New Highlander

[firepa63]

Toyota unveiled the redesigned 2008 Toyota Highlander at the Chicago Auto Show Wednesday.

The new design has softer edges and corners making it look more like a larger version of Toyota's popular Rav4 small SUV.

[attachmentid=6489]

[fuelsipper]

"The new design has softer edges and corners making it look more like a larger version of Toyota's popular Rav4 small SUV."

That's great, but what about the things that matter, like MUCH BETTER milage? A lighter weight vehicle maybe? I think the Highlander has been a big failure as far as being a fuel saving vehicle.

end of rant.

[koa]

This article says it will have an EV switch!

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...028/1048/SPORTS

[Jonnycat26]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(fuelsipper @ Feb 8 2007, 12:31 PM) [snapback]386993[/snapback]</div>

"The new design has softer edges and corners making it look more like a larger version of Toyota's popular Rav4 small SUV."

That's great, but what about the things that matter, like MUCH BETTER milage? A lighter weight vehicle maybe? I think the Highlander has been a big failure as far as being a fuel saving vehicle.
[/b]

They did give it a 1 mile EV mode... which can hurt economy as much as help it...

But no 4 Cylinder Hybrid Highlander.. I don't think we're going to see one anytime soon either. And the Hybird is now 4WD only.

[SomervillePrius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Feb 8 2007, 12:36 PM) [snapback]387045[/snapback]</div>

But no 4 Cylinder Hybrid Highlander.. I don't think we're going to see one anytime soon either. And the Hybird is now 4WD only.
[/b]

:-( This is not the direction I was hoping for. My family will need a station wagon in a couple of years when we become 2 adults, 2 large dogs and a kid. The highlander is def on the list (even if it still looks like to SUVish for me). I was hoping the would launch a 4 cylinder hynbrid station wagon!

[Tideland Prius]

Err... hmm.. ok. The front looks like a Freelander.

Increase output to 270hp? That's what.. an increase of 2hp?? ok.. good for them lol. I'd rather see an increase in mileage. They have the new 3.5 litre.. what gives??

Edit: Now that I saw more pics, it looks like a 4Runner in the rear and a Forester in the front. It seems Toyota is toughening up the image of the Highlander.

Here's the "ECON" switch and "EV" switch!! http://shows.autospies.com/gallery/pop.asp...p;imageId=38780

Also, it better ride well because my friends who have the Highlander say they bought it over the 4Runner because it's comfortable and easy to drive.

[Skwyre7]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SomervillePrius @ Feb 8 2007, 01:32 PM) [snapback]387077[/snapback]</div>

:-( This is not the direction I was hoping for. My family will need a station wagon in a couple of years when we become 2 adults, 2 large dogs and a kid. The highlander is def on the list (even if it still looks like to SUVish for me). I was hoping the would launch a 4 cylinder hynbrid station wagon!
[/b]

My family will be growing too. Eventually. This will be on our short list. So will a hybrid minivan, if one is available.

[spwolf]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Feb 8 2007, 07:33 PM) [snapback]387079[/snapback]</div>

Err... hmm.. ok. The front looks like a Freelander.

Increase output to 270hp? That's what.. an increase of 2hp?? ok.. good for them lol. I'd rather see an increase in mileage. They have the new 3.5 litre.. what gives??

Edit: Now that I saw more pics, it looks like a 4Runner in the rear and a Forester in the front. It seems Toyota is toughening up the image of the Highlander.

Here's the "ECON" switch and "EV" switch!! http://shows.autospies.com/gallery/pop.asp...p;imageId=38780

Also, it better ride well because my friends who have the Highlander say they bought it over the 4Runner because it's comfortable and easy to drive.
[/b]

one thing I noticed is that despite HH being 15% heavier than before, and despite using 2008 EPA regulations, that were roumoured to hit hybrids really hard, 2008 HH will have same mileage as 2007 version.

That means it is using newer hybrid system and that they managed to get extra 15% MPG from it, at least...

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(spwolf @ Feb 10 2007, 08:33 PM) [snapback]388303[/snapback]</div>

one thing I noticed is that despite HH being 15% heavier than before, and despite using 2008 EPA regulations, that were roumoured to hit hybrids really hard, 2008 HH will have same mileage as 2007 version.

That means it is using newer hybrid system and that they managed to get extra 15% MPG from it, at least...
[/b]

ic. we'll see the new Prius ratings

[Tideland Prius]

"Other features on the new Highlander include a backup camera that doesn't require the buyer to order a navigation system; a Smart Start keyless ignition system on Limited and Hybrid models"

from The Car Connection