Toyota Highlander Hybrid

“Toyota claims that since its debut, the Highlander Hybrid has been a good seller, attracting more than 31,000 buyers in 2006 and helping the brand capture 67 percent of the U.S. hybrid market. That’s great, but Toyota’s own data suggest that the next Highlander needs to be larger and more powerful. Hence, gas and hybrid versions will be larger and will boast 270 horsepower. This is especially significant since it not only puts a fresh, more competitive crossover in Toyota’s fleet, but it also marks the introduction of one of the market’s largest mainstream hybrid models. With its enlarged dimensions and impressive power ratings, the 2008 Highlander Hybrid rises above competitors such as the Ford Escape Hybrid.” Autobytel

“As is the case with other gas/electric-powered vehicles, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s fuel economy is typically at its best in city driving because the electric motors work optimally at lower speeds. To further maximize miserliness, the driver can activate an EV mode, in which the Highlander Hybrid will operate for a greater period of time solely under electric power in certain conditions; similarly, an ECON mode smoothes out throttle response to limit excessive acceleration.” ForbesAuto

“The 2008 Highlander is the first vehicle developed under Toyota Motor Corporation president Katsuaki Watanabe’s new “Customer First” quality initiative. After years of ruthless compressing and cost cutting, the Japanese automaker says its vehicle-development process is down to skin and bones, with a resulting effect on fit and finish.” Car and Driver

"While the Highlander’s efficiency is only OK in absolute terms, it’s pretty good for a three-row, all-wheel-drive vehicle that hauls around a family of five in comfort during cold winter weather. By way of comparison, the GMC Acadia managed only half the Highlander’s around-town fuel economy in the same driving conditions. The bland, blocky exterior styling of the Highlander suits the hard antiseptic interior plastics and numb, uncommunicative electric power steering to yield what could be the perfectly soulless transportation appliance." MSNBC.com

"One would think that the more expensive and complex hybrid powertrain would be smoother, but that was not the case. There were far more vibrations from the Hybrid, many of which could be felt in the steering wheel. Under hard acceleration, the hybrid powertrain was also noisier than the 3.5 liter V-6, which was wonderfully well-behaved." New York Times