All-New 2008 Toyota Highlander/Hybrid @ Chicago Auto Show
well i guess Gferg beat me to it and answer my question for me, thanks Gferg!
02-07-07 | 09:26 AM
#33
Thread Starter
Speaks French in Russian
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 13,310
Likes: 67
From: What is G?
Nice feature for those who dont have Navi, horrible for those who do have Navi. Seems like you still use that little screen for the camera, when they should have switched it to the larger Navi screeen.
02-07-07 | 09:36 AM
#34
it's like a RAV4 on steriods.
i can't believe that a group of CREATIVE and IMAGINATIVE individuals that designed this SUV thinks it's a good looking car.
im sooo disappointed.
it looks like a upscale HYUNDAI SANTA FE.
just like the other post said...
i rather have it bland than ugly.
i can't believe that a group of CREATIVE and IMAGINATIVE individuals that designed this SUV thinks it's a good looking car.
im sooo disappointed.
it looks like a upscale HYUNDAI SANTA FE.
just like the other post said...
i rather have it bland than ugly.
02-07-07 | 09:37 AM
#36
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 678
Likes: 3
From: Los Angeles, CA
It looks so much like Mitsubishi Outlander from a side. I like it though. Average outside, very nice inside, pretty discent performance for this type of vehicle. Should outsell most of the SUV brands in this class.
02-07-07 | 09:43 AM
#38
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 19,966
Likes: 182
But new pics, both interior and exterior looks much better now...
02-07-07 | 09:46 AM
#39
it's like a RAV4 on steriods.
i can't believe that a group of CREATIVE and IMAGINATIVE individuals that designed this SUV thinks it's a good looking car.
im sooo disappointed.
it looks like a upscale HYUNDAI SANTA FE.
just like the other post said...
i rather have it bland than ugly.
i can't believe that a group of CREATIVE and IMAGINATIVE individuals that designed this SUV thinks it's a good looking car.
im sooo disappointed.
it looks like a upscale HYUNDAI SANTA FE.
just like the other post said...
i rather have it bland than ugly.
02-07-07 | 09:52 AM
#41
Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
I like it...but then, I had a first-gen RAV4 (a 2-door version, no less!) and an RX300. The previous Highlander didn't do that much for me, mainly because it felt underpowered. (That was with the 3.3L V6. I'd hate to try the 4-cylinder version...) This one seems like they've fixed the deficiencies.
02-07-07 | 10:35 AM
#43
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
Those initial pics do not look good at all. Some of Toyota's pressroom pics look better, and on Toyota's website, the pics look pretty good.
I think the exterior does look a bit weird, but it certainly has a Japanese style to it. I also can see a resemblance to the 1st gen Highlander, and a few styling cues from the Rav4. The exterior has a very clean look to it.
As for the interior, it looks top notch. I must admit, this interior makes the Camry interior look cheap. The interior looks to be on par with the new MDX, and even as good as the current RX.
Feature and options-wise, it's a mixed big. The car has some cool features like active head restraints, and the backup camera for most models. Also nice to see 7 airbags standard. Max towing capacity of 5000lbs with a tow package is also a nice increase over the old model. Although this is car-based, it can certainly tow enough for most CUV owners. Options like 3 zone A/C and power backdoor are also nice.
I am most dissapointed though with the powertrains. The Highlander still remains with a 5 speed, and it's dissapointing why Toyota didn't put a 6 speed in there. It would have further increased fuel economy and performance. Also dissapointed at the Highlander Hybrid powertrain. It still remains a 3.3L V6 with the Hybrid Synergy Drive. Hopefully they will update the hybrid system in one or two years. Like some of you, I also really hate the exposed cupholders.
So overall, a few dissapointments I wasn't expecting from Toyota, but otherwise a top-notch vehicle that's a big improvement over the current Highlander.
I think the exterior does look a bit weird, but it certainly has a Japanese style to it. I also can see a resemblance to the 1st gen Highlander, and a few styling cues from the Rav4. The exterior has a very clean look to it.
As for the interior, it looks top notch. I must admit, this interior makes the Camry interior look cheap. The interior looks to be on par with the new MDX, and even as good as the current RX.
Feature and options-wise, it's a mixed big. The car has some cool features like active head restraints, and the backup camera for most models. Also nice to see 7 airbags standard. Max towing capacity of 5000lbs with a tow package is also a nice increase over the old model. Although this is car-based, it can certainly tow enough for most CUV owners. Options like 3 zone A/C and power backdoor are also nice.
I am most dissapointed though with the powertrains. The Highlander still remains with a 5 speed, and it's dissapointing why Toyota didn't put a 6 speed in there. It would have further increased fuel economy and performance. Also dissapointed at the Highlander Hybrid powertrain. It still remains a 3.3L V6 with the Hybrid Synergy Drive. Hopefully they will update the hybrid system in one or two years. Like some of you, I also really hate the exposed cupholders.
So overall, a few dissapointments I wasn't expecting from Toyota, but otherwise a top-notch vehicle that's a big improvement over the current Highlander.
02-07-07 | 10:39 AM
#44
Guest
Posts: n/a
Still looks weird with the new pics. Front grill reminds me of the Suburu Forester. Why in the hell does the hybrid and non hybrid make the same power and the non hybrid use the OLD engine????
As for the exterior, Hondas has maybe the ugliest lineup in the history of cars and people buy tons of them. People buy cars based on other merits. I still prefer BLAND to UGLY though.
Oh well, the closest I will get to this is having one parked at the mall. So me no care.
As for the exterior, Hondas has maybe the ugliest lineup in the history of cars and people buy tons of them. People buy cars based on other merits. I still prefer BLAND to UGLY though.
Oh well, the closest I will get to this is having one parked at the mall. So me no care.
02-07-07 | 10:41 AM
#45
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
Still looks weird with the new pics. Front grill reminds me of the Suburu Forester. Why in the hell does the hybrid and non hybrid make the same power and the non hybrid use the OLD engine????
As for the exterior, Hondas has maybe the ugliest lineup in the history of cars and people buy tons of them. People buy cars based on other merits. I still prefer BLAND to UGLY though.
Oh well, the closest I will get to this is having one parked at the mall. So me no care.
As for the exterior, Hondas has maybe the ugliest lineup in the history of cars and people buy tons of them. People buy cars based on other merits. I still prefer BLAND to UGLY though.
Oh well, the closest I will get to this is having one parked at the mall. So me no care.