Get behind the wheel and you soon find that the 2008 Highlander is a pleasant family vehicle. Most notable is the ride quality, which is luxurious. Even with the available 19-inch wheels, the suspension smoothes all but the most jarring bumps. There is a bit of unwanted float on highways, though. Sport models and Hybrids have slightly more road feel, but are still quite comfortable. Toyota has chosen to focus more on ride than handling. Steering feel is light, but the response is somewhat slow. All Highlanders have noticeable body lean in cornering and braking, and none of them are nimble. I prefer the Sport model's slightly firmer ride because it doesn't allow as much lean and is still comfortable. No Highlander can challenge a Nissan Murano for handling prowess. However, standard traction control and electronic stability control help keep you on your intended path.
The brakes feel a bit soft but provide fine stopping power thanks to standard brake assist and electronic brake force distribution.
The all-wheel-drive system in the gas models provides a full-time 50/50 front/rear torque split. In Hybrid models, the AWD system is front-drive biased, but when it detects slippage, the rear-mounted electric motor can kick in to deliver up to 25 percent of the available power to the rear wheels. Both systems will help you get the kids to school on snowy days.
The 3.5-liter V6 is a vast improvement over the last model. Producing 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, it propels the Highlander front-drive models from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and all-wheel-drive models in 7.8 seconds. The 3.5-liter V6 is buttery smooth, as is its five-speed transmission, which downshifts seamlessly to provide ample passing punch. A manual shift gate also allows you to choose a lower gear for more immediate power delivery.
The Hybrid's powertrain remains the same as last year. Called Hybrid Synergy Drive, it mates the 3.3-liter V6 with three electric motors to make 270 hp as well. The transmission is a continuously variable automatic that constantly adjusts gearing ratios instead of changing gears.
The Hybrid version feels a bit more responsive off the line, but isn't as quick as the standard versions, accelerating from 0-60 in 8.1 seconds. Driving the Hybrid is different than driving a standard V6 model. You start to notice those differences when you turn the key and nothing happens. Rest assured, the vehicle is operational. The gas engine just doesn't start until it's needed. The gas engine also shuts off at stoplights, but it starts up again and gets you moving as soon as you step on the accelerator. Under the right conditions (full battery charge and proper coolant temperature), you can press the EV button and drive the Hybrid up to two miles at less than 25 mph on electric power only. That sounds like it could be a big benefit in stop-and-go traffic. The Highlander Hybrid is the first Toyota hybrid to offer an EV button in the United States. Hybrid models also have an ECON button that smoothes throttle response to improve fuel economy. The continuously variable transmission feels natural. It has a standard drive mode, which allows the Hybrid to freewheel down hills, as well as a B mode, which uses engine compression to slow the vehicle when the driver's foot is off the throttle. B mode helps to recharge the battery pack.
Inside the cabin, the 3.5-liter V6 makes barely a peep, emitting only a refined growl under hard acceleration. The Hybrid powertrain is a little rougher, but is still quite refined. Wind rush is well-checked, and the only notable interior noise is some tire hum on rough pavement.
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