Mother Proof's view

A day at the spa is absolutely brilliant. I usually arrive tuckered out, left in a lusterless state by any number of restless nights, yet depart hours later with a rejuvenated spirit and a fresh vitality that radiates out from within. Of course, this invigorating glow typically vanishes faster than a roll of Charmin around my toilet-training tyke, but still I embrace those moments of quiet pampering that leave me looking like new.

The new Toyota Highlander, redesigned for 2008, looks like it too has spent some time in a spa; Toyota has somehow managed to transform it from a dull and unexciting car into today’s revitalized SUV.

When I went to pick up my test vehicle for the week, I was expecting a big honking SUV, so when the Highlander appeared in my field of vision my eyes lit up and I made a direct beeline to it, pleasantly surprised by its sharpened appearance. New lines, more contour, a sassy snout and a higher profile? Did someone pimp this ride, or what?

Up until now, I had always discarded the Highlander as a car that was just plumb U-G-L-Y, yet here I was suddenly marveling at it, admiring its face-lift. When I got closer for a peek inside, things only got better.

Listen up, Mamas: The second row comes with an extremely groovy feature. It can be converted from a three-seat row into two captain’s chairs, with the removable middle seat storing neatly into the rear of the center console. The captain’s chairs made the car feel van-like and roomy, but there’s nothing van-like about it when you’re speeding down a dirt road in a torrential downpour that quickly turns into a nail-biting hailstorm. I kicked the Highlander into “snow” mode, hastened along and made it to my son’s school to pick him up with time to spare. Whew! I could have used another spa treatment right about then.

I was able to easily keep tabs on the time during that ordeal, as the simple-to-read blue clock/outside temperature display is conveniently located. When you turn on the ignition, this area also displays an initial system check, and one morning when I left the trunk ajar the display alerted me to the exact location of the open door.

Fourteen cupholders, four of which are bottle holders, add to the comfort in the Highlander. Also, when the second row is in its captain’s chairs configuration, it offers a clever two-part activity-table/storage-and-armrests area between the two seats that was big enough to easily diffuse any squabbling between my kids. Furthermore, the crafty conversation mirror allowed me to clearly see who really “did it.”

The test vehicle I drove was even equipped with an engine start/stop button. That allowed me to keep the car key clipped in my diaper bag most of the time. When entering the vehicle, I simply pulled on the car’s exterior handle and the door automatically unlocked as it sensed the key fob’s proximity. Once inside, all you have to do is depress the brake while pushing the start button and the car turns on. Finally, to lock the car once you’re outside the vehicle, just push the small black button on the exterior handle and, again sensing the key fob, the doors lock. My biggest worry with this feature was the “I have no idea where the key is, but it must be somewhere in my bag, because I’m driving, aren’t I?” mentality.

Additional features that impressed me included the standard backup camera; a plethora of airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag; and daytime running lights.

That’s not to say there weren’t a few gripes: The third row doesn’t split, which is an absolute shame, and the “Select” button on the DVD player in the rear was useless. After multiple failed attempts to select “Play” (the curser always jumped to an unwanted location), my husband and I were happy to accidentally select the repeat-play feature because it meant the movie actually came on.

Minor gripes aside, the 2008 Toyota Highlander is radiant. Stylish? Yes. Functional? Yes. Family-friendly? Yes. Sassy? Yes. Van-like comfort? Yes, and without ever having to drive a van. Hybrid option? Yes. Wow! If only my days at the spa had such long-lasting benefits.

*For more information on the 2008 Toyota Highlander and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to [email protected].

LET’S TALK NUMBERS

Latch Connectors: 2

Seating Capacity (includes driver): 7

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great – Excellent

Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Good Times

Specs

2008 Toyota Highlandrer AWD Limited

Base price: $34,150

Price as tested: $42,059

Engine: 270-hp, 3.5 liter V-6

Fuel: 17/23 mpg

Length: 188.4″

Width: 75.2″

Ground Clearance: 8.1″

Turning Radius: 19.4′

Cargo space: 10.3/95.4 cu. ft.

NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings

Frontal Impact

Driver’s side: Not Rated

Passenger’s side: Not Rated

Side Impact

Front occupant: Not Rated

Rear occupant: Not Rated

Rollover resistance: Not Rated