Vehicle Information

The 2008 Highlander Hybrid is a great example of fine tuning an already great vehicle into something even better. The redesign has resulted in an eye pleasing exterior, more driving options and a smoother ride. Not to mention a more solid and sturdy feel.
The 2008 Highlander Hybrid is nearly four inches longer and substantially heavier than its predecessor. Increased horsepower make up for the added weight. The 2008 model feels more like an SUV or truck to drive, but the shift between gas engine and electric motor is actually much smoother. This is probably due to the fact that Highlander 2008 has essentially inherited its new chassis from the ultra smooth and quiet riding Camry. The more ute, less car heft of the new model combined with the solid and even feel of the Camry make for a very pleasant driving experience.
Another useful feature added to the 2008 model is the dual driving modes, "normal" and "acceleration." The display for the normal mode shows three white LED marks lining the outer edge of the power meter, a gauge used to replace the gas engine Highlander's tachometer. When the needle of the power meter is kept within the three white dashes of normal mode at lower speeds, you're maintaining a constant level of speed that helps to achieve maximum fuel economy. When you push down on the gas pedal, the Hybrid System Indicator automatically jumps to acceleration mode, and then you need to keep the power meter needle within five white dashes to optimize the instant “economy,” or in other words, the amount of fuel being used at that moment. The 08’ Highlander even comes equipped with an option “EV” mode. A switch in the console allows the driver to try to run solely on the electric motor. The car’s computer automatically keeps track of factors such as speed and battery temperature and charge level to moderate weather you can continue driving in “EV” mode. If conditions aren’t correct, the gas engine will automatically kick in. These driving options are great since they allow the driver to decide how gas-sparing and eco friendly or rip-roaring hill-climbing they want to be at any given time.
The exterior of the 2008 Highlander Hybrid has greatly benefited from the redesign. The cabin is still designed to seat seven, but a rear fold down third seat is actually adult size. The third seat can recline and move nearly five inches forward and back to accommodate almost any combination of groceries, kids, or pets. These small, but smart features literally make Highlander a contender for families who previously drove gas-guzzling, difficult-to-park Tahoes and Explorers.
The Highlander was a very practical and versatile choice when introduced in 2006, and has only benefited from its 2008 redesign with more interior room, and a more solid and upscale exterior appearance combined with driving options to fit the needs of a wide variety of drivers. The 2008 Highlander Hybrid SUV is a smart and eco friendly choice for varied people in all sorts of locations.

Specifications Toyota Highlander 2008
Length: 188.4 in. Width: 75.2 in.
Height: 68.1 in. Wheel Base: 109.8 in.
Ground Clearance: 7.3 in. Curb Weight: 4508 lbs.
Gross Weight: 5935 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 40.6 in. Front Hip Room: 56.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 59.7 in. Rear Head Room: 39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 59.3 in. Rear Hip Room: 56.3 in.
Front Leg Room: 43.2 in. Rear Leg Room: 38.4 in.
Luggage Capacity: 42.3 cu. ft. Maximum Cargo Capacity: 94 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 6 Base Engine Size: 3.3 liters
Base Engine Type: V6 Horsepower: 270 hp
Max Horsepower: 5600 rpm Torque: 212 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3600 rpm Maximum Payload: 1642 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs. Drive Type: AWD
Turning Circle: 39 ft.

Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.2 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 27 mpg / 25 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 464.4 mi. / 430 mi.