know every time you hit the brakes a great deal of energy goes back into the batteries.
Love the car-highly recommend
ozziecookie, 11/21/2011
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
26 of 27 people found this review helpful
We purchased this 3 year old 2008 Highlander Hybrid 3 months ago and we could not be happier with it. It drives very well with excellent pick up. With time we have gotten familiar w/ the car and what it "likes". For example, on the highway, there are certain speeds-62 and 66, that it uses the electric power. Also, we are all driving less heavily on the pedal. It probably is good training to drive any car more efficiently. Overall, we get average 25 mpg. I am the main driver of the car. I use it to drive my son to school and back each day and after school lessons for both kids. My husband drives it occasionally and he loves it too. Whenever I am not using it, he uses it.
A reliable and fuel efficient SUV
Scott , 09/30/2010
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
27 of 29 people found this review helpful
I bought this hybrid after months of research. I actually sold my 05 highlander as I wanted the fuel efficiency. The interior is great as well as the outside design. A family of 7 fits comfortably with limited luggage or 5 with ample cargo room too. I love driving my Toyota as it cruises on batteries only. I have snuck up on many people this way. My only gripes are two: the rear 3rd row seats are hard to get into and the Battery only button is nearly worthless. You can drive on battery only if you don't floor the accelerator. Overall a great SUV to pick up used. No problems at all. I average 25 MPG in the city and about 23-25 on the freeway. I do hate one thing, the navigation system.
'08 Highlander Hybrid Ltd. w/ Nav
Bill of CA, 03/11/2010
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Coming out of a '00 Lexus RX300, I tend to compare the Highlander w/ that SUV. The driving position is not as comfortable as I can't rest my elbows on either armrests when I'm driving. The rest of the SUV is good for hauling my family of 5 around town. DVD system w/ wireless headsets is great b/c I can listen to my music while the kids watch their Cartoons. The Nav works OK, but sometimes it sends me in circles. The 2nd row configuration is what sold me on this SUV; it gets you close to what a minivan can do. It misses the minivan in cargo space aft the 3rd row-it's just enough for a folded Combi single stroller, but not much more. It makes up by getting better MPG than the minivan-at a cost.
Low maintenance until you get the BIG BILL!
Scott Hodges, 02/22/2017
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
20 of 23 people found this review helpful
We purchased a 2008 Highlander Hybrid in 2013. The car was practically maintenance free until last week. All service except oil changes have been done by the local Toyota dealer. My wife was pulling out of the driveway when the ABS/VSC lights came on and the console said to pull over. A code scan said it was C1391, internal acc pressure leak. Took it to the dealer. They said it needed a new brake accumulator and a new brake booster for a total of OVER $5000! Researching the issue, I found it is a fairly common issue for these cars. When I called Toyota to ask if the cost of this repair, equal to 1/3 the cost of the vehicle, could be mitigated, I eventually got a woman who told me that since I didn't take the car in to the dealer for nearly a year in 2015, I was not a loyal Toyota customer and they have chosen not to help me. REALLY!!?? The car didn't NEED any service during that time! I own 5 other cars including a couple of BMWs and I have NEVER had a repair this expensive and have NEVER been admonished by an automobile company representative for not getting a car serviced when it didn't need it. This was our first Toyota and will be out last.
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Beware of hybrid battery
Matthew Fahy, 07/28/2017
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
25 of 30 people found this review helpful
Toyota doesn't have a proper alert system for the hybrid battery. The compartment can fill with water and ruin the hybrid battery, which is a $5k-$8k repair bill. With all the technology and alerts, why would they not have an alert for this critical and EXPENSIVE piece of the hybrid auto?
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Big, Comfortable, Roadworthy
Jerry Crain, 11/28/2017
updated 05/29/2018
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Traded the Highlander in with 127Kmi on the clock and got above wholesale trade-in value toward a new, 2017 Chevy Bolt. I envy the new owner of the Highlander as I will miss the commodious cockpit of the Highlander, but really wanted to go all-electric. This is one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. The sheer size of the interior was intimidating when I first got it, but the electric controlled, heated front seats, the adjustable back seats and even the tolerable 3rd row seats offer comfort in a quiet and temperature controlled environment. Road and wind noise is low throughout the cabin and the sun-roof provides a bit of fun in good weather. Bought it for the low-end (electric) power and AWD available to haul my 1-ton sailboat in and out of the sometimes very steep launch ramps at lakes around here ... It outpulls any pick-up I've seen to date - even the diesels. Had my first mechanical failure this month (on it's 10th birthday) - the water pump began dripping at 116,000 miles.
- Performance
My Dream Car from the moment I test drove
brandoshido, 03/12/2009
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
14 of 17 people found this review helpful
I was in love with this vehicle from the moment I test drove it OVER A YEAR ago. So it took me a year to buy this vehicle. I am so glad i did (although my payments are wayyyy more than what I was wanting). It drives like a dream, has plenty of space for my mid-large size dog, and my workmates who I carpool with once a week. I am consistently getting 30.5 - 32 MPG off of my first 4 tanks so far. My buddies have all said the back seat is "cavernous" compared to my 2008 rav4 (I traded it in for this car). They also said the seats were "very comfortable". Get this car if you plan on keeping for 10+ years, the fuel savings won't catch up until then because of the price premium. I LOVE it!!!
Midsize SUV Space-V6 Power-Small SUV Fuel Economy!
jimmiegon, 10/13/2021
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I was hesitant to get a used hybrid, but back in March 2021, I ended up getting a good deal for a 2008 Highlander Hybrid with below average miles, Limited, fully loaded with leather seats, Nav system (way outdated but looks alright I guess, I still use Google Maps on my phone). Color is black with beige leather, silver roof rack, running boards, towing hitch and it still looks good for its age (obviously nothing compared to the current gen). It is now October 2021 and so far, I don’t regret my decision. I did have to replace the 12v battery, which isn’t as straightforward on this hybrid because the idle speed control has to be reset. Altogether it came out to less than 200 bucks. One thing I learned relatively quickly is that this vehicle will respond to your driving style which will determine whether you get below EPA estimated mileage or above. I was getting the former. In order to maximize fuel economy, I had to learn how to drive a hybrid (from You Tube videos). The techniques I found most effective obviously include using ECON mode and also coasting to stop signs or red lights about a quarter of a mile in advance, which shuts off the gas engine (anything longer will irritate drivers behind me and I’d end up crawling). Another technique is when I want to enable cruise control, I’ll go about 5 mph above my intended cruising speed, coast down those extra 5 mph and then engage the cruise. This is most effective when cruising around 50 mph or lower and I only do it if no one is on my tail. When warmed up and the hybrid battery is “fully charged” (it maxes out at 80% charge and drops no lower than 20% before recharging to extend the hybrid battery life), this 4500 lbs. bad boy will cruise at 40 mph in full EV mode for about 1.5 miles before the battery gets down to 20% and the gas engine kicks back on! I will say this caveat: that’s the max when the weather is nice out and the AC is off. I live in the Houston area and I noticed quickly that on the hottest days this past summer, it seemed to run more on the gas engine and the hybrid battery wasn’t charging as much, which understandably is a fail-safe because of the heat. But the difference wasn’t too drastic and I would imagine that extreme cold would affect it more. All in all, I average about the EPA estimated 25 mpg in highway driving and slightly above EPA estimates in the city at around 28 mpg. When I purposely use the techniques I mentioned, I can easily average around 30 mpg (city of course) and on one 10-mile city trip, the computer had me at 35 mpg, which is the best it’s recorded! Not bad at all. I will say this: regular short trips will kill fuel economy on this hybrid just like on any other vehicle. I work less than a mile from home (I know, lucky me, don’t hate!) and when I’m driving there and on other short trips like the grocery store, etc., I average about 18 mpg! But I also will say this: those same trips on my wife’s 2007 CR-V with a 4 cyl. gas engine will average about 16 mpg. Another factor to be aware of is that when cruising over 70 mph, you won’t get much benefit from the hybrid system and that’s about the point where fuel economy will begin to drop below the 25 mpg highway EPA estimate. Overall though, it is a pleasure to drive this Highlander. It handles well enough considering its weight, it’s smooth and quiet, the interior is comfortable and roomy, I love the stow-away middle seat in the 2nd row for “captains” chairs, my young daughter loves the 3rd row and yes, the storage space behind the 3rd row is very minimal. I love the fuel economy of the hybrid, but when you need this baby to go, it’s got plenty of power! I definitely recommend it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Disappointed
searching15, 01/24/2014
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
20 of 26 people found this review helpful
We bought our HH new in 2008. We have replaced the 12v battery 3 times, replaced tires twice, and now have the car at the dealership for the 5th visit related to fueling issues - mainly that I can no longer fuel my HH. The car has been in for recalls 5 times, and the customer service at 5 dealerships has been seriously lacking if not all together absent. Definitely a lemon, and we have owned 3 other Toyota's without reliability issues, but the experience with this vehicle has left us disappointed and we will certainly not be purchasing another Toyota.
LOVE THE HIGHYOTA!!!!!
Eric S., 03/08/2019
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I test drove 2011, 2012, then purchased 08 before test driving it. The 3 hour drive home was some of my best 3 hours of my life! 2 yrs later it still impresses me. The ride is soooo smooth and everything about is seriously flawless. You can listen to radio on battery for about an hour, then the engine starts for a couple mins to charge it! Only negative mention is it's light. If it gets too icy it's tough. Pretty damn good in snow though. But in the snow you can tell its too light. Hence why I still get 23-26 mpg at over 200xxx! P.S. I left it on all night......it went in to standby mode!!!!! Just wow!! I Love this thing so much!!!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
350,000 miles!
Eric s, 02/14/2022
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I just hit quite the milestone! 350k! No issues. All routine maintenance. Still getting good gas mileage. These things are unstoppable. Keep them fluids fresh and she'll go for a lifetime!
A great vehicle with a few quirks
Craig, 01/09/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
Highlander for high quality ride.
Raghu, 06/07/2017
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This one is a great car I ever owned. Ibought it in 2008 from dealer (newcar) and I still drive it and will drive as long as it runs. Few draw backs are there but no car is 100% great. Only draw back is the breaking system. At slow speeds up to 60 MPH breaking is ok. At high speeds above 60MPH the breaks some times does not work as you wish. I heard it is same with all regenerative breaks. If that is true you have to go through the learning curve. which means be careful in the begining. Other than that I have no complaints. The GPS system is aweful but that was in 2008. It might have improoved by now.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Well-planned
mb, 05/27/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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!
Love this car!
ilener, 06/29/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I owned an Audi A6 prior to this and all I can say is I love this car! Sure, the Audi looked a little sportier, but it was constantly having mechanical problems or one little plastic piece or another break off inside. This car is much more rugged and reliable. It can take abuse by bumpy roads and kids without a hiccup. I love the keyless remote - so handy when my keys are at the bottom of my purse. The huge backup camera screen, extra wide mirror, and super adjustable seat mean that I can be comfortable and have great visibility. My sister has a comparably sized Acura and is gets a measly 10mpg, far below its advertised mpg -- and the dealer has not been able to fix it. Love my car!
Great Green SUV
JE, 06/20/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Great SUV, Terrible XM
ToyotaMan, 11/26/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for 6 months now. I'm averaging 27 mpg in mixed driving. I really love the way this car drives and looks. The 2nd row seats are very roomy and great design. The 3rd row that I thought I would never use, has saved the day on several occasions. I love every single thing about this car except for one. The XM radio receiver I had installed at my dealership came with a little surprise. Toyota engineers didn't think to make the radio display scroll information. It only displays 13 characters. So while I'm enjoying the wide range of music, I get to play a guessing game if the name of the band or song are more than 13 letters. Huge disappointment!
Toyota Highlander
RICHARD12342, 09/08/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I just bought this vehicle because of a desire to do my part against OPEC and I needed a new one. The car started out with a mileage of 11.5 miles per gallon on the dash board computer. After approx 120 miles it is up to 22.5. So far I am disappointed because I am expecting to get the sticker mileage of 27 MPG. I was shocked and disappointed by the lack of luggage room when the fold away seats were unfolded. Folded there is plenty of room for stuff. I missed having my headlights turn on automatically when needed. I love the key less operation but because of the quietness I have gotten out of the car with the car still "running." roof needs protective strips to protect carrying baggage.
The best car I have owned
Ginny, 02/17/2017
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great reliability. No problems except needed to replace headlight glass due to sun discoloration. Only money I have put into car in 8.5 years are normal oil changes every 5000 miles and routine services. Great with 3rd row seat to use as needed or 2 row with plenty of cargo space. Visibility good. All seats comfortable. Even fits adults in 2nd row. Erdman row kids only. Love this car!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
08 HH
rtower, 12/23/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Highway mileage is great, 28 mpg at 70+ mph. We live at the top of a hill, + 650' over the valley where we shop and work; so my town driving isn't great, around 21 mpg, but 10+ mpg over the Yukon I had before at the same run. My major issue at the moment is the big tires on the Ltd edition, Toyo 245- 55-19, are a problem as I can't find chains to fit. With freezing rain over snow, chains are required on all roadways. The Toyo tires are just OK on the ice & snow, but I can't get any of the excellent Michelin X-type tires to fit the wheels. Comfort is pretty good, but I miss the roomyness and soft leather of my old Yukon Denali, woos, I'll make due. Overall, quite satisfied with the HH.
Careful of the Paint Job
nasoj1, 06/20/2009
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I am mostly happy with the Hybrid. However the paint is beginning to blister in small areas the size of a pencil eraser. I have found that this type of paint problem has been found before with Toyota vehicles. I have had the SUV for about five months now and the dealer told me to contact Toyota USA to resolve the problem.
Nearly Perfect
JShue, 09/29/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
There's nothing bad to say. I'm getting great gas mileage for an SUV, 24-32 mpg. You have to pay attention to your driving style to get it though, no fast accelerating, etc. It handles really well for you non-sports car drivers. It's easy to drive, fun and very comfortable. Tons of room, head and legs, unless you are 6-2 and try to fit in the third row, although that still was better than any small car backseat I've been stuffed in. The standard features with the base model are good enough although mine came with the popular plus package which came with more features than I would have asked for. This vehicle was simply better than anything else I researched and/or test drove.
toyota
kevin, 10/03/2010
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
this is an extremely sophisticated and fun to drive and is pretty fast for a hybrid
Perfect vehicle for us
Nicmo, 12/24/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Owned 1 month. So far this car is perfect for our needs. Has plenty of power, big nav/back up screen, good stereo sound, quiet ride. Waited 3 yrs for the 2010 RX 350 and finally saw it at the SF Auto show. It looked essentially the same as the old version, which we didn't care for, only slightly bigger. While at the show checked out all the Xs (MDX, RDX, FX, EX) but for the money there was no comparison, at least from a tech side and sitting in the showroom, plus this runs on regular gas. The next weekend we test drove them all except the 2010 RX which is available in Feb and found the all wheel version of this car to be as good as any of the others.
Went the extra mile
bwolfe99, 01/29/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Very Happy
Ohio Driver, 02/06/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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!
Awesome suv
Jonathan, 02/22/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Just had it less than a month
HybridBuyer, 11/14/2007
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We replaced a 4Runner with this car. We really like the third row of seats. The car is extremely solid and a pleasure to drive. The seats are very comfortable. It is overall a very well-designed vehicle.
Wonderful vehicle
Twoalaskans , 07/18/2022
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have 112,000 miles on my 2008 Highlander Hybrid. At 75,000 miles I needed to replace shocks, likely due to the rough gravel road leading to our home. At 80,000 miles I noticed pink drops on the garage floor — needed to replace water pump (anticipated at this mileage) and elected to do timing belt at same time. Otherwise, have faithfully serviced and had no problems. It’s a comfortable vehicle that handles well, gets an average of 27-28 mpg, and has been reliable to this point.
Could be a lemon
Sr Tocino, 06/04/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
New owner
Monte521, 11/14/2007
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had the 2008 Highlander Hybrid for only a short time so there are some items I cannot yet address. The car is very comfortable and quiet. Handling is good, but I have not yet had an opportunity to test it in harder driving (twisting roads, etc.). It is much larger, inside and out, than the 2007 model. The biggest shortcoming is rear visibility. The rear window is so darkly tinted that nothing can be seen when backing in the dark. (Obviously, the rear camera helps a lot in this case.) The second is the ugly color choices. I was able to purchase it for a few hunderd dollars under list.
Finally, a 2008 HiHy!
BanditoB, 11/06/2007
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I was fortunate in finding a 2008 Highlander Hybrid Limited in one of the colors that I wanted, Iced Amethyst Mica, and equipped the way I wanted it, everything but Nav and RES, that wasn't either special ordered for someone or already claimed! I picked it up last night, so it's a little early to make any firm commitments about anything, but so far we're off to a great start. I've not noticed any build or fit and finish issues and I am pretty meticulous about these things. Driving it is a pleasure and makes me intensely curious about what, exactly, is going on 'under the hood.' This will be a vehicle that's fun to drive and will also keep me intrigued for a long time to come.
Good Horse
Timothy, 01/29/2009
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I am using for the past one year and definitely worthy in buying this still it costs more. Good for long drives and slow driving will save more gas. Seating comfort is excellent with lots of room for the legs. Altogether a good one and also good for carrying more goods in the back than the old models.
Shakes/Vibrates in Cruise control
Angela, 08/03/2021
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just purchased this as a used vehicle not sure if the vibration/shaking is normal to happen. Took it to the dealership multiple times and so far got new tires struts and brakes still shaking is occurring im trying to figure out if anyone else had a problem with this or if its normal
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Impressive gas mileage
MM, 05/23/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
2008 Highlander Hybrid
Ryan Johnson, 01/07/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My wife has always wanted the Lexus GX SUV due to reliability, luxury and performance, so for christmas I started shopping vehicles. I had never heard of a Highlander and I am very familiar with cars. When the dealer suggested we consider this new hybrid I had very little interest until sitting in the vehicle and driving it. Wow. It was clearly a better overall vehicle than any of the other SUVs I had been testing. The interior is a family room on wheels. Lots of room, all the features of high end SUVs, and the engine flat out gets after it. We get 24 mpg while driving very aggressive and fast. The all wheel drive has been excellent in the snow.
2008 Highlander Hybrid a success
TLB, 11/10/2007
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Highlander Hybrid is almost everything we hoped for, typical Toyota near perfect fit and finish. Mileage is averaging 25 after 1st 1200 miles. High tank on Oregon Coast trip of 29 MPG, low tank MPG 23. My experience with hilly areas with any hybrid CVT produce lower mileage figures and holds true with the Highlander. I have owned Escape, Prius and Civic hybrids with this being smoothest drive train transition of any hybrid. Decision between RX 400 and waiting for Highlander has been good one. More room and seating configurations, better mileage.
A Keeper
Design Professional, 07/01/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Since purchasing our Toyota Highlander Hybrid in December of 2007, we've driven nearly 9,000 miles. The car sees cold and snow when we visit Colorado in the winter and extreme heat when we visit Arizona in the summer. It is comfortable in both extremes. Very good in snow and ice, and quite at home on Mexico beaches. We've averaged 26-27 MPG with little effort, but we do drive somewhat slower with gas at $4.00. The interior features are a little more than we desired, but we wanted leather seating. The backup camera is hard to see when it's sunny and we have a small hard to detect rattle in the dash. We're sure Toyota will find the rattle and we'll keep the car until it has a plug-in accessory
Green SUV of the future
SUV_PRO, 08/17/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I'm an extremely experience & picky SUV driver, I've spent over 2 months test driving several SUVs in the market which includes BMW X5, BMW X6, Land Rover LR3, Mercedes M-Class, and Porsche Cayenne. Yes, they are nice and fast, but nothing blow me away like Highlander Hybrid, it amazed me by its unconventional and futuristic technology with Synergy drive, VDIM, and CVT. European/American SUVs in the market attract the buyer by putting a bigger engine, bigger disk brakes to achieve better speed and cornering, but none of them put as much work as Toyota on engineering such clean and environmentally friendly vehicle. I am getting 29 MPG with my Highlander Hybrid in mix city/highway.
Green is Good!
Mary, 03/08/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Our 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Ltd
Bill in FL, 01/18/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Exactly what the doctor ordered!
Ron L, 04/23/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
A very good overall vehicle. Has a great quiet ride and has great engine performance. I like the exterior look, but have to admit the hybrid drive is the reason I love it. My MPG has been as advertised once the vehicle has broken in and it was no longer winter. This Highlander has definetly made me forget my Pilot.
More Than Expected
Freemarket2010, 09/03/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Picked this up last month. Got it at invoice since the car market is slow and 2009 models are coming. VERY impressed with the car. Drove every hybrid out there and thought the RX400h would be the one but there is really no comparison between the two. The RX is an older, noisier, less luxurious ride than the Highlander and, interestingly, very few people realize that. That may change in 2010 with the new RXh. This Highlander really excels in many areas. Mileage around town has been 26.5 mpg-better than we read here. It is very quiet and the intelligence of the interior layout is impressive. This is my wife's car and she's coming from a Lexus LS430 Ultra and she is more than satisfied.
Great mileage for a SUV
very happy, 01/22/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Initial Impressions
MJS, 07/09/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
~200 miles so far. Comfortable but chassis is geared for grandma. I prefer more responsive steering and suspension feedback but hey, this is a Toyota. I bought this for the MPG only and the need for a SUV. Otherwise not too exciting. Ride is quiet but steering is a bit loose at highway speeds. Too much assist and its not the speed sensitive type. Center console lacks imagination. No coin slot for individual coins amongst others. I can fit a rear facing carseat behind the passenger seat and someone can still ride in the front. Too bad you can't put the child seat in the center and have two 2nd row passengers (seat belt interferes) So far about 24mpg... lots of breaking in left
Elegancy and Performance
steve Palmer, 10/20/2016
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
You should feel very lucky to get a car like this.
- Performance
Love it
highlandreview, 09/22/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought this car 1 week a go with only 7 miles on the odometer. I put 900 miles on it in one week (went on a road trip). I have averaged 26 mpg both in city and highway. I drove over a nail and a warning light showed me that I was losing psi in one of the tires. Without this feature I could have been stuck late at night on the road with 2 young kids. I stopped at the nearest gas station, filled up with air, and made it to my destination safely. I have a fully loaded limited hybrid and love it! The kids watched movies on the dual tv headrests while I listened to my iPod and called family via the voice activated blue tooth feature.
Highlander Hybrid A Great Car
Alan Allison, 06/29/2008
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have owned the H/H for 4 months and love the vehicle. It drives and rides like a dream. We took 4 people, 4 medium suitcases, and 4 sets of golf clubs on a 1300 mile golf and wine buying trip. The back was full to the ceiling but we still had room for two cases of wine to bring home.Overall gas mileage is averaging 25mpg. So far we get better highway mpg 26-27 than city 24-25. Gas mileage was about 2.5 mpg higher before Oregon stuck it to the public with ethanol. Acceleration and passing ability is good, but if you lead foot the car a lot while driving it will cost you in mileage.
1