2008 Toyota Highlander First Drive

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Optional Equipment

Available options include three-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated seats, a power moonroof, and a heavy-duty towing package. Electronic gizmos include a voice-activated navigation system with an eight-inch screen, Bluetooth cell phone connectivity, a rear-seat entertainment system with a nine-inch drop-down video monitor, and a JBL premium audio system with six-disc CD changer and nine speakers.

Pricing

Toyota notes that the 2008 Highlander adds all this new equipment and size with only a modest price increase. This is mostly true when you compare apples to apples, but remember that the 2008 Highlander has no four cylinder model and the third row is standard. Also, the destination charge increased $40 to $685. With that in mind, the base model 4x2 is $27,985 with destination; add four-wheel drive and you’re looking at $29,425. That represents price increases of $510 and $560, respectively. Mid-level Sport models start at $30,635 for the 4x2 and $32,085 for the 4x4, which is $985 and $965 more than the outgoing models. Top-of-the-line Limited models have the biggest price increase thanks to the higher level of equipment. The Limited 4x2 price increases by $1,890 for a total of $33,385 with the new destination charge, while the 4x4 price goes up $1,940 for $34,535.

What hasn’t yet been announced is pricing for individual options, however we don’t expect huge changes in that department. Also, prices for the Highlander Hybrid models will be announced closer to when those vehicles launch in September.