2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Click image to enlarge

Manufacturer's web site Toyota Canada

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Click image to enlarge

The Manu-Just steering column receives both tilt and telescope travel, with audio controls and access to the 'Are You Eco?' screen at the top of the centre stack. The wiper stalk also controls the swish for the rear window, while the cruise control stalk is standard corporate issue, at the 4 pm. position. The driver's side window lift is the only power pane to receive Auto descent and lift. Optitron gauges are minimal, detailing engine coolant temperature, and the replacement of the traditional tachometer sweep with the Eco-ometer. This space could be put to much better use, especially since real time economy figures are available on the centre stack display screen. Nobody talks in terms of how many kilowatts of power they saved or slurped. Here's an idea; the less fuel you use, the more smiling Disneyesque woodland creatures that could appear on the screen in front of you. The parking brake is a pedal pusher, with minimal pantaloon snag.

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Click image to enlarge

To the left of the driver is where you'll find the power exterior mirror controls. The Toyota leaflets state that these mirrors are heated, though they are anything but fast-clearing at 30 below. There is another heater switch in this vicinity, designed to heat the front wiper blades. Find a heater that microwaves my windshield clear in 30 seconds flat, and I'll put on my Impressed Slippers. The dimmer switch for the dashboard lighting is also found in this vicinity, as well as a cell phone-sized cubby drop-down drawer. Low and away from this real estate is a power hatch release for the fuel filler door.

It may be just the standard issue single disc player sound system, but Toyota definitely knows how to make it appear larger than life. If you like mondo-sized knobs, the theme continues below for the manual HVAC centre. At the base of the stack is a flip-up garage door, which reveals an iPod-savvy space, plus a 12-volt powerpoint and an auxiliary media player jack. Another 12-volt powerpoint is found near the cupholder territory. There are four available in this region; the two to the right of the gated CVT shifter have removable rubbery bladders for take-out coffee cinch. The only problem is that they work too well, removing the bladder as the cup is grabbed for a swig of that sweet nectar of life. A flip-up door reveals the remaining two cupholders, with spring-loaded single tab cinchers. In front of this door are the Economy switch for the CVT, as well as the EV (Electric Vehicle) mode actuator.

There's a lot going on in these 3.5 inches, the size of the screen display at the top of the centre stack. Not only does the system provide a plethora of petrol-saving/hybrid-happy information, it also monitors individual tire pressures for all wheels, including the spare tire. It's also the display screen for the back-up camera.

Both front and rear doors get ample door pocket real estate, with dedicated bottle partitions. The centre console lid reveals an ample storage space, with removable flock-lined floor. There are no powerpoint provisions. The rear of the centre console houses a storage garage, which houses a snack-savvy insert biscuit for the 20 of the 40/20/40 rear seat. Instead of rummaging through the owner's manual to put it into place, Toyota has placed a visual guide of the procedure on the backside of the cubby door. This glove-box is more of a boot box, with beyond-average depth.

Front visors get unlit vanity mirrors, and extendable sun blockers. Let's chat, with a drop-down conversation mirror that also doubles at sunglasses stowage.

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Click image to enlarge

All seats in the base Hybrid are Manu-Just, including the driver's side, which gets height and tilt adjustment. There is good bolstering, though there are no manual lumbar supports. Front seatbacks employ storage pockets. Front passengers get the added comfort benefit of adjustable seat belt anchors. The rear seats can move fore and aft for cargo and people pleasing, as well as recline. The forward fold is a practical flat. The only people that should be expected to sit in the centre seat portion in comfort would be either Joey Heatherton or the Olsen twins.

At least it's not a Clown Yellow space-saver rubber biscuit. The full-sized alloy wheel is lowered by cable for changeovers. Toyota is now including roadside assistance, which is normally an extra-cost option on a per annum basis. Problem; they're still not clear as to how long they are offering the included coverage. The spare tools are neatly stowed beneath the cargo floor.

It's one thing to pop the cargo hatch; Toyota realizes you have to close it, with a handy grab strap. The cargo cover has extensions, which clip to the rear seatbacks for cargo containment from those whose parents didn't hug them enough. The larger piece of the removable cargo floor can be held aloft, via a hook on a rope. The funny thing here is that the space revealed has minimal depth, no organizer tray, and practically no finishing thought. Side cubbies in the cargo hold get proper finishing, easy access. Note 12-volt powerpoint on the cargo wall.

There's a 3.3-litre 270 horsepower V6 under the bonnet, plus whatever kilowatts the hybrid system kicks in for fun. Like all Toyotas, fluid levels are clearly marked, with EZ-Access fill points. Steer clear of anything marked in orange, which is the hybrid-specific wiring.

The jury may still be out on the ultimate benefit of the hybrid's environmental impact. As for Toyota, their quality impact is still being felt amongst North American manufacturers. Fit and finish within the Highlander continues to be spot-on. Outside of the cramped rear seat biscuit, (which can be easily removed and forgotten) there is little to fault. 4.5 stars.

Next week; 2008 Mazda 5 GT

Manufacturer's web site Toyota Canada

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Michael Clark is a Winnipeg-based freelance automotive writer