2008 Toyota Highlander starts at $27,300

The new generation of Highlanders will be slightly more expensive than the outgoing model of the popular crossover SUV. In return, Toyota promises more power, better fuel efficiency and an impressive set of safety features coming as standard.



Based on the Toyota Camry sedan, the 2008 Toyota Highlander will be available in three trims -- Base, Sport and Limited. They will all be motivated by the same new 3.5-liter V6 VVT-i engine capable of producing up to 270 hp, which is 55 hp more than the older 3.3-liter engine could provide. Toyota says that, although being more powerful, the new motor will not be significantly thirstier than the engine available with the last-year's Highlanders.



The crossovers will also be much safer than the older model. The list of standard safety equipment includes enhanced vehicle stability control, with electronic power steering, traction control, seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three rows in addition to active headrests for the driver and front passenger, anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.



As to the prices, the Base trim will be available at $27,300 for the 4x2 models and $28,750 for the AWD. Both models will be about 2 percent more expensive than the outgoing vehicle.

The Sport trim will carry a little bit heavier price tags of $29,950 for the 4x2 and $31,400 for the 4x4.

The top of the line Toyota Highlander Limited will be available at $32,700 for the 4x2 and $34,150 for the 4x4 model. Both members of the Limited trim will be 6 percent more expensive than the current Highlander. Dollar is getting cheaper all the time, yeah?



See also: Hyundai Veracruz crossover will start at $26,350

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