Don’t new Toyotas usually debut at the top of their class?
Materials Quality
Overall, we were disappointed by the materials used in the Highlander. Hard plastic was everywhere, and not all of it was exceptionally durable, as many pieces, like the center console, already had dings and scrapes after only 3,900 miles. Some of it had a decidedly downgrade shininess, too. The leather was stiff, and the headliner is the same fiber-sprayed-on-cardboard material you find in a $14,000 Yaris. Considering that this 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport came in at just under $41,000, it’s unacceptable, especially when nicer materials are available in the Buick Enclave or Hyundai Veracruz for the same price.