Don’t new Toyotas usually debut at the top of their class?

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2008 Toyota Highlander - Ride and Handling

Handling
Peg-legged sea captains used to the North Atlantic Nor’easters are the only ones likely to call the Highlander’s ride too firm. For the rest of us, it’s one of the nicest riding crossovers out there. The suspension soaks up bumps big and small, with only a too-loud “thwack” on the small stuff to tell you something was there. Around corners it’s much the same, with the Highlander exhibiting good body control, but its limits and understeer don’t engage our enthusiasm. Still, the Highlander isn’t meant to be a poor-man’s BMW X5, and the supple ride will please the vast majority of buyers.

Fun to Drive
Perhaps the Toyota should usher in yet another variation of “SUV” with the Highlander: “AUV” for “Appliance Utility Vehicle.” There’s not much fun here, but it gets the job done. It’s not a vehicle you grab the keys to when you want some back-road entertainment, but it works well at hauling the kids, groceries, or just yourself from place to place. Problem is, these days there are vehicles that are just as good, if not better, and do all the same things with a measure of style or entertainment that the Highlander lacks.