The Toyota Highlander Hybrid for 2008: Improving on 2007
The 2008 Highlander is an important vehicle to Toyota for the sport utility market segment. The Hybrid is a member of a series of five trim levels for the Highlander which include Hybrid, Hybrid Limited, Base, and Sport. The four-door truck with its all-wheel drive is positioned to aggressively fill this niche for Toyota. There is strong competition from vehicles from Honda.
Toyota Highlander Engine Specs
The restyled Highlander Hybrid is equipped with a Toyota 3.3-liter 6-cylinder engine that utilizes a total of 24 valves. The engine is paired with a N/A 4-speed transaxle. This configuration has proven to be a successful design for Toyota.
The fuel system for the 2008 Highlander is a SFI design, running on ELECTRIC/GAS fuel. The fuel flow is regulated by a electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The storage capacity of the fuel tank is 19.20 gallons.
Steering control is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The Highlander has power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. The truck uses coil front springs and coil in the rear.
Vehicle Statistics
The dimensions of the Highlander Hybrid are 75.20 inches wide by 188.40 inches long. It sits a comfortable 69.30 inches off the ground. It seats a standard seven passengers, with 4 doors. The wheelbase of 109.80 allows for limited leg room for the backseat passengers.
The listed retail price in 2008 (MSRP) was $31,400, with an invoice cost of $27,946. This price is above average of the industry average price for a four-door Sport Utility.
The standard warranty period for the Highlander is 36 months, or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is standard in the sport utility market.
Fuel Efficiency
The 2008 Highlander gets 23 miles/gallon on the highway and only 17 in the city. This is exceptional for a sport utility truck.
We Think…
There are several reasons why the Toyota Highlander Hybrid sold well in 2008. Mainly the increase in availability and a marked improvement in quality meant the buying public was more apt to choose a Toyota, specifically a Highlander.