2008 Toyota Highlander

Toyota's Highlander was completely revamped for 2008. The new crossover is significantly larger, quieter, roomier and more powerful than the vehicle it replaces. Yet its fuel efficiency will be virtually unchanged, Toyota says.

Highlander rides on an all-new chassis derived from the current Camry and Avalon. It is nearly four inches longer and three inches wider, with an inch more ground clearance and three inches of additional wheelbase.

The Highlander is offered in Base, Sport and Limited grades. All three grades are powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 that delivers an impressive 270 horsepower - a 55 horsepower gain over the previous generation's 3.3-liter engine.

The new Highlander gained about 500 pounds, growing significantly in every dimension and receiving extensive body and chassis reinforcement, aimed specifically at achieving best-in-class crash ratings.

The Highlander's second-row features captain's chairs with armrests that, if needed, can be converted to a bench seat for three passengers. A "Center Stow" seat, when not in use, is hidden in a compartment under the front center console. In its place, passengers can easily snap in the provided center stow center console or choose to leave the area open as a walk-through to the third row. The second row also slides forward and back 4.7 inches and reclines.

Standard features include: a third-row bench seat with foldable headrests for a flat rear cargo area; a rear glass hatch for quick access to the back (optional on base grades); and "Smart Start and Entry" for "Limited" models.

Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are standard on both Sport and Limited models.

An array of options and accessories are offered, such as a power backdoor that can be opened and closed with a key fob, a navigation system with an eight-inch screen, a rear-seat entertainment system with a nine-inch screen, and three-zone air conditioning.

Other options include: JBL audio with six-disc changer and nine speakers with Bluetooth; third-row seat delete to create a second-row model; leather seat trim and heated seats; and a tow package with a 5000-lbs. maximum towing capacity (class-leading for car & van-based mid SUVs).

As with all Toyota SUVs for the last three years, Highlander provides Toyota's STAR safety system, featuring: anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and for the first time, enhanced vehicle stability control with electronic power steering.

On all models except the base models, it will provide a standalone backup camera with a multi-information screen, not tied to a navigation system. The crossover is the first Toyota division vehicle to feature both active head restraints and a new hood and fender system designed to crumple on impact with a pedestrian.