Overview & Reviews
Toyota has completely redesigned the Highlander Hybrid for 2008. Although this hybrid crossover SUV is considerably larger than its predecessor, its gas mileage is just as good.
- Hybrid drivetrain offers a useful compromise of performance and fuel economy, thoughtfully designed cabin with reconfigurable second-row seats and a habitable third row, quality interior materials.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 65.00-
08 Highlander Hybrid Ltd. w/ Nav - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By Bill of CA - October 15 - 11:10 amComing out of a 00 Lexus RX300, I tend to compare the Highlander w/ that SUV. The driving position is not as comfortable as I cant rest my elbows on either armrests when Im 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-its 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.
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2008 Highlander Hybrid a success - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By TLB - November 7 - 11:56 amThe 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.
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Toyota Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By RICHARD12342 - September 13 - 5:40 pmI 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.
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New owner - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By Monte521 - June 18 - 1:23 amI 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.
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Fuel Economy Disappointing - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By Chris - June 6 - 1:06 amBought 11/2007. Traded a 07 highlander limited because wanted better mpg. Thought a 2008 highlander hybrid would be a good choice. So far not the case. We are paying much much more and getting the same mpg as the 07 highlander. A hybrid should get better than 18 mpg. Tried different octanes and so far nothing has worked. Very, very disappointed and stuck with it.
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Mines not Quiet - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By Karen - October 17 - 10:20 amAfter a year of research and test driving various SUVs and crossovers we settled on the HH and decided to order exactly what we wanted. We had test driven several HH and other hybrids and all were quiet, but none impressed us like the HH. When our HH came in we were excited. It was beautiful and had everything we wanted, except for the NOISE! When we brake to slow down it sounds like a jet engine winding down. It also has a click. We were expecting the quiet we had experienced with the other HHs we drove, but were greatly disappointed. The dealership has told us that some hybrids have that noise more than others - it is normal. I wont order again. I buy what I test drive on the lot.
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08 HH - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By rtower - April 26 - 2:03 pmHighway 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 isnt 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 cant 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 cant 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, Ill make due. Overall, quite satisfied with the HH.
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Could be a lemon - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By Sr Tocino - May 11 - 6:03 amWe 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 doesnt 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 Im 64" the sunroof takes up headroom) only to be told after buying the car we couldnt get a rack without the sunroof package. We bought the vehicle to take our kayak and gear to the shore, now we cant. I feel that Toyota is taking customers for granted.
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Does everyting well - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By gwnorth - July 3 - 1:03 pmWe bought this car in need of a vehicle with enough space for two kids, two dogs, and two adults with the hopes of getting some respectable mileage. It has meet our needs well and so far we have averaged about 27 mpg using the econ mode and focusing on how we drive the vehicle. Toyota builds a great car, just not a very exciting car. Dont get me wrong, it does everyting it is supposed to do and does it well, just very conservatively and below the radar. We are pleased with our purchase and hope to get many great years out of our new HH!
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MPG - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
By santabob1 - December 5 - 10:18 pmWhen 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?
