2nd Gen owners: did any of you switch from a 1st gen?

[viejid]

If so, how would you compare the ride of the two, 1st gen vs 2nd gen?

I am looking to buy either an 07 or an 08, but Im having trouble getting some concrete numbers on which one is faster/drives better.

[sweeneyp]

I didn't have a 1st gen HL but I had a 2001 Lexus RX300 before I got my 08 HL. The RX300 and 1st gen HL shared the same platform/powertrain so many of the parts were shared between the two (chassis, suspension design, engine). My RX300 had the 3L v6 that's in some of the older HL's (I think there was an I4 and a newer 3.3L v6 installed in its later years), and I can say my 08 HL is quieter, much quicker, a little smoother, and gets around the same mpg using regular (my RX needed premium according to manual). You can't go wrong getting an 08 over a previous gen 07.

[viejid]

Originally Posted by sweeneyp

I didn't have a 1st gen HL but I had a 2001 Lexus RX300 before I got my 08 HL. The RX300 and 1st gen HL shared the same platform/powertrain so many of the parts were shared between the two (chassis, suspension design, engine). My RX300 had the 3L v6 that's in some of the older HL's (I think there was an I4 and a newer 3.3L v6 installed in its later years), and I can say my 08 HL is quieter, much quicker, a little smoother, and gets around the same mpg using regular (my RX needed premium according to manual). You can't go wrong getting an 08 over a previous gen 07.

In test driving both of them, I did feel the 08 to be a much smoother ride, but it was difficult to tell within that timeframe which one had a "sportier" ride. I figured with the 2nd gen models being bigger it would be difficult to also beat the 1st gen in performance, but then again, that's why they put out a new model....

[sweeneyp]

well these car's aren't going to be very "sporty". They just aren't built that way, they do tend to have a fair amount of body roll since their suspension is design to be soft and not firm. Though I will say the 2nd gen definitely takes a corner better/better overall traction than my old RX, but that's probably because the tires are so wide. Also the 2GR-FE V6 has a lot more torque (along with a much flatter torque curve) than those orignal 3L and 3.3L engines in the 1st gen. I don't have to rev the engine up so high to get the power anymore, I get plenty of power around the 2000rpm-2500rpm range in my 08. I personally hate slow cars, and my 08 has more than enough hp/torque to satisfy my lead foot , so if that is in question between the two, hands down 2nd gen.

[viejid]

Originally Posted by sweeneyp

well these car's aren't going to be very "sporty". They just aren't built that way, they do tend to have a fair amount of body roll since their suspension is design to be soft and not firm. Though I will say the 2nd gen definitely takes a corner better/better overall traction than my old RX, but that's probably because the tires are so wide. Also the 2GR-FE V6 has a lot more torque (along with a much flatter torque curve) than those orignal 3L and 3.3L engines in the 1st gen. I don't have to rev the engine up so high to get the power anymore, I get plenty of power around the 2000rpm-2500rpm range in my 08. I personally hate slow cars, and my 08 has MORE than enough hp/torque to satisfy my lead foot , so if that is in question between the two, hands down 2nd gen.

Thank you so much for answering, because that's exactly what I wanted to know.

I know neither are going to be sporty (and for those reasons I am also considering a Forester XTurbo), but being that the car is going to be mostly used for commuting, the outstanding reputation the highlander has for reliability, and the fact that it can probably go fast enough quick enough to get me in trouble quickly, I am starting to figure out I'd much rather have an SUV that is comfortable to drive with plenty of pickup for highway speeds than a less comfortable SUV that can haul more ass.

[05Moose]

Yes, we had an '05 HL Base with leather (so 16 inch wheels). In-laws still have their '07 Limited (with 17" wheels) and I've driven it once or twice. We now have a '10 HL Base (didn't want leather, so no other package options).

How do they compare driving? Like night and day. We used to have a 2004 Sienna (2wd) but had to trade that in to get 4wd when we moved to snow country. We didn't want the AWD Sienna with its run-flat tires, so we chose a used 2005 HL. My wife really (I think she reminded me at least once a month) missed the Sienna. The 2005 HL was nothing like it. And I have to agree. It was small, noisy (less insulation from outside noise), and just moved around a lot in the snow (this last part comparing to the '10 HL). I think a lot of the handling in snow had a lot to do with tire sizes. Overall dimensions of the 1st Gen compared to the 2nd Gen...well those little tires don't do well going over 1-foot tall berms and tire tracks.

Now how does the 2nd Gen compare to the 1st Gen? My wife says it all, "I don't miss my van anymore!" I would agree wholeheartedly with that comment. Aside from the sliding doors, it feels like the same interior (both in size, plushness, and quiet ride) as our old Sienna, only it corners better than the van. And it doesn't move around as much in the snow (lateral movement with tire tracks in deep snow).

So I can honestly say, the 2nd Gen runs circles around the 1st Gen Highlanders! BTW, she does remind me from time to time that she doesn't miss her van anymore.

EDIT: One other thought. She was even preferring to ride in my truck than to take hers. It just wasn't that comfortable (seats were also too short so there wasn't any leg support). That's not the case anymore.

[MI-Silver-HL]

Previously had an '02 3.0L AWD Limited and am now driving an '11 3.5L AWD Limited so I guess my comments will be an 'apple to apple' comparison.

Other than the '02 being a bit easier to maneuver in tight situations the '11 is in every respect a much better vehicle. The '11 has more interior space, is wider, higher and longer, heavier - which makes for a much nicer ride, bigger engine, more HP, more torque and mine gets about 5% BETTER overall mileage than the '02 did. The '11 also has more comfortable seats and generally better fit and finish. Other than the headlights I also think the '11 looks better, but that's subjective so not everyone will agree.

About the only areas where I feel the '02 had a slight advantage was rear visibility (but my '11 has the camera) and came in a 5 passenger version - I personally have NO need for 7 passenger seating so it's wasted space and money for me. If the '11 came in a Limited trim with seating for 5 it would have been a nearly perfect vehicle. (A secondary effect of the 7 passenger seating is the spare tire now stores outside the vehicle which to me is a negative as it's exposed to the elements and subject to potential damage.)

I've only had 1 opportunity to drive the '11 in significant snow but my feeling is the VSC and traction control are better than and react faster than the '02 as well. I've driven through Michigan U.P. forests on (very) unpaved forest service roads and had no issues with either ground clearance or traction. That said neither one is designed for rock climbing.

Neither Gen 1 or 2 will be considered 'sporty' by anyone's definition as they're just not designed that way. Even though it's heavier my feeling is the '11 corners a bit better probably due to the wider tires and suspension.

[MikeyD25]

I had an '06 AWD V6 that I gave up in '09 and got a I4 4WD RAV4. I'm back with a '12 SE with AWD and V6 and loving it so far. From what I can remember of the original Highlander I must say that my current ride is much nicer in looks, ride and interior amenities/comfort.

We'll see what the future holds!

MD

[AXMACD]

I had a 02' Black Limited HL before my 08'. I like the look of the other Highlander more, but the 08 is fine. I really notice the 50 extra hp on the highway!