The Toyota Highlander has long been one of America’s most popular family crossover SUVs. Last year Toyota sold nearly 216,000 Highlanders in the US, making it the third best-selling mid-size SUV behind only the Ford Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It can be compared with crossovers such as the Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda Pilot, and Chevrolet Traverse.
Toyota Highlander Family
The Highlander got a revision in 2017, including a facelift, more tech, and more power - with an eight-speed transmission - and remains unchanged for 2018. The lineup includes SE, LE, LE Plus, XLE, Limited, and Limited Platinum models. A hybrid version comes as LE, XLE, Limited and Limited Platinum.
The base Highlander LE uses a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine making 185 horsepower. Toyota claims it gets 22 combined miles per gallon, though the available V6 has more power and gets better fuel mileage.
XLE Trim
I recently tested the XLE version which comes standard with cloth upholstery, six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and four-way passenger seat, 60/40 split-folding and reclining second-row seat, 60/40 split-folding third-row seat, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, five USB ports, LED tail lamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Third Row
I try to be mindful of third rows in vehicles as some are tough to reach. Accessing the third row in the Highlander was relatively easy as the second-row seats fold down and move forward with just a few, quick knob pulls.
Infotainment
Toyota’s Entune entertainment system still does not allow for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. But the 6.1-inch touchscreen is simple to control and the six speakers in the LE version sound just fine in each of the AM/FM/CD modes. An auxiliary input jack and Bluetooth connectivity allow for music streaming.
Safety
Toyota’s upgraded Safety Sense P system is here with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, a pedestrian pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
Also standard are a rearview camera, hill start assist, and eight airbags, including a driver knee airbag and a front passenger seat cushion airbag.
If you are looking for a CUV that can hold not only a lot of passengers (up to 8) but also a good amount of cargo, this vehicle fits the bill. I was able to load up all of my son’s gear for his first year of college with some room to spare.
What You'll Pay
The 2018 Highlander starts at $31,230 and tops out around $47,000 with the Limited Platinum AWD.
