---
title: "2018 Toyota Highlander XLE Review: Packs A Lot of Cargo and Passengers"
description: Houston-based CarProUSA contributor Michael Garfield reviews the 2018 Toyota Highlander XLE in an all new Car Pro Test Drive.
---

[Car Reviews | CarPro ](https://www.carpro.com/vehicle-reviews)

# [2018 Toyota Highlander XLE Review: Packs A Lot of Cargo and Passengers](https://www.carpro.com/vehicle-reviews/2018-toyota-highlander-xle-packs-a-lot-of-cargo-and-passengers)

 Written by [Michael Garfield](https://www.carpro.com/vehicle-reviews/author/michael-garfield) | Sep 24, 2018 5:00:00 AM

The [Toyota Highlander](https://www.toyota.com/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.

<https://www.carpro.com/hubfs/car-review-blog/review-image-332289.jpg><https://www.carpro.com/hubfs/car-review-blog/2018-toyota-highlander-room-backseat-car-pro-1.jpg><https://www.carpro.com/hubfs/car-review-blog/2018-toyota-highlander-car-pro-review-1.jpg>

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