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The Basics
One way the folks at Toyota hope to stay on top of this wave of new competition is by offering consumers a wide range of choices. Counting the two new hybrid models that go on sale later this year, there will be a total of five different Highlander variants including the conventionally-powered Highlander, Highlander Sport, and Highlander Limited. Environmentally-conscious types can choose between the entry-level Highlander Hybrid and the upscale Highlander Hybrid Limited models. All 2008 Highlander models will offer three rows of seats standard for up to seven-passenger capacity, which means the only major decision buyers have to make is trim level and the number of driven wheels (front or all) they want for their Highlander.
Highlander
Even the entry-level Highlander model comes nicely equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights, color-keyed bumpers, mirrors, and door handles, deep-tinted rear privacy glass, and a rear spoiler. Most of the expected creature comforts are standard, such as air conditioning, cloth upholstery, power windows and door locks, cruise control, variable intermittent windshield wipers, and a six-speaker audio system with an auxiliary audio input jack.
Step up to the Highlander Sport and you get sharp-looking 19-inch alloy wheels, unique exterior trim including smoke-colored headlight and taillight lenses, a “sport-tuned” suspension, and front fog lights. Inside, upgrades include power-adjustable front seats, a back-up camera and trip computer with a dash-mounted 3.5-inch display, and a satellite radio-ready audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer.
While the Highlander and Highlander Sport models are attractive enough, the Highlander Limited is the headturner of the bunch. Major additions to the Sport model’s standard equipment list include chrome exterior and woodgrain interior trim, leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a keyless entry/starting system, universal garage door opener, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with built-in digital compass display.
Highlander Hybrid
Both Highlander Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid Limited models get distinctive exterior styling details to help them stand out from their conventionally-powered counterparts including a unique grille, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, and blue-tinted headlight and taillight lenses. Compare standard equipment lists and you’ll discover the Highlander Hybrid base model is equipped comparably to its gasoline-powered cousin (with the addition of a few desirable items including that keyless entry/start system and back-up camera/trip computer), while the Highlander Hybrid Limited list of bells-and-whistles parallels the mainstream Highlander Limited.
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