The original Toyota Highlander SUV was doomed to dullness from the beginning, wedged squarely between the homely wagon and the dreaded minivan. The 2008 Toyota Highlander, revealed at the Chicago auto show in February 2007, is the second generation of Toyota’s car-based mid-size SUV. In response to people who chose not to buy a Highlander, Toyota has made the new Highlander bigger and more powerful. A third-row seat is available, along with a gas-electric hybrid model.

The 2008 Toyota Highlander equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 270 horsepower and 249 pound-feet of torque. Hooked to a five-speed automatic transmission, Toyota says the new V6 will deliver nearly the same fuel economy as its predecessor. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive remains an option. A 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will join the lineup two months after the standard model’s debut in July. Net output for the all-wheel-drive gas-electric drivetrain will be 270 hp. Despite 500 pounds of additional weight, the Highlander Hybrid will achieve the same 31 mpg city and 27 highway as it did before.

The all new Toyota Highlander will feature Toyota’s STAR safety system that includes anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, vehicle stability control with electronic power steering. A stand-alone backup camera will be fitted on all but the base model. With added power, an aggressive look, and Toyota’s reputation, the 2008 Toyota Highlander is expected to be a next hot drive.