2008 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander's body control is poorly managed, and the electric steering system is far too light and offers little on-center feel.

True, although this new SUV has a certain Hyundai-like appearance, it is in fact a Toyota. If you compare pictures of a RAV4 to this new Highlander, you'll see the family resemblance. Nevertheless, the Highlander has an anonymous look that Hyundai's vehicles are notorious for.

Highlander continues to hold a unique distinction within the Toyota brand and within the automotive industry. It is a vehicle with an extraordinary level of versatility, innovation and technology that enables it to cross demographic boundaries between buyers of SUVs, passenger cars, minivans and environmentally sensitive and fuel-efficient vehicles.

Highlander is equipped with one of the highest levels of standard safety features in the small-, and mid-SUV segments.

Grown from the same structural seed that sprouted the Avalon and Camry, the roomier Highlander's interior is highlighted by an extractable (and stowable) middle, second-row seat that provides a unique kid corridor to the third row (also more spacious and fitted almost universally across the lineup). Additionally, the second row offers almost four inches of track movement, allowing for more second- or third-row legroom. The family-friendly theme continues with an adequate 3.5-inch rear-camera display on all but the base model, plus easy-reach levers that remotely fold down the second-row seats from the rear hatch.

Grown from the same structural seed that sprouted the Avalon and Camry, the roomier Highlander's interior is highlighted by an extractable (and stowable) middle, second-row seat that provides a unique kid corridor to the third row (also more spacious and fitted almost universally across the lineup). Additionally, the second row offers almost four inches of track movement, allowing for more second- or third-row legroom. The family-friendly theme continues with an adequate 3.5-inch rear-camera display on all but the base model, plus easy-reach levers that remotely fold down the second-row seats from the rear hatch.

The new version is bigger and roomier. It's also been made more powerful, though not at the expense of fuel economy.

The Highlander is a so-called crossover SUV, meaning it's built more like a car than a truck.

As a result, the Highlander offers a quiet cabin and a luxurious ride quality.

Highlander fits in the middle of Toyota's three-pronged midsize SUV lineup. Highlander features softer styling than the midsize 4Runner SUV and the retro-styled FJ Cruiser; truck-based platforms, rugged suspensions and low-range transfer cases make 4Runner and FJ Cruiser highly capable off road.

Toyota has chosen to focus more on ride than handling. Steering feel is light, but the response is somewhat slow. All Highlanders have noticeable body lean in cornering and braking, and none of them are nimble.