2008 Toyota Highlander Review: Comfortable And Long-Lasting Midsize SUV

Aug 2, 2022

The 2008 Toyota Highlander lasts around 300,000 miles with only some minor oil line and alarm system issues. At $8,910 to $14,851 it’s expensive, but worth the cost since it’s so reliable.

The Good

The V6 engine offers excellent power, there’s more airbags than other midsize SUVs and the suspension offers a comfortable ride.

The Bad

The electronic steering feels disconnected from the road, there’s limited legroom in the third row and the backup camera is only available on upgraded models.

Is the 2008 Toyota Highlander a Good Used SUV?

Yes, 2008 is a good year for the Highlander. Owner reviews praise the comfortable cabin, long-lasting engine, and smooth driving experience.
Interior quality is very good for an SUV in this price range with durable materials and some nice trim. Technology is up to date for its age offering easy-to-use infotainment.
Reliability ratings are very good. There are fewer complaints from owners on 2009 through 2014 models, but overall the mechanical reliability is similar.
Performance is above average from the standard V6 engine found in the Highlander.
The Highlander is a very safe SUV earning a perfect 5-star overall rating in government crash tests, and only getting 4-stars in the rollover risk.
Fuel economy is okay for a midsize SUV, averaging roughly 20 MPG, owners can expect to get about 380 miles of range out of the 19.2 gallon tank.

Positive Owner Reviews

Trey A

2008 limited Toyota Highlander. A great vehicle for a growing family that stands up to the test of time.

I own a 2008 limited Toyota Highlander. It has been a wonderful vehicle for me and my family. I currently have 80,000 miles on it and only have ever had one issue with it when I had to replace the water pump. Would highly recommend this vehicle.

Abigail W

Toyotas for the whole family.

Toyota highlander is extremely reliable and sturdy long-term. My 2008 has 210, 000 and still runs with minimal problems ever. Toyota as a company does an amazing job with quality and dependability, I will definitely buy another Toyota in the future. In my family of 5 we all own Toyotas.

amanda m

This car is very spacious and can tote a bunch of stuff

Very good on gas. Love all the space. Wish it had a sunroof or third row seating

Ulrike D

This SUV is great to drive in the City, as well as for Road trips.

Living in Colorado an All-wheel drive vehicle/ -SUV is a must. The Toyota Highlander is big enough for family travel, but small enough to fit in regular parking spot. I love to see well ahead of me when driving. My SUV has third row seating and I can fit 7 people in my car. Or I can put the seats down to extend my trunk to load bigger items.

Paula D

Love my Toyota highlander.

I have had this vehicle for 10 years. I love it. I have replaced tires battery and brakes. That is it. Great car.

Jamie B

Great car for the family! Just awesome!

I love my Toyota highlander! Knock on wood, I have never had any service problems with the car. I get oil changes every 5 thousand miles and have never had any major issues. Replaced brakes, tires and an oxygen sensor over the past 10 years. I hope this car runs for another 10 years!!

Elizabeth J

Love the heated seats and it drives so smooth.

Battery life is not long. We've had to replace the battery a few times now other than that it is perfect.

Sheila R

Very dependable and roomy

I bought it used in 2016 and it's been awesome! I needed a car that held more people so all my grandkids would fit. I only buy Toyota! I had a Toyota Matrix that held 5 bit with me and my husband and 4 grandkids I needed more room. I haven't had any mechanical issues other than normal wear and tear.

Negative Owner Reviews

Daisy H

Are highlanders really that great?

The paint is coming off in many parts of the vehicle due to soon damage and the interior has thorns like in the seats and in the floor. Some parts from the exterior are coming apart. I have been the only owner and have taken care of it but the quality of the inside material is not great, it is very delicate. I have it detailed from the inside at least once a year.

Zara F

To sum it all up, the car is just old.

Expensive on gas, the car doesn't run smoothly, the volume knob inside the car is broken, doesn't offer Bluetooth, fan belt makes a squeaking noise as well as the brakes. Uncomfortable to drive because you can feel everything, back right window won't go down or up.

Meghan A

You get dependability with a Toyota. It breaks down less and gets decent gas mileage.

I like the dependability of my Toyota; it is not my first Toyota. It runs well and only needs regular maintenance. What I don't like about it: When I purchased this vehicle used, I was told that it has 4 wheel drive, which it doesn't. The front wheel drive is terrible; skids often. The CD player skips cds, so I can't use it. And one of the charging ports doesn't work well.

Rebecca W

Comfortable, roomy and third row seating that folds down.

I really like my Toyota highlander. The only thing I really do not like about it is the push button start. Other than that, it is comfortable an just the right size for my family. It does well in the weather.

Rachael G

Great running car Smooth driving Not to big but super spacious

The body is made cheap so anything ruins it. It's a good running car. I've only put a max of 500 into it. Also I love cloth seats. You can get anything cleaned off of them literally. Except the carpet everything gets smashed into my floor. That's the hardest place to clean stuff off of.

Marissa F

Best and worst of Toyota highlander.

It is very comfortable, which is why I bought it as I was doing long trips for business at the time. I am not in love with it overall, it feels very standard in aesthetics. It has 3 rows of seats which I thought I would really use, but haven't, but the 3rd row folds down and allows for lots of cargo room, good for my dogs.

Nicole G

Good vehicle for smaller families.

The 2008 Toyota Highlander is a reliable vehicle with standard gas mileage for a small SUV. We enjoy the options to fold down the third row seats and remove the second row middle seat. However, it is very compact and is difficult to fit a large family in this vehicle and still have any room to load anything in the back without folding down the third row.

Marilyn R

It runs great for a ten year old car. I have had no major issues with it.

Not enough leg room for a seven passenger car. Not enough room in the back when the third seat is up.

What Do Critics Say About the Toyota Highlander?

Consumer Reports says the Highlander is a very quiet and comfortable SUV with high owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the 2008 Highlander a 4.6/5, praising the powerful V6 engine, but doesn’t like that the third row seat folds as one piece and doesn’t split like rivals.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the Highlander 4.6/5 and enjoy the comfortable cabin, but owners don’t like the poor off-road performance.

What Common Problems Does the 2008 Toyota Highlander Have?

The most common problems found on the 2008 Toyota Highlander include a broken oil line, alarm system issues, and a broken lug nut cap. Overall, these issues are very minor compared to problems found on other SUVs from 2008, and parts costs are lower than rivals as well.

A broken rubber oil line is the most widespread complaint from owners at around 130,000 miles. The oil line is a known weak spot and Toyota released a new version of the line which is stronger. Replacing the part is fairly simple and only costs around $200.

Alarm system problems show up on some Highlander models at roughly 45,000 miles. The most common source of the problem is a battery issue. Simply disconnecting the negative battery terminal for about 10 minutes and reconnecting it usually allows the system to reset and work.

Broken lug nut caps are another issue that shows up in the first 50,000 miles. The plastic caps that cover the lug nuts tend to crack easily as they age, and only cost around $10 to replace.

There are 13 recalls on the 2008 Highlander, which is more than other SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall is for pedal entrapment, which can lead to unintended acceleration, the rest are relatively minor including some airbag issues.

How Long Will the 2008 Toyota Highlander Last?

A well-cared-for 2008 Toyota Highlander should be able to last around 300,000 miles, which is twice as long as rivals like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Regular annual maintenance costs are average for a midsize SUV, according to Repair Pal, at $445 per year.

Since most 2008 Highlander models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the blower motor for $325, A/C expansion valve costing $525, and the brake booster check valve which costs $100.

Alissa D

As it is getting older and is being driving on gravel, it has had some mechanical issues. I have had to fix the transmission, some connectors and the brakes in the last year.

c b

Not really, just the basic wear and tear on a vehicle of this age. It is rusting a little and the interior is a little beat up, but nothing major to the engine or anything.

Elaine S

It has been reliable without any significant problems. I have only had to do basic maintenance. I had to replace the alternator 3 years ago and the spark plugs this year.

Theresa B

Very reliable, no issues. If you do the maintenance, it will keep on going. Maintenance has been easy with this vehicle.

Ardit B

It is very reliable. I haven't had any major problems with it yet. Only small issues that were easy to fix.

How Much Is the 2008 Toyota Highlander Worth?

Blue book values range from $8,910 to $14,851, making the Highlander about $1,500 more expensive than a Honda Pilot or Chevy Trailblazer. When new, the price range was $27,500 to $34,350. Depreciation is better than average, only losing around 8% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Toyota Highlander?

There are three models of the Highlander offered for 2008. The second generation of the Highlander was launched in 2008, and was replaced by the third generation in 2014.

Base is the entry-level model with:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Cloth Seating
Cruise Control
6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX Jack

Sport is a step up, adding:

19-Inch Alloy Wheels
Premium Cloth Seating
Sport Suspension
Backup Camera
Power Folding Second Row
3.5-inch Infotainment Screen

Limited is the luxury model and adds:

Unique 19-Inch Alloy Wheels
Leather Seating
Keyless Start
Wood-Grain Interior Trim
Dual-Zone Climate Control
JBL Stereo System With Bluetooth Connectivity

Base

270 HP 20-20 MPG

View Details

Sport

270 HP 20-20 MPG

View Details

Limited

270 HP 20-20 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Toyota Highlander?

The engine in the 2008 Toyota Highlander is a powerful 3.5L V6 which makes 270 horsepower and gets up to 20 MPG combined. Performance is good, taking only 7.4 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH, and it can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the optional tow package.

What Colors Does the Toyota Highlander Come In?

How Big Is the Toyota Highlander?

The 2008 Toyota Highlander is an average midsize SUV similar in size to rivals including the Mazda CX-9 and Ford Edge. Passenger room is excellent in the first and second rows, but the third row offers limited legroom and is best suited to younger children.

Cargo space is higher than many other midsize rivals with 10.3 cubic feet of room behind the third row, 42.3 cubic feet behind the second, and up to 95.4 with the seats folded flat. That’s enough space to fit 2-3 suitcases behind the third row, and 6-8 suitcases behind the second.

How Does the Toyota Highlander Compare to the Competition?

The Honda Pilot is a very popular competitor which costs about $1,500 less. Where the Honda Pilot comes out ahead is with a stronger 4WD system, but the Toyota Highlander has a nicer interior. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since they’re more affordable to own, but both are great SUVs.

The Toyota Sienna is another rival, which costs around $2,000 less. Passenger room in the third row is better in the Toyota Sienna, but the Toyota Highlander has more technology available. We recommend the Toyota Highlander, unless you really need the extra legroom found in the minivan.

Ranks #3 Midsize SUV by Owners

2008 Toyota 4Runner

4.64

2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser

4.61

Tie

2008 Nissan Xterra

4.57

Tie

2008 Toyota Highlander

4.57

Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Highlander?

Alissa D

Yes, it is reliable and has everything I need for my family. Safety features such as airbags and anchor hooks for cars seats, rear camera and vsc system. It also has convenience with a push button start, GPS, Bluetooth and movie screen with DVD player for kids.

c b

Yes, it is a very good vehicle, it has a lot of miles and is still going strong. I have only done the basic maintenance on it and I will get many more miles out of it.

Elaine S

Yes, it has been reliable for the last 9 years. I have never had to do any high cost maintenance on the engine. My only concern is the gas mileage.

Theresa B

Yes, it handles well, is easy on maintenance, and handles my family of 5 well. My only wish is that it had more latch anchors, especially in the 3rd row.

Ardit B

Yes it is a great vehicle. It is the best car I ever owned. Very reliable and dependable. It is also a money saver in gas.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Michael J on March 28, 2021

Dependable, reliable and an overall safe and fun car to own!

This Toyota highlander SUV is extremely dependable, reliable, easy to handle and performs very well in all types of weather conditions. My wife and I feel very safe with this particular vehicle with our two very young children. The gas mileage is reasonable. Great folding seats fits even more passengers in the far back of the SUV also.

Christine J on March 27, 2021

Reliable, comfortable, nice to drive with decent gas mileage

Super reliable car since it's a Toyota. We use third row seating which is great for an SUV (vs minivan), unfortunately there isn't much trunk space at all when the seat's up. Decent gas mileage, no bells or whistles, but nice display and console.

Olivia T on March 26, 2021

Hybrid battery has a shelf life.

I like the gas efficiency, size, outdoor abilities, comfort, ease of driving. I do not like that if a hybrid battery dies the car is worthless.

Kathleen D on March 21, 2021

It's sturdy and I feel safe in it. The visibility and height make me feel safe in traffic.

The car runs great and is comfortable. I hear too much noise, however, when I'm driving and wish the car were more quiet.

Melissa B on March 18, 2021

It's a very solid car, comfortable, reliable. Spacious.

Love my car, smooth ride. Comfortable on the inside. No major problems in the 8 years I have owned it.

Dave M on March 14, 2021

Its poor fuel efficiency.

I like the air conditioning system. I like the room in the seating area and the ease to use the back storage area. I dislike its poor fuel efficiency.

Bonnie b on March 14, 2021

It has a third row seat and can switch out the middle row for bench seats or console.

I like the roominess and that it is larger than other cars. It has a great engine and runs smoothly. I like the body style and color.

Becky E on March 4, 2021

Comfortable to drive and Spacious

I love that luxury of the limited package, the way it handles and feels. This has been one of the most comfortable cars I have ever driven. Its super spacious inside.

Tess H on March 3, 2021

I have had this car for ten years and plan to keep it another ten as she is the most reliable car I have ever owned.

Comfortable bucket seats in front and back, roomy, plenty of cargo space, handles beautifully in snow, easy to get in and out of.

Bob V on March 1, 2021

Toyota vehicles last a long time.

I like my vehicle because it is a decent size SUV. It has lasted 10 years and it's going strong. The engine has not given me any troubles and I only do a regular oil change without any other service.

Rach C on March 1, 2021

Toyota Highlander 2008, one of the best vehicles over ever owned.

Very reliable, has had minimal problems, in the time we have had it we've had to replace the battery, and besides regular maintenance of oil changes and tire rotation it has been a great car. It is very comfortable, we've taken it on several long distance road trips and found it to be enjoyable and a smooth ride. Our kids fit easily into the back row, this includes two car seats. The trunk is very spacious. One of my favorite features!

Rebecca B on February 15, 2021

My car is dependable, comfortable and utilitarian.

I like the third row seating and the 4 wheel drive option. I do not like that I am short and the driver side mirror interferes with my view.

Tracy M on February 12, 2021

It can store a like of items, there is lots of room for road trips!

I think the car is very nice looking. It is spacious for my family. Easy to drive.

Branda M on February 9, 2021

Extremely safe, comfortable and easy to drive, gets great gas mileage.

I love the way it looks. The steering is exceptional and it handles so nice. The interior is spacious and so comfortable. The audio is wonderful and I love to drive it. It gets great gas mileage and is dependable and safe! Airbags everywhere. Love my Highlander!

Monica D on February 8, 2021

Sporty safe lots of room.

Love it big roomy comfortable. Blue wide family. Safe travels and have a great day. Family and friends are coming to see. Features of the vehicle is still available. Rated for best results of your life. Sporty and fun to be around and get back with the kids

Sol J on January 27, 2021

Not a rugged ride but a smooth one. It's not very noisy.

Highlander is a very smooth vehicle. Doesn't make a lot of noise when it's on. The ride is not rugged and is smooth which I like.

amanda m on January 19, 2021

This car is very spacious and can tote a bunch of stuff

Very good on gas. Love all the space. Wish it had a sunroof or third row seating

Judy T on January 9, 2021

How safe it is and great to ride in as well as drive.

I feel safe in my SUV.. I hate putting gas in it! Even though it's a gas hog, I love it. The inside is leather, and it is great for my grandkids.

L S on January 7, 2021

Safe, reliable, and affordable.

Excellent car, great visibility, good gas mileage. Have only had to do routine maintenance, replace brakes, tires, and original battery in 5 years I have owned it. I have never broken down on the side of the road.

Karin O on January 5, 2021

Very reliable long lasting family car.

Really good and reliable vehicle. Been over 1 years and still no problem with machine. Only thing is I wish the hybrid battery would charge more, it only holds a little bit I can only drive less than 5 minutes with the battery. The performance is good still, nice features inside and outside, backup camera is a plus.

Pat T on December 23, 2020

Dependable comfortable ride low maintenance good gas mileage

The Toyota Highlander is a dependable vehicle for everyone

Richard P on December 20, 2020

It has good acceleration when you pull out which makes it easy to merge into traffic. Also it sits high so I have good visibility and feel safe.

I like that I can haul a lot of stuff. It is a safe vehicle. It is dependable.

April C on December 16, 2020

Toyota highlander worth all the money?

Drives very smoothly and makes very little sound, yet getting replacement parts can become expensive, since this is a hybrid car

Diane S on December 14, 2020

It's low maintenance, looks good, is comfortable, room to carry lots of stuff.

It's low maintenance - I haven't had any major repairs in ten years

Erika D on November 29, 2020

Great midsize SUV for a family.

I love the pop up 3rd row seating. I also appreciate that it gets decent gas mileage, and handles okay in the snow. It wasn't as good in snow drifts as i'd hoped but better than a car!

Claire T on November 24, 2020

It is a very strong and reliable car.

It has a really strong engine, is very dependable and was a good car to learn to drive in. It also always fits everything we need and the second row made it very good for carpooling.

Ann A on November 23, 2020

My ten dogs and I love it!

I love my highlander! It has been reliable, comfortable, and meets my needs well! It is had a few recalls and Toyota has fixed all for free. It was a mild inconvenience to take to shop but considering the issues my friends have had with their vehicles I feel very blessed! Will always but Toyota!

Stephanie h on November 22, 2020

Cams had to be replaced way too soon. Very disappointed that had to put so much money in it so soon.

I like the vehicle but have had to replace the cams in the motor. 1st one was right after warranty expired, 2nd one was less than a year later.

Zara F on November 16, 2020

To sum it all up, the car is just old.

Karen P on November 15, 2020

Love Toyota, especially Highlander

It makes me feel very safe, is reliable and very comfortable. The gas mileage is not terrific. I have not had any problems with it, even though it is 10 years old.

Val M on November 4, 2020

It is reliable and a great value.

Runs great, smooth ride, comfortable, roomy, nice family car, better than the 2 Mercedes Benzes that I had before it.

Lee A on November 2, 2020

Highlander limited is a solid car, adaptable and fun to drive anywhere!

The Toyota highlander is extremely versatile and that it allows me to transport passengers and cargo easily. This s uv is a pleasure and fun to drive safe and reliable. Some of my favorite features about this s over the heated seats the backup camera and the suspension. The only thing that I would change would be the size of the tires which are extremely expensive to replace. That is not enough however for me to give this SUV a solid 10!

Michael S on October 27, 2020

The space and colors given make it stand out amongst my friends.

I really enjoy the room that I am given as a driver and my family is very fond of the space as well. I love the small pieces of wood that help the car feel more comfortable. I have not had a breakdown ever in the car and am grateful for its durability.

Rebecca W on October 25, 2020

Comfortable, roomy and third row seating that folds down.

Amanda R on October 17, 2020

Silver SUV, great gas mileage for it is size. Extremely spacious and fairly quiet.

Great vehicle. Large, spacious, decent gas mileage. As it gets older, the battery seems to become less efficient.

Mike A on October 7, 2020

Toyota products built for a lifetime.

Toyota makes quality products that last. Very reliable and cost effective. I would not hesitate to recommend Toyota made products to anyone.

Holly Z on September 29, 2020

It has been a great car that has lasted. It fits our family comfortably

I like my vehicle because it is spacious and has been reliable

Ana P on September 26, 2020

That it is your typical Toyota vehicle: dependable, comfortable, perfect.

Great reliability, performance, decent gas mileage, comfortable! I have always loved Toyota trucks, but this is my first SUV! Plenty of cargo space, leg room, etc. Just a great choice for us!! As far as dislikes, i can honestly say, i have none. I have no complaints and i would recommend this exact vehicle to anyone looking for a dependable, sturdy, roomy SUV sedan that is safe, and comfortable for the whole family.

Monte C on September 23, 2020

Very reliable, great gas mileage, comfortable interior.

Lots of interior room, but very good gas mileage. It can tow a reasonable amount. It has good safety features.

Nubia M on September 21, 2020

Perfect vehicle to travel long distances.

This vehicle is amazing I love it, it is super comfortable, especially if you love to drive long distances. I drove this car to travel from Florida to Canada and back from Canada to Florida and also is good saver in gas. I really recommend this car to others.

Lori D on September 20, 2020

It's my favorite car that i have ever owned (and there have been a few).

I love my car. It is comfortable, reliable, safe and, as it is a hybrid, gets decent gas mileage. I only wish it had cloth seats instead of leather. Otherwise, I wouldn't change anything.

Maria G on September 10, 2020

2008 Toyota highlander still going strong.

My Toyota highlander has been very reliable. No mechanical issues. Regular maintenance of breaks etc. I regularly change the oil. I have cloth seats and they are very comfortable and have held up well (2008 model). The only issue I had early on was difficulty finding tires to fit the rims and they were expensive. Now I am able to find tires more easily and more reasonably priced. The turning radius is not great on this older model.

John T on September 9, 2020

Great for everyday usage

It is durable and large, which allows me to use it for groceries, moving things, and getting from place to place.

Judy W on September 4, 2020

Its Blue and drives great! Is a good car for traveling

Like 1. Minimum maintenance 2. Good storage 3.lots of room for passengers Dislike 1.hybrid

lisa w on August 25, 2020

It is full of technology, wishing other Toyotas offered as much as the Highlander.

I am a loyal Toyota fan so it's no surprise that I would own a Highlander. I love the gas milage and the third row the best. Not as pleased with the newer models, but will most likely purchase another Toyota, possible a four runner, but disappointed that the hatch doesn't have a button to open it.

Bonnie S on August 14, 2020

Go high places with the Highlander

Excellent vehicle. Reliable, smooth ride, drives like a dream. Great for trips & shopping, cozy, roomy. Great for long car rides. Great family vehicle, kids love it, holds a lot of packages in hatchback. Can put backseat down. Love it. Highly recommend it

Deborah C on August 7, 2020

It is at a great price point.

Perfect amount of room for passengers. Easy in and out access. Great fuel mileage. Never fails our family. Actually, no complaints at all.

Richard B on August 7, 2020

One of the great things about this car is the DVD player for the back row. It provide excellent entertainment for kids!

It is a great car for many reasons. First of all it is great on gas AND it is a hybrid, so it also helps the environment. It is also 10 years old and works great. Finally, it is stylish and has a sleek design.

Kathy G on August 7, 2020

You can fit a ton of stuff in it and it's comfortable and a good ride

I love the size and design. I hate the gas mileage!

Elizabeth J on August 4, 2020

Love the heated seats and it drives so smooth.

Battery life is not long. We've had to replace the battery a few times now other than that it is perfect.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.