Vehicle: 2008 Toyota Highlander 4WD V6 Limited
Price as tested: CDN$49900

Performance: Unlike the original Highlander which have both 4 and 6-cylinder engines available. The new version comes only in 1 flavor, a silky-smooth 3.5L V6 24-valve generating 270 horses and 248 pounds feet of torque. With advanced VVT-i variable valve timing, DOHC and aluminum block; this powertrain is even more efficient and responsive than ever. Toyota’s hallmark refinement remains intact with the new powertrain. Throttle response is light and quick. NVH continues to be the standard for other to judge when it comes to luxury-oriented V6. Matched with this wonderful V6 is 5-speed automatic with manumatic function. Unlike the unit we tested in RX350 last year, this one doesn’t feel harsh anymore. We are glad Toyota engineers have taken the last unit back to the drawing board. With Highlander’s unit, its as smooth and shift as crisp as anything we expect from Toyota gearbox. It even have a gear ratio set properly for highway cruising as we clocked 100km/h @ only 2000 rpm. Its not only great for fuel economy, its always makes Highlander a very relaxing highway cruiser.

Handling: The new Highlander based on the same platform as Camry just introduced last year. It got a more solid foundation for suspension to hang its hats. The result is a stiff chassis that is completely lack of any flex and rattles. The driving experience is a luxurious one. As Highlander’s suspension absorbs all the washboard pavement and expansion joints comfortably, that’s despite its spring still lacks the European suppleness as in the CX-9. The ride quality is similar to those of a flying carpet. Smooth, quiet and soft if a bit floaty. That’s typical of most Toyota and Lexus suspension settings. In terms of dynamics, it got its job done as a comfortable commuter. The electric power steering, as the one in Camry, still lacks of driver feedback. That’s despite its fairly precise and turn-in is acceptable. On our Limited model, it got a stability control, which as the one in Camry, is instrusive and can’t turn it off. Consider Highlander’s status-of-life as a comfortable appliance, the isolated driving experience is actually a bonus. The HillStart Assist Control, or HAC, is an useful feature when going uphill. It eliminates any signs of slippage or roll back. Its a godsent for those of us who live in Vancouver, which have lots of slope and slippery on rainy days.

Brakes: Highlander’s pedal feel is a pleasant surprise, both stopping distance and modulation, consider its hefty weight of 4321 pounds.

Interior: When the original Highlander first came out in 2001, we heavily criticized its low-rent materials. Toyota finally addressed this very issue with the new Highlander. All the switchgears on the dashboard are of high-quality, tactical feel. The stereo is smart enough to place above automatic climate control. The automatic climate control works exceptionally well on our summer weather. The A/C is cold and it controls fan speed sensibly. You also got a little screen on top of the center console for controlling the climate control and stereo. However, there are just way too many buttons for these 2 units. Thankfully, driver has redundant steering-mounted controls for both stereo and climate control.

The leather seats are well-foamed and comfortable. Speaking of comfortable, Highlander’s 3rd row of seats are designed for human beings instead of dogs as in other 7-seater SUV. However, if you have to sit 7 persons all the time. Buy a Sienna minivan instead of Highlander.

Fold down the 3rd row seats, there are plenty of cargo space for 5 persons. Fold it up, the space is limited.

Conclusion: The new Highlander will continue to serve Toyota very well, as it provides the comfort of a Camry with the versatility of a crossover. With the latest iteration, it got a much improved interior and vastly faster V6. Its the best Highlander ever.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
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Performance: 4.75/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.25/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3.75/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3.75/5