The Hybrid Blog

There are some significant changes to the Highlander Hybrid for the 2008 model year – some of which are good, and some of which are not so good. First up is the pricing – a good thing. The base model will start at $33,700, which is $190 less than last year. The Limited starts at $39,950. Both trim levels come with the 3.3 liter V6 and AWD system standard – no more 2WD model available. This is a curious move, since an AWD system adds weight, which is the enemy of fuel economy.

For 2008 there are three rows of seats, along with a 4″ increase in length to keep the legroom reasonable. The 2008 HH is also wider and taller too – it’s a much larger vehicle all around. It had to be, with the recent RAV4 size increase.

The Highlander Hybrid is not an inexpensive vehicle at all – nearly $40 grand to get leather and all the goodies? Yikes. However, the only other hybrid SUV’s on the market today are the even more expensive Lexus RX400H, and the Ford triplets. For it’s size and equipment, the HH is probably priced about right. We should start seeing the 2008 Highlander Hybrid early next month – October 2007.

Filed under: Highlander Hybrid

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