Chris Champion finds the hybrid system in the Toyota Highlander Hybrid to be seamless, fluid, and powerful. To read what other WINDING ROAD staffers thought about this Toyota Highlander Hybrid, follow the jump.

Kim Ewing
Fleet/Business Manager

What’s not to love? The Highlander Hybrid is perfect in every way. The exterior is very nice to look at, especially in the misty purple color our fleet vehicle arrived in. I like the way the lines flow along the vehicle, giving it a look of moving even when standing still. The interior has plenty of room for all passengers and the electronics are quite simple, yet they appear to be intimidating. Hybrids still throw me off a bit upon ignition as I keep waiting to hear something, anything, to let me know the vehicle is running. The charge gauge to the left of the speedometer was a bit distracting as the needle continuously moves and is quite noticeable. Freeway driving was great as the powerful V-6 quickly gets you to your desired level of speed. Our tester came with a boatload of options that pushes the price to a hefty $48,163. However, the Toyota name provides security, durability, and comfort, so the price is something I wouldn’t snub.

Steven J. Ewing
Production Assistant

Well, color me impressed. This is really a remarkable seven-passenger hybrid, and though it wears a Toyota badge, it feels more like an upmarket Lexus vehicle. The V-6 power is very smooth, and there isn’t much of a noticeable rumble in the switch from EV to gasoline mode. Toyota has proven that its Hybrid Synergy Drive is the best gasoline-electric system in the world, and it is perfectly executed in the Highlander Hybrid.

Chris Champion
Pit Crew

Our 2008 Highlander Hybrid is so cultured that it presents itself like a bigger, fraternal twin to the Lexus RX400h. Unlike some hybrids, the new Highlander Hybrid’s setup doesn’t feel like a weak gasoline engine with a separate electric motor shoehorned-in for good measure. Toyota’s solution feels seamless, fluid, and powerful.

Nate Luzod
Art Director

The only telltale sign that this is a hybrid is the absolute silence when you start the car. To that end, I wish there was some synthesized engine starting noise to let us know everything is up and running (that goes for all hybrids). It drives perfectly well, and I felt no lack of power or odd sensation when switching modes. On the highway it’s got a ton of pick-up—as others have said here, it feels almost Lexus-like. I’ve liked every Toyota hybrid I’ve driven thus far and this is one of the best.

Carrie Roca
Managing Editor

The Highlander Hybrid is as comfortable and polished as luxury SUVs come, and the large accessory controls are in your face, so there’s no guesswork. Start-up takes some getting used to, as there’s a lag between depressing the start button and any indication that you’re ready to roll.

The hybrid system also makes for a rather empty moment in mild braking situations that takes some getting used to as well. My husband and I were in a parking lot and he got a little concerned as I was making my way toward some stopped cars and the Highlander wasn’t slowing. I had to really come down harder than I normally would on the pedal to activate the hydraulic brakes and bring the vehicle to a stop.

The green version of the Highlander isn't cheap. This Limited-trim four-wheel-driver starts at close to forty grand. Add a laundry list of options including entertainment and navigation systems, and you’re looking at nearly fifty large out-the-door. Yikes.

2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID LIMITED 4WD

Engine: V-6, 3.3 liters, 24v
Engine Output: 209 hp/212 lb-ft
Drive Motor Output: 167 hp/247 lb-ft
Total Output: 270 hp
Transmission: CVT
Weight: 4641 lb
Fuel economy, city/hwy: 27/25 mpg

Base price: $39,950

DVD rear-seat entertainment system: $1780
Navigation system: $2655
Front auto dual-zone climate control: $375
Auto rear air conditioning: $785
Power moonroof: $850
Carpet/cargo mats: $275
XM satellite radio: $449
Security system: $359

Destination: $685
Price as tested: $48,163