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2008
Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Starts at:
$34,200
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New 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4WD 4dr (Natl)
    Starts at
    $34,200
    27 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD 4dr Limited w/3rd Row (GS)
    Starts at
    $40,450
    27 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD 4dr Limited w/3rd Row (Natl)
    Starts at
    $40,450
    27 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD 4dr Limited w/3rd Row (SE)
    Starts at
    $40,450
    27 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Notable features

Redesigned for 2008
Five seats standard
Electric-only mode
Standard 4WD
Stand-alone backup camera option
Center Stow seat

The good & the bad

The good

Interior refined over 2007
City mileage
Multiple efficiency readouts
Standard small color display
Standard three-row curtain airbags

The bad

Minimal highway mileage improvement
Third-row seat comes in costly option package
Electric-only mode disappoints
Front-wheel drive discontinued
Prices rising as supply falls

Expert 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Jim Mateja
Full article
our expert's take


Like Kermit said, it’s not easy to be green.

While most automakers are reducing output of midsize and full-size sport-utility vehicles as consumers flee the gas-guzzlers, we opted to test one SUV that deserves to be produced in greater numbers: the 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid.

When powered by a 3.5-liter, 270-horsepower V-6 gas engine alone, Highlander is rated at 18 m.p.g. city and 24 m.p.g. highway. With a 3.3-liter V-6 and a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack for a combined 270 h.p., the rating swells to 27/25. The city side benefits most, of course, because the hybrid starts and keeps going at low speeds in battery mode without any need for gas. It also shuts the gas engine off at the stoplight rather than wasting fuel idling.

The Highlander hybrid comes with two information gauges, one small in the top of the dash that tells when in gas or electric mode plus a ballpark mileage estimate of m.p.g.-from zero to 60, nice touch.

The other is a very large one in the navigation system screen that pinpoints what’s running the SUV-batteries or gas or both-plus an average m.p.g. reading.

Toyota says it’s possible to stay in battery mode for up to 30 to 35 m.p.h., enough to tool around most cities without consuming an ounce of liquid gold.

Then, Toyota brings up the asterisk (*).

You can squeeze optimum mileage from the vehicle:

* If it’s warm outside, because batteries tend to be slackers in cold weather;

* If you stay on flat roads, because climbing hills takes more energy than rolling down;

* And if you apply your foot to the gas pedal as if it were molten metal because the harder you press, the more fuel consumed.

With that in mind we set off. After a short time, we could get to 25 m.p.h. before the gas kicked in. With a little tender loving care-and roads that slanted downhill-we were able to nurse the batteries at 41 m.p.h., a reasonable speed on any 45 m.p.h. or lower road, though one that invites many motorists to honk, flash, wave a finger, and/or pass in contempt.

While traveling at length at 41 m.p.h. without putting a dime, much less a dollar, in the pocket of any sheik or petroleum company CEO, we can relate to Kermit.

Attempting to be green comes at a price-constant attention to pedal pressure, constant seeking opportunities to coast and avoiding any incline in the road.

You think roads look level?

The instant the pavement slants upward the orange arrows in the navi system flash on to show the gas engine has awakened. Conservation takes concentration.

But the extra 9 m.p.g. city is a huge gain for an SUV that holds seven people and their gear-providing you spend a lot of time tooling around in stop-and-go traffic to justify the hybrid premium.

Where it paid a huge dividend was on a trip to the Wisconsin Dells and back.

The westbound lanes of Interstate 94 were under water near Johnson City, so traffic was reduced to one lane in each direction on eastbound side.

The partial road closing created 8 miles of bumper-to-bumper driving just to get to the spot where the lanes merged.

The Highlander used not a drop of gas as is crept along in battery mode.

But would someone please tell the Wisconsin Department of Transportation that the road needn’t be closed when the water’s gone?

The gas-powered Highlander is offered with a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive, AWD only in the hybrid.

AWD adds a sense of security, but it didn’t add any handling agility. And when you sit high for AWD clearance expect body lean in corners.

Highlander grew about 4 inches in length ant 3 inches in width for 2008, though, frankly, we don’t know where the added room is hiding.

Legroom is tight in all three rows.

For entry to steerage, only the second-row passenger seat slides forward to create a small aisle.

Room in row two is snug; in row three, it’s snugger. Best to leave the chore of holding seven to a full-size SUV, not a midsize.

When all three rows are full, cargo room is minuscule.

When the third row is empty the seat backs fold flat to handle the luggage you would have liked to have had for seven.

Second-row seat backs fold flat as well by pulling a lever along the cargo wall.

Price is the big drawback. The base of the 4WD Highlander Limited we tested was a hefty $40,450, which just went up $500. That compares with $34,350 for a 4WD Highlander Limited with gas engine.

At $4 per, you could buy about 1,500 gallons of gas for $6,100.

Read Jim Mateja Sunday in Transportation. Contact him at transportation@tribune.com.

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid review: Our expert's take
By Jim Mateja


Like Kermit said, it’s not easy to be green.

While most automakers are reducing output of midsize and full-size sport-utility vehicles as consumers flee the gas-guzzlers, we opted to test one SUV that deserves to be produced in greater numbers: the 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid.

When powered by a 3.5-liter, 270-horsepower V-6 gas engine alone, Highlander is rated at 18 m.p.g. city and 24 m.p.g. highway. With a 3.3-liter V-6 and a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack for a combined 270 h.p., the rating swells to 27/25. The city side benefits most, of course, because the hybrid starts and keeps going at low speeds in battery mode without any need for gas. It also shuts the gas engine off at the stoplight rather than wasting fuel idling.

The Highlander hybrid comes with two information gauges, one small in the top of the dash that tells when in gas or electric mode plus a ballpark mileage estimate of m.p.g.-from zero to 60, nice touch.

The other is a very large one in the navigation system screen that pinpoints what’s running the SUV-batteries or gas or both-plus an average m.p.g. reading.

Toyota says it’s possible to stay in battery mode for up to 30 to 35 m.p.h., enough to tool around most cities without consuming an ounce of liquid gold.

Then, Toyota brings up the asterisk (*).

You can squeeze optimum mileage from the vehicle:

* If it’s warm outside, because batteries tend to be slackers in cold weather;

* If you stay on flat roads, because climbing hills takes more energy than rolling down;

* And if you apply your foot to the gas pedal as if it were molten metal because the harder you press, the more fuel consumed.

With that in mind we set off. After a short time, we could get to 25 m.p.h. before the gas kicked in. With a little tender loving care-and roads that slanted downhill-we were able to nurse the batteries at 41 m.p.h., a reasonable speed on any 45 m.p.h. or lower road, though one that invites many motorists to honk, flash, wave a finger, and/or pass in contempt.

While traveling at length at 41 m.p.h. without putting a dime, much less a dollar, in the pocket of any sheik or petroleum company CEO, we can relate to Kermit.

Attempting to be green comes at a price-constant attention to pedal pressure, constant seeking opportunities to coast and avoiding any incline in the road.

You think roads look level?

The instant the pavement slants upward the orange arrows in the navi system flash on to show the gas engine has awakened. Conservation takes concentration.

But the extra 9 m.p.g. city is a huge gain for an SUV that holds seven people and their gear-providing you spend a lot of time tooling around in stop-and-go traffic to justify the hybrid premium.

Where it paid a huge dividend was on a trip to the Wisconsin Dells and back.

The westbound lanes of Interstate 94 were under water near Johnson City, so traffic was reduced to one lane in each direction on eastbound side.

The partial road closing created 8 miles of bumper-to-bumper driving just to get to the spot where the lanes merged.

The Highlander used not a drop of gas as is crept along in battery mode.

But would someone please tell the Wisconsin Department of Transportation that the road needn’t be closed when the water’s gone?

The gas-powered Highlander is offered with a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive, AWD only in the hybrid.

AWD adds a sense of security, but it didn’t add any handling agility. And when you sit high for AWD clearance expect body lean in corners.

Highlander grew about 4 inches in length ant 3 inches in width for 2008, though, frankly, we don’t know where the added room is hiding.

Legroom is tight in all three rows.

For entry to steerage, only the second-row passenger seat slides forward to create a small aisle.

Room in row two is snug; in row three, it’s snugger. Best to leave the chore of holding seven to a full-size SUV, not a midsize.

When all three rows are full, cargo room is minuscule.

When the third row is empty the seat backs fold flat to handle the luggage you would have liked to have had for seven.

Second-row seat backs fold flat as well by pulling a lever along the cargo wall.

Price is the big drawback. The base of the 4WD Highlander Limited we tested was a hefty $40,450, which just went up $500. That compares with $34,350 for a 4WD Highlander Limited with gas engine.

At $4 per, you could buy about 1,500 gallons of gas for $6,100.

Read Jim Mateja Sunday in Transportation. Contact him at transportation@tribune.com.

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
5/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Battery
8 years / 100,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
7 years / less than 85,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12, 000 miles
Dealer certification
160- or 174-point inspections

Compare similar vehicles

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  • 2008
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    27 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
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    Seat capacity
    60 month/60,000 miles
    Warranty
    Gas/Electric V6
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  • 2010
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  • 2011
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    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
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Consumer reviews

4.9 / 5
Based on 39 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.9
Interior 4.7
Performance 4.7
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 5.0

Most recent

  • I love this car. Great on trips.

    I love this car. I have 200,000 miles on it and it runs like the day I bought it. Other than normal maintenance I have had no problems. I have not had to put brakes on this car yet and I just had it inspected.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most reliable car i have ever owned

    I am very happy with that car. It has so much room everywhere is good on gas due to the hybrid and never ket me down. We towed a 17“ boat with no problems at all.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Highland Hybrid - 11yrs, and counting

    I fell in love with this SUV the minute I saw it. Though it was pricey I feel the investment worth it. It very functional, AWD for bad weather, fold down seats for hauling, and seats seven with third row seat. I have the limited which has kept its good looks over the years. It has power, but still good gas mileage, especially with Nav display, and AC off(28.6MPG), and 26 with just Nav off. No real mechanical issues plus factory hitch has worked well. Fog lights are great for seeing laterally on the road. Roof rack has proof useful many times. The darker window tinting is nice. Down side, salty roads and engine battery cable don't seem to mix well.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most amazing car I’ve ever had

    This car meet all my need, my family and I love it, even it’s an old car but it’s worth every penny, I was able to upgrade my radio with a Bluetooth and mic for the phone call
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great Car

    I bought this used, it previously had one owner who I think took pretty good care of it. Had some minor issues that come with age and mileage. I've had it for about a month, gets pretty good gas mileage for it's size and age! I went from a 1999 Land Rover to a 2009 Highlander so it was a big jump for me. Love the amount of space it has and the little display. Overall I really like the car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Can't stop loving it.

    Reliable and economical in comfort. Trust vehicle for all weathers. low maintance costs. Regular gas. Even after 10 years drives like new! you will like it.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best car I?ve ever owned. Just buying a new one!

    SUV on a car chassis offers best of all worlds: smooth ride, V6 engine with econo mode, hauls a ton, tows up to 3500 lbs., immaculate interior, third row if desired. Brand new tires, new brakes last summer and disciplined and routine maintenance. Color is Iced Amethyst Mica; we call her ?Jewel!?
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Towing Hybrid!

    My favorite thing about the highlander hybrid is that it can fit 8 people and tow 5000 lbs. That's unheard of in other hybrids. Very few hybrids have any tow rating.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Beautiful, versatile car

    This car was comfortable, easy riding and versatile. Interior controls were easy to access. If I had added satellite radio and navigation to the car when I bought it new, I would still own it.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 2008 Toyota Hybrid

    This is a great SUV! I bought this used 23 weeks ago from Sunnyside Toyota. This is a wonderful SUV it at handles great, and the ride is soooo smooth. This has great gas mileage, it's big enough for everything. Just a great ride!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • It's an incredibly smooth ride and spacious!

    This vehicle was not originally on our radar. It happened to be at a dealership with another vehicle if interest. After comparing there choice was obvious. The Highlander has more space, better ratings, and it was a Hybrid! The fuel economy is better in the city that the sedan we leased before making this purchase. Could not be happier!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best Hybrid SUV ever

    I bought this in 2010 as a certified pre owned. Over 100k and still going strong. Great tow Rig. No issues, dug it?s a Toyota. Excellent road car
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

The 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is available in 2 trim levels:

  • (1 style)
  • Limited (3 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

The 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers up to 27 MPG in city driving and 25 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

The 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?

The 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has an average reliability rating of 5.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid owners.

Is the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.9 / 5
Based on 39 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.9
  • Interior: 4.7
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 5.0

Toyota Highlander Hybrid history

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