2018 Toyota Highlander review
Toyota Highlander highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Above-average EPA estimates with all powertrains
- Nicely sized and well equipped for most buyers
Cons
- Base engine feels a bit underpowered
- No Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ availability
Mileage (EPA estimate)
19 city, 24 highway, 22 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
The 2018 Toyota Highlander remains a top pick for family-friendly crossover
Versatile and comfortable, the 2018 Toyota Highlander has a lot to like. Add a classy interior and a suite of standard driver aids, and it gets even more appealing. There's a Highlander model to suit most every need and budget, starting with the base LE with its respectable level of standard equipment and 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive and automatic transmission are standard, and all-wheel drive is offered as an option. At the top of the range, the Highlander Hybrid offers a Limited Platinum model with a mix of impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy and upscale equipment. It can be pricey, though, which makes the XLE trim in the standard Highlander lineup a sensible choice. It not only offers a solid mix of convenience and comfort features, but it also comes with the powerful V6 engine under its hood.
With the V6, you'll have a smooth, easy-driving, capable crossover that's powerful yet returns decent EPA estimates. The interior is spacious enough unless you want to carry adults in the rearmost seats. The third row is a bit tight but roomy enough for kids. That's one of the few complaints to level at the Highlander, along with the lack of Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ for quick and easy connectivity with your smartphone. That aside, the Highlander is a real contender among three-row crossovers. If you're shopping, be sure to test-drive the big Toyota.
All Toyota Highlander years
2018 Toyota Highlander trims
LE and Hybrid LE:
Includes Bluetooth connectivity, Entune six-speaker audio system, integrated backup camera, six-way adjustable driver's seat, 6.1-inch touchscreen, slide and recline fold-flat rear seating, and more.
LE Plus:
Adds eight-inch touchscreen, three-zone automatic climate control, Stop and Start engine system, height-adjustable power liftgate, and more.
XLE and Hybrid XLE:
Adds power tilt and slide moonroof, Chromtec® roof rails, integrated navigation, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats, leather-trim upholstery, push-button start, and more.
SE:
Includes LED daytime running lights, 19-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension, blue LED ambient interior lighting, black leather-trimmed seats, and more.
Limited and Hybrid Limited:
Unlocks rear parking assist sonar, Entune Premium JBL® Audio, driver's seat memory function, heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front seats, rear cargo area tonneau cover, and more.
Toyota Highlander photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Toyota Highlander
1. Hybrid option
With three hybrid models available, you won't be disappointed in the 2018 Highlander. The 306-horsepower hybrid powertrain can help reduce stops at the pump, with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined on Hybrid LE models with AWD.
2. Cargo and towing capabilities
If you have a lot of stuff to take on your next adventure, don't miss this capable SUV. The 2018 Toyota Highlander has plenty of clever storage in the cabin, as well as a total of 83.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats folded. This opens up options for new DIY projects, hobbies, and business ideas. If you want to take some toys along for the ride or hitch up a trailer, look for the 3.5L V6 engine, which can tow an estimated 5,000 lbs when properly equipped.
3. Standard driver aids
If you want peace of mind on the road, you'll love the 2018 Highlander's driver-assistance features. On all models, you'll get pre-collision assist, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and dynamic cruise control. You'll also find a helpful rearview camera from the base model up. If you want more driver aids, look at the XLE model, which has a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
4. Panoramic moonroof
Let the light in with the available panoramic moonroof, which is part of an add-on package to the 2018 Highlander Limited trim. The glorious expanse of glass overhead is a real passenger-pleaser, especially when you're heading out into nature. During cool weather camping trips, you can enjoy the warmth of your Highlander while you look up at the stars.
5. Parent-friendly features
If you're a parent or regularly travel with kids, you'll appreciate the kid-friendly features in the 2018 Highlander. You'll find plenty of USB ports throughout the cabin, allowing everyone to plug in when they need to. And the roomy interior means your passengers can stretch out and relax. Soft seats plus plenty of driver-assistance features means you can carry your loved ones in comfort.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2018 Toyota Highlander, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
Seating seven across three rows, the Mazda CX-9 delivers crossover comfort and SUV capability in a stylish, athletic package. All 2017-2019 CX-9s are powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower that offers smooth handling and impressive maneuverability. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.
The 2017-2019 CX-9 has 14.4 cubic feet of fixed cargo storage, which expands to 71.2 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded away. This makes the CX-9 a flexible option if you need to switch between carrying people and large cargo items.
Standard features of the 2017-2019 Mazda CX-9 Sport base trim include:
18-inch alloy wheels
Seven-inch infotainment display
Rearview camera
If you're shopping for a three-row SUV that's set up for off-road functionality, the 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent is worth a look. Families and friend groups who enjoy the outdoors will love the 2019-2020 Ascent's 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, standard all-wheel drive, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Add in standard software-controlled traction and hill descent control, and you have an SUV with an access-all-areas attitude.
The 2019-2020 Ascent seats eight as standard, though you can shop for a model that seats seven with optional second-row captain's chairs. Either way, you have a feature-laden cabin that doubles as a hauler for big trips—with the rear rows folded down, the 2019-2020 Ascent has 86.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
The 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent base model includes these standard features:
STARLINK® voice recognition system
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Four USB ports
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
Though the Honda Passport may be bigger, its dimensions are rarely noticeable when it comes to urban driving; this is a midsize SUV you can comfortably take anywhere. New for 2019, with a nameplate from the Honda back catalog, the five-seat, two-row Passport has plenty to offer if you're looking for a daily driver with the chops to go off-road on occasion.
The 2019-2020 Passport is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is optional). Running errands? You'll appreciate the 2019-2020 Passport's tri-zone automatic climate control and 41.2 cubic feet of fixed cargo space behind the second row. Longer trips are a pleasure, with comfortably wide front seating, and reclining seats in the rear.
Standard features of the 2019-2020 Honda Passport Sport base trim include:
Matte-black exterior trim
Keyless entry and ignition
Rearview camera
Seven-speaker audio system
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.7 out of 5
31 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 22 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 8 |
| 3 Stars | 1 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
RepairPal gave the Toyota Highlander an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota Highlander 6th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota HighlanderToyota Highlander features and specs
LE 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Entune
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Third Row Seat
- Traction Control
- Cloth Seats
- Full Roof Rack
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Entertainment System
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.7L
Horsepower
185
Torque (ft-lbs)
184
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
19.2
Wheelbase
109.8"
Overall length
192.5"
Width
75.8"
Height
68.1"
Leg room
F 44.2"/M 38.4"/R 27.7"
Head room
F 40.7"/M 39.9"/R 35.9"
Front tires
P245/60TR18
Rear tires
P245/60TR18
Seating capacity
8
Max towing capacity
150/1500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Toyota Highlander FAQ
Yes, the 2018 Highlander XLE has heated front seats.
The 2018 Toyota Highlander has eight cup holders and four bottle holders.
No, the Toyota Highlander does not offer bucket seats.
Yes, all 2018 Highlander models have automatic braking support.
More about the 2018 Toyota Highlander
Color options
Exterior colors:
Alumina Jade Metallic
Blizzard Pearl (additional cost)
Celestial Silver Metallic
Midnight Black Metallic
Ooh La La Rouge Mica
Predawn Gray Mica
Salsa Red Pearl
Shoreline Blue Pearl
Toasted Walnut Pearl
Interior colors:
Almond
Ash
Black
Saddle Tan (optional with Limited trim standard engine only)
Interior details
The interior of the 2018 Toyota Highlander is a great place to spend time, no matter which trim you choose. You'll get seating for up to eight people, plenty of soft-touch surfaces, and handy in-cabin features like cable management, a center console with a removable tray, and five USB ports. Climb the trim levels and you'll find additional features like leather-trimmed seats (XLE), ambient LED lighting (SE), and a premium sound system (Limited).
Child seat details
The 2018 Toyota Highlander with standard seating for eight has two full sets of LATCH restraints (upper tether and lower anchors) in the second-row outboard seats. In addition, both rear middle seats feature an upper tether LATCH restraint.
The seven-seat 2018 Highlander model equips both second-row captain's seats with full sets of LATCH restraints. In addition, the third-row middle seats feature an upper tether LATCH restraint.
All LATCH equipment is easy to find on the 2018 Highlander, and each rear seat belt is equipped with a child restraint locking mechanism. The third-row bench seat is easily accessible, thanks to sliding second-row seating.
Manufacturer warranty
When new, the 2018 Toyota Highlander included 3-year/36,000-mile (whichever occurs first) basic coverage and 5-year/50,000-mile (whichever occurs first) powertrain coverage. Hybrid-related component coverage is 8-year/100,000-mile. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. See Warranty Information Booklet for complete details. The balance of this warranty may apply on some vehicles.
Performance
The 2018 Toyota Highlander's available V6 engine can propel this SUV from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). Perhaps more impressive is its towing ability. With the same 3.5L V6 engine, the 2018 Highlander can tow an estimated 5,000 lbs when properly equipped.2 If miles per gallon are important to you, look at the hybrid Highlander. The AWD Hybrid LE trim gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined.
Emissions
According to EPA estimates, the 2018 Highlander LE with FWD and the 2.7L engine has tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of 407 grams per mile. With FWD and the 3.5L V6 engine, EPA-estimated tailpipe emissions are 391 grams per mile. With AWD, that engine has EPA-estimated tailpipe emissions of 403 grams per mile.
Adding the stop-start system decreases emissions for the LE Plus FWD 3.5L model to 384 grams per mile, according to EPA estimates. The LE Plus model with AWD has EPA-estimated tailpipe emissions of 390 grams per mile. For other AWD V6 models with the stop-start system, there are EPA-estimated tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of 398 grams per mile.
According to EPA estimates, the Hybrid LE with AWD has tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of 305 grams per mile. The other hybrid models with AWD have EPA-estimated tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of 313 grams per mile.
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