New Beginnings - OpenRoad Driver

Auto FeaturesToyota Highlander 2008The Highlander is all-new for2008, and Toyota has made manychanges to keep it current with themarket for crossover utility vehicles.Like so many new vehicles these days, itis bigger inside and out, and more powerfultoo. That makes it more useful as a familyhauler, but it offers better fuel economythan before, reflecting the attention paid toaerodynamics and engine efficiency.There are several changes to theHighlander models offered, and theirspecifications. The only engine availablenow is a new 3.5-litre V6 with 270 hp, a bigjump over the previous 208-hp V6. A fourcylinderis no longer offered, and neither isfront-wheel drive; all models now have fulltimefour-wheel drive. Three-row seating forseven people is now standard; a two-rowfive-seater is no longer offered.The interesting new features availableinclude a removable centre seat for the secondrow that can be stored under the frontconsole and replaced by a storage tray withcupholders. In all but the base model, thesecond and third row seats can be foldedflat from the rear cargo area. The rear glassnow lifts separately from the larger hatchback,and there is a back-up camera thatdisplays on the dashboard separately fromthe optional navigation system.Highlander is available in four wellequippedmodels, including the baseversion starting at $39,650, and goingup through the SR5 and Sport modelsto the truly luxurious Limited. The newHighlander is improved in so many ways,and it makes a lot of sense for growingand active families.Specs HIGHLANDER...............................................................• Base price: $39,650• Body type: 4-door, 7-passenger SUV• Layout: front-engine, 4WD• Engine: 3.5L, DOHC 24-valve V6• Horsepower: 270 @ 6,200• Transmission: 5-spd automatic• Brakes: 4-wheel disc, ABS, EBD• Length: 4,785 mm (188.4 in)• Width: 1,910 mm (75.2 in)• Height: 1,760 mm (69.3 in)• Wheelbase: 2,790 mm (110.0 in)• Weight: 2,721 kg (6,000 lbs)• Fuel Economy: (city/hwy) 12.3/8.8L/100 kms• Warranty: (mo/kms) 36/60,000 comprehensive; 60/100,000 powertrain Gerry Frechette is a full-time automotive journalistbased in Vancouver. His parents say that he stood inhis playpen and named cars going down the street, andsome 16 years ago, he took this life-long love of cars andapplied it to a career writing about them. At that time, hejoined the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada,where he remains a member today.Price is MSRP before freight and PDI and applicable taxes. Please consultOpenRoad Toyota Port Moody and Richmond for complete details.OpenRoad driver |22