When the 2018 Highlander debuted, Toyota promised quality and dependability. Here’s everything you need to know about how those attributes have held up over three years later.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
Toyota Highlander’s Unibody Design Made it an Instant Hit
Compared to the 4Runner and Land Cruiser, the Highlander is a relatively newer SUV in the Toyota lineup. The model first became available in 2001 (pictured above) after being announced at the 2000 New York Auto Show.
Unlike most midsize SUVs at the time, the Highlander features unibody construction, like that of a car, rather than the body-on-frame construction of a truck. This offers the benefit of a more comfortable and family-friendly ride without sacrificing the SUV’s usability in terms of size, passengers, and cargo space.
Another departure from the standard of midsize SUVs was Toyota’s decision to offer a four-cylinder base engine with an optional V6 upgrade.
Since its initial release, the Highlander has gone through a few generational changes. The 2008 Toyota Highlander introduced the second generation, and the 2014 Toyota Highlander (seen above) welcomed the third generation. While the 2020 model year introduced the fourth generation, our focus is on the 2018 model year, which puts it towards the end of the third generation.
Though a lot has changed since its release, the same basic idea of a unibody midsize SUV that’s comfortable for family hauling and road-tripping has remained. Here, we’ll review the ins and outs of the 2018 Toyota Highlander so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Pros from Owners
Lots of cargo space with an optional 3rd row, has many enhanced safety features like lane assistance and beeps when I get too close to a car in front of me. Has seat warmers, AWD, nice sleek design. Captains chairs in 2nd row with a tray table.
The Toyota Highlander is a reasonable price compared to many other SUVs on the market. I picked this car because it is the few on the market that has bucket seats in the second row. My other favorite parts are that there are no carpeted floors and I like the moonroof.
Great on saving gas, the look is very nice compared to previous years, leather seats, comfort, how much power it has, and best of all how much room it has with the 3rd row seats when needed, and very roomy in general.
PROS: 360 camera. Big screen. GPS. Bluetooth. XM Radio. Heated seats and steering wheel. Air conditioned seats. Window shades. Easy to drive and park. Third row. Captain Seats. Safety Sense. Predictive cruise control.
There is enough space for our family and enough trunk space. We have to have enough space for growing kids and all of their stuff. There has to be enough space in the trunk for a stroller and there is. It drives very smooth.
Biggest con is the handling on snowy/icy roads even with snow mode on. Biggest pro is the handling around town, smooth ride. It maneuvers well into city parking spots. The gas mileage is ok, for this size car I feel like it should be a little better.
I really like how it feels very safe. It is very smooth in driving. The lane departure warning is very nice. Cruise control is great and very smooth to work with. The sunroof is good and kids love it. It is very spacious, can easily fit 2 car seats. The third row seats recline which is a good add on feature.
The vehicle has lots of storage, I like the optional 3rd row to transport more passengers. The vehicle has a very sporty and contemporary look. Has a lot of safety features. I love the ability to raise up the drivers side seat. The car has a nice ride. I love the captain's chairs and tray tables.
Cons from Owners
No parking assist. There is not a hands free way to open the back trunk. No steering wheel warmer and no ambient lighting throughout. No entertainment system like a DVD player for my child to watch programs while we travel.
I do not like a lot of things in this car (and compared to my prior GMC's). The first is that there is no monitor of the tire pressure in each tire. When get a low tire pressure light, you have no idea which tire is the problem. The gas mileage is not great (but many SUVs are not either). The third row seems to be much smaller than my GMC. I do not like the way the transmission is sometimes. Feels a little jerky.
I cannot think of any cons for this vehicle. I have only had it a year and a half, and so far no big problems, except for the radio display panel wouldn't work right after I bought it, buy Toyota took care of it right away.
Super small third row. Really only children can fit in it. GPS works but can be frustrating in the city and is not as good as phone GPS. Honestly past those two things I do not really have anything else bad to say. I really love my car and it fits our family needs.
I do not have leather seats or heated seats or anything spectacular. My last car had an automatic trunk and heated seats and everything. But it is still good. I can never tell if the back seat is too hot or if they are too cool when it is the winter.
The cons are the way it handles on snowy and icy roads. Even with snow mode on it still tends to slip, spin, and fishtail. The inside electronics are hard to use and connect Bluetooth decides to. There are a lot of steps to connect everything.
It feels like the gas mileage is less compared to other Toyota's driven before. The back seems very tight and does not seem like enough space. It sometimes bounces around and is not as smooth as expected.
The seats do not have the memory feature to return to different positions for different drivers, there is not a steering wheel warmer and the XLE does not come with the pretty ambient lighting that the limited model comes with.
Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
The 2018 Toyota Highlander offered five trim options. They are:
- LE
- XLE
- SE
- Limited
- Limited Platinum
Additionally, a hybrid variant of each trim level is available in all but the SE trim. What does each trim level get you?
2018 Highlander LE
The Highlander LE is the base-model trim. However, Toyota is serious about safety, so it comes equipped with some pretty solid features for a base model. Additionally, the LE is the only variant of the 2018 Highlander available with a four-cylinder engine. While the LE came standard with a four-cylinder engine, all trim levels above the LE came only with the V6.
Here is what you get with the base LE trim:
- Entune audio system with Bluetooth
- Integrated backup camera
Additionally, the LE includes all Toyota Safety Sense features (as do all the 2018 Highlander models). These include:
- Lane departure warning with steering assist
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Automatic high beams
- Dynamic radar cruise control
- Lane tracing assist
- Road sign assist
2018 Highlander XLE
Moving up to the next trim level brings us to the XLE (pictured above). Like the LE trim, the XLE comes standard with all of the components listed above, including the entire lineup of Toyota safety features. Additionally, stepping up to the XLE trim gets you:
- A multi-information display screen in the instrument cluster
- Proximity key entry
- Power tilt/slide moonroof
- Toyota smart key system with push-button start
- Power liftgate
2018 Highlander SE
Stepping up to the SE trim level puts you in a much sportier vehicle than the lower two trim levels. For those looking for a bit more off-road adventure capability, this is your ride. The upgrades that come with the SE trim are:
- 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels in black
- Black-accented LED headlights with auto on/off
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Entune premium audio with navigation
2018 Toyota Highlander Limited
Next in line is the Highlander Limited trim. Though it isn’t quite the highest trim level, it offers a lot of extra features compared to the lower trim levels, mostly concentrated on the comfort of the occupants. The added features for the Limited trim level are:
- 19-inch Chromtec alloy wheels
- Heated and ventilated front-row seats
- Premium JBL sound system
- Integrated navigation and app suite
2018 Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum
The highest-priced with the most options for the 2018 Toyota Highlander is the Limited Platinum trim (seen above). This trim level doesn’t skip a single feature from front to back. It includes all the features of the Limited and previous trims, and also includes:
- Panoramic moonroof
- Front parking sensors
- Surround-view camera
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated second-row seats
2018 Toyota Highlander Pricing
Toyota vehicles are renowned for retaining their resale value quite well due to their reliability, and the 2018 Highlander is no exception. Obviously, the different levels of trim and options change the price one should expect to pay.
Fortunately, the Kelley Blue Book fair market range based on trim can be found right here on the Vehicle History website under a vehicle’s Models and Specs page. The Kelley Blue Book fair price range of the 2018 Highlander’s various trim levels is:
- Highlander LE: $27,458 – $30,603
- Highlander LE (Hybrid): $28,080 – $31,069
- Highlander XLE: $32,474 – $35,939
- Highlander XLE (Hybrid): $32,306 – $35,747
- Highlander SE: $32,363 – $35,862
- Highlander Limited: $34,418 – $38,099
- Highlander Limited (Hybrid): $36,149 – $39,946
- Highlander Limited Platinum: $34,545 – $38,274
- Highlander Limited Platinum (Hybrid): $36,372 – $40,229
Powertrain Options in the 2018 Toyota Highlander
The 2018 Toyota Highlander has three powertrain options, including the four-cylinder and hybrid variants. As we mentioned though, the four-cylinder version only was available in the base (LE) trim. Regardless, let’s look at what each powertrain option on the 2018 Toyota Highlander brings to the table.
2.7-liter Inline Four-cylinder
The four-cylinder engine found in some 2018 Toyota Highlander LE models is a member of the Toyota AR engine family. It is a standard dual-overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine with two camshafts in the cylinder head. It uses standard electronic fuel injection and variable valve timing. It is rated at 185 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque.
In the Highlander, the 2.7-liter inline-four is only available with a six-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, 2.7-liter equipped models are only available in a front-wheel-drive configuration.
3.5-liter V6
The 3.5-liter V6 engine (pictured above) found in the 2018 Toyota Highlander is the Toyota 2GR-FKS engine. Like the four-cylinder, it is all aluminum and uses standard DOHC construction and variable valve timing.
However, the 2GR-FKS engine has both direct and multiport electronic fuel injection, offering variability in the fuel delivery to make its use of fuel as efficient as possible. It is rated at 295 horsepower and 263 lb.-ft. of torque.
Highlanders equipped with the V6 only come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. These models are available in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.
3.5-liter V6 Hybrid
The final available powertrain for the 2018 Toyota Highlander is the hybrid powertrain. It uses the same 3.5-liter 2GR V6 discussed above, but adds the use of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and three electric motors to significantly increase fuel economy while also bumping to 306 horsepower.
Additionally, the hybrid models are available only in all-wheel-drive configurations.
2018 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
As one might expect, a Toyota SUV is not the most fuel-efficient way to get around town. However, if you need the space and capability of an SUV, you’re likely already aware that you won’t be pulling any mind-blowing numbers unless you go with a hybrid variant. So, let’s take a look at the EPA Fuel Economy ratings of the 2018 Highlander.
The 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder sees ratings of 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway for a combined rating of 22 mpg. However, the four-cylinder variants are actually the least fuel-efficient of the lineup. So, if there’s any reason to shop for a V6 over the four-cylinder, the lesser power and fuel economy should be plenty of reason to do so.
The V6-equipped models see fuel economy ratings up to 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway in front-wheel-drive examples, while the all-wheel-drive variants have ratings up to 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. These numbers are quite impressive for a V6-equipped midsize SUV.
Finally, the hybrid models see remarkable fuel economy numbers up to 30 mpg and 28 mpg highway, making it the most efficient model of the bunch, especially for those frequently in stop-and-go traffic.
2018 Toyota Highlander Performance
An SUV of any size is not typically purchased with performance in mind. This is especially true in the case of midsized SUVs like the Highlander. Instead, these are purchased to support the daily use of multiple passengers while leaving cargo and storage space available for family activities or road trips to find adventure.
Modern midsized SUVs have performance figures that rival sports and muscle cars of the past. For example, the 2018 Toyota Highlander has an official 0-60 time of 7.6 seconds, according to Toyota.
While that isn’t fast by today’s standards, according to the website Zero to 60 Times, that is faster than many cars, including a host of Corvettes, Camaros, and Mustangs from the 1980s and 1990s, and even faster than some Ferrari 308 models. Needless to say, it will get out of its own way if you need it to.
Car and Driver took a 2018 Toyota Highlander for a test drive. They concluded that it has quite uninspiring driving dynamics, referencing laggy throttle response and a hesitant-to-shift transmission as reasons for their claims.
Furthermore, they explain that the handling and braking leave plenty to be desired. Again, we must stress that these types of SUVs aren’t built for this type of thing.
Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a comfortable ride for the family, the Highlander is sufficient.
Another aspect to consider is towing capacity. Models equipped with the 2.7-liter four-pot can tow up to 1,500 pounds, while the 3.5-liter variant can tow up to 5,000. The hybrid models are good for up to 3,500 pounds. Both the V6 and hybrid models are good to pull a very small camper, boat, a pair of Jet Skis, or something similar.
Dimensions and Cargo Space
One of the most important aspects of an SUV like the Highlander is its cargo capacity and dimensions. After all, you want to know for sure that your family will have the space to get your passengers and all of their items to where they are needed. First, let’s take a look at the cargo capacity of the 2018 Toyota Highlander.
The 2018 Toyota Highlander has a total cargo capacity of 13.8 cubic feet when all three rows of seats are standing. By folding the third row, owners increase the cargo space to a total of 42.3 cubic feet.
Finally, the numbers with both rear seats folded vary based on trim. For example, the LE has a total cargo capacity of 83.7 cubic feet with both rear rows down. However, the XLE, SE (seen above), and Limited trims have slightly less cargo room at 83.2 cubic feet.
Finally, if you spring for the Limited Platinum with the panoramic sunroof, the cargo capacity drops a bit further to 82.6 cubic feet.
External dimensions of the 2018 Highlander put it well within reach of your standard garage. It has a total length of 192.5 inches (16 feet), a width of 75.8 inches (6.3 feet), and a height of 68.1 inches (5.7 feet).
2018 Toyota Highlander Safety
Toyota now offers their Safety Sense package as standard on every Toyota model, and has done so since the 2018 model year. This means all 2018 Toyota Highlanders, regardless of the trim level, come with:
- Lane departure warning with steering assist
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Automatic high beams
- Dynamic radar cruise control
- Lane tracing assist
- Road sign assist
Higher trim Highlanders also can include front parking sensors to make sure you’re safe at both ends. Obviously, Toyota takes the safety of its vehicles seriously. This is not only reflected in the safety features equipped on the vehicle, but also in the official safety ratings.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2018 Highlander its 2018 Top Safety Pick, and a look at its safety ratings from them is a clear indicator of why.
The 2018 Highlander gets the highest rating (“Good”) from the IIHS in nearly all of its crashworthiness tests. The only test it did not receive a “Good” rating in is the small overlap front: passenger-side test, wherein the car is crashed into an object protruding out a small amount. However, the Highlander still receives an “Acceptable” rating, their second-highest mark.
Overall, the 2018 Toyota Highlander is deemed very safe by IIHS. The praise continues with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash safety rating, as well: The 2018 Toyota Highlander receives a perfect five-star safety rating. Remarkably, every side impact test resulted in a five-star rating.
In addition, the front driver side received a four-star rating, while the passenger side received a five-star rating. Finally, it received a four-star rating for rollover safety.
According to the experts, the 2018 Toyota Highlander is an extremely safe vehicle in the event of a crash.
2018 Toyota Highlander Recalls
No car is perfect, which rings true even for notoriously reliable and safe auto manufacturers like Toyota. The simple fact is that no company can produce a car that rolls out of the factory with zero problems. Due to this, just about every vehicle has a set of active recalls.
Here are five currently active (as of this writing) recalls for the 2018 Toyota Highlander, according to the NHTSA website. They are:
- Jan. 2020 recall – No. 20V012000 – Certain Toyota vehicles may be equipped with a fuel pump that may stop operating.
- Oct. 2020 recall – No. 20V682000 – An amendment to the Jan. 2020 recall that affected vehicles with a low-pressure fuel pump stated that the issue may be present on more vehicles than initially announced. Toyota added approximately 1.53 million newly-identified vehicles to the original safety recall. The total number of vehicles involved grew to approximately 3.34 million vehicles.
- Nov. 2018 recall – No. 18E107000 – Water may enter the windshield wiring harness and damage the Engine Control Module (ECM), resulting in potential disruption of engine operation and stalling.
- Apr. 2018 recall – No. 18V211000 – The brake assist vacuum pump may fail, resulting in insufficient brake response to driver input. This increases the risk of a crash.
- Dec. 2017 recall – No. 17V831000 – There was incorrect information on the load carrying capacity modification labels/FMVSS 110. An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
As always, before purchasing a car, ensure that it is free of outstanding recalls. If the vehicle has been affected, be sure the recall repairs have been executed.
2018 Toyota Highlander Technology Features
As mentioned earlier, the suite of standard safety equipment within the 2018 Toyota Highlander offers a fantastic amount of technology for keeping you safe on the road. That being said, what other tech features will you find in the Highlander?
Perhaps the most prominent tech feature in the 2018 Toyota Highlander is the infotainment system. It is a nine-inch touchscreen system that is available with Entune or JBL premium audio systems.
Unfortunately, while higher trim models are available with navigation and a proprietary Toyota app suite, the 2018 Highlander does not have Android Auto or Apple Car Play. Considering many major brands had support for both systems for the 2018 model year, it is a drawback for the Highlander.
One standout feature of the Highlander’s infotainment system is Driver Easy Speak. When activated, the driver’s voice is projected throughout the car for simple conversations with occupants in the back seat without raising one’s voice.
The Highlander is available with a rear-seat Blu-ray system that is integrated with the infotainment system. Additionally, a remote and two sets of headphones for this system are available for back seat occupants.
Though the lack of Android and Apple smartphone integration is a bit of a letdown, the remarkable set of standard safety equipment makes it nearly worth forgiving. Finding another vehicle for this model year with lane departure warnings, a backup camera, automatic braking, and steering assist as standard is not an easy task, especially at this price point.
Exterior Color Options
The 2018 Toyota Highlander has nine exterior color options. They are:
Interior Color Options
Across the span of the model lineup, there are four available interior color choices. They are:
- Almond
- Ash
- Black
- Saddle Tan
2018 Toyota Highlander Retro Reviews
Redline Reviews
With consumers actively steering their attention away from minivans and station wagons and toward crossovers over the past decade, it’s easy to see the target audience for the Toyota Highlander is the mass market for American families. So, when the 2018 Highlander was released, what did critics have to say?
Sofyan Bey of Redline Reviews conducted a thorough inspection of a 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum (pictured above) to present his thoughts. Given that this is the most expensive trim, this video gives great insight on what to expect with a 2018 Highlander when it features all the bells and whistles.
Bey takes us on an interior tour of the 2018 Highlander and generally gives it high marks. It features nice tidbits like automatic windows and two seat-position-memory buttons when equipped with these seats.
Furthermore, Bey explains that the second-row seating is remarkably roomy, and even the third row is tolerable for an average adult. He does have one major hang-up with the interior, though.
“It’s the older navigation display. It sort of tries to work like a tablet, but doesn’t really have great pinch and zoom capabilities. The display itself, the screen looks okay. It’s not really super groundbreaking. Toyota is probably just going to have to work on an updated map system for their newer generations of cars,” says Bey.
He says that the backup and 360-degree cameras do not have the best quality and are a bit grainy.
Overall, Bey’s impression of the 2018 Highlander is that it is a smooth driving and reliable family car. However, given that the 2018 model year is towards the end of the run of the third-gen models, it lacks in terms of tech.
Car and Driver
Car and Driver is one of the most respected outlets in the automotive extended universe when critiquing cars. Their piece on the 2018 Toyota Highlander starts by quickly acknowledging that nothing changed on the Highlander between the 2017 and 2018 model years.
Car and Driver also highlighted the unremarkable driving qualities of the 2018 Toyota Highlander. While it is certainly not the most powerful car for its time, the Highlander has enough bottom-end grunt from the naturally-aspirated V6 to get it moving when you want it to.
However, the focus of the Car and Driver review is the negative qualities in the handling of the vehicle. Using descriptive words like “dreary” and “lifeless” leaves you wondering if the Highlander is worth considering, until you remember that the primary focus of the Highlander is utility over driving experience.
Otherwise, Car and Driver gives decently high remarks regarding comfort, ergonomics, and usability of the interior. They remark that cargo space is about average, with the Highlander excelling in small-item storage with abundant cubbies for storing loose items.
“It’s a satisfactory if unexceptional choice with a spacious cabin, good build quality, and efficient engines. Driving enthusiasts won’t find the Highlander to be gratifying, but its smooth ride and muted dynamics will appeal to almost everyone else.
A host of active safety technologies gives the Highlander bonus points among the safety-conscious, but those who value in-cabin infotainment technology may find its offerings lacking.
The Highlander sells itself on its good value and long-term durability, and to some buyers, those things are worth more than gizmos and corner-carving prowess,” writes Car and Driver.
Motor Trend
Another heavy hitter in the automotive world is Motor Trend. They, too, have some insight for interested shoppers to peruse regarding the 2018 Toyota Highlander.
One interesting tidbit in Motor Trend’s 2018 Highlander review is the insight on the SE model (seen above) and its intendedly sportier suspension. Unfortunately, their insight is not positive, citing that all it really does is make the ride quality stiffer without actually improving the handling or agility of the car. They do remark, though, that it does quite well in the dirt in off-road situations.
Furthermore, Motor Trend points out that the eight-speed automatic transmission does not exactly have the quickest response time when you put your foot to the floor.
Finally, Motor Trend remarks that the interior loses a handful of points due to the unsubstantial and underwhelming rear seat foot room, as well as cheap and tacky plastic components throughout.
However, their review is on par with Car and Driver, Redline Reviews, and just about any other critic at the time of the release. The Highlander is plenty sufficient for being a daily family hauler, and it isn’t trying to present itself as anything else.
It’s not a spectacularly fun car to drive, or a flashy showpiece to park outside a local high-end shopping center. What it is, though, is a reliable Toyota SUV.
It’s worth keeping in mind that reviewers who work for companies like this are often automotive enthusiasts who are not easily impressed by utilitarian daily use cars. If you’re not looking at the downsides from a thrill-of-the-drive perspective, it’s important to take their thoughts with a grain of salt.
2018 Highlander Current Reviews
A wonderful source of information on the Toyota Highlander for this generation is The Car Care Nut on YouTube. Going solely by the name AMD, the host provides trustworthy information despite not being an owner. His credibility comes from working as a longtime Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician. He has witnessed just about everything that can go wrong with these cars.
He created a video buying guide that covers all of the years associated with the third-generation Highlander, including the 2018 model year. It is chock-full of great information.
Right off the bat, AMD goes into detail on the 3.5-liter V6 engine being notorious for oil leaks. He highlights that the front timing cover is prone to leaking, and repairing the leak requires removing the entire engine.
“If you are buying a Highlander from 2014 to 2019, the first thing you should do is check for leaks,” he says.
He also advises against purchasing the four-cylinder, which aligns quite well with our previous discoveries that the four-cylinder actually gets worse fuel economy than the V6 options.
“This is a pretty big SUV,” says AMD. “Having a four-cylinder means that you can’t fill the car and expect to go on a trip to Colorado, going up and down the mountains, because the engine is simply underpowered for a car this big and this heavy. The other thing is, it’s not great for towing. We’ve seen a lot of oil consumption problems, under-power problems, all kinds of complaints.”
Pro Toyota Mechanic’s Quality Insight
AMD also explains that in the early 2018 model years, some of the eight-speed automatic transmissions had issues like hard shifting. However, he adds that Toyota very quickly resolved the issue and fixed the affected cars under warranty.
Furthermore, Toyota extended the warranty on the transmission. So, there is a bit of peace of mind in buying a 2018 and knowing the transmission is covered more than the factory warranty would apply.
“I would really avoid early 2018s unless it’s low miles and has a good warranty still,” says AMD.
He also covers other minor issues: chipping chrome grilles, failing electronic hatch doors, and a handful of other small things. However, one thing he highlights as a major issue, just like the old reviews, is the infotainment system.
“Radio problems. I mean, they are really bad on this model. You’ll have rebooting problems. You’ll have freezing up, not working with the phone, things locking up, apps not working, there are constant updates with these things. It seems like every time you update your phone, there’s problems until there’s an update with the car, and you just keep going back and forth,” says AMD.
Worst of all, he mentions that there are no long-term fixes for the radio issue.
Overall, AMD’s recommendation for the Highlander is to get it inspected before purchasing. Be sure it is free of leaks, and that your phone connects successfully to the Bluetooth and app-integrated systems.
Vehicle History‘s Real Owner Reviews
On Vehicle History‘s consumer reviews page for the 2018 Toyota Highlander, you’ll find that it has a remarkably high average rating of 4.66 out of five. Five-star reviews make up an overwhelming majority of the pack at 74%.
Four-star reviews make up only 20%, and three-star reviews come in at a lowly 5%. Overall, the vast majority of 2018 Highlander owners enjoy their vehicles. Let’s see what they have to say.
Omar V. posted a four-star review of the 2018 Toyota Highlander LE, stating, “In terms of comfort, it offers a great comfort seating. It is engine performance is up to par with what all SUVs, which is efficient but still offering that horsepower that can traverse well outside of the city. Just consistent mileage and has lots of space which I used to move from place to place.”
Christine W., who has the highest trim level 2018 Highlander, the Limited Platinum, gives her insight on her ownership experience: “The car has been reliable. The all wheel drive has offered confidence when driving in unfavorable conditions including heavy rain and snow. I love the moon roof and the heated/cooled seats. When the third row is down, there is plenty of room for all your baby gear, groceries, etc. The third row is not enough space for a tall adult, but works well for children.”
In the interest of fairness, we felt it necessary to highlight what Highlander owners say at the opposite end of the reviews.
Not All 2018 Highlander Reviews Were Positive
Vehicle History user Bobby B. left a one-star (out of five) review about his Highlander, citing brake rotor issues that also were discussed in The Car Care Nut’s video. “Overall, this car is amazing,” he says, “but it seems to have one flaw: the brakes. At 10,000 miles, I had warped rotors and bad brake pads … that were not covered, and I got stuck with a $378 bill on a brand-new car. Now, at 30,000 miles, I have the same problem again.”
John P. left a one-star review, citing premature oil leaks that also were discussed in The Car Care Nut’s video.
“After having owned multiple Toyota vehicles, we are done with the thought of ever purchasing another one,” writes John. “Our latest episode is with our 2018 Highlander Limited Platinum (pictured above) that we purchased in May 2018. It developed a small oil leak at about 1,000 miles.
“It was so minor at first that I didn’t think it was the new car leaking,” he continues. “But with time, it became worse, and I was able to verify that it was the car that was leaking. Now, I find out that they are going to have to remove the engine to fix it. The car is lightly used, only 2,000 miles, and now I am expected to have the engine removed and who knows what done to it.”
Maintenance and Reliability
It’s no secret that Toyota long has been associated with reliable cars that don’t cost an arm and a leg to maintain and repair. Does that reputation follow through to the 2018 Toyota Highlander? Considering many of the issues discussed up to this point qualify for a warranty repair, it’s safe to assume the out-of-pocket annual maintenance cost of a 2018 Toyota Highlander is quite low.
Given its age, too, there hasn’t been a whole lot of time for any major sort of component failures. Regardless, let’s take a look at the cost of owning and maintaining a 2018 Highlander.
According to the website Repair Pal, the annual repair cost of a 2018 Toyota Highlander is $477, which is remarkably low. Furthermore, Repair Pal states that the average cost of a repair for a 2018 Toyota Highlander is between $429 and $525. This means it’s fairly safe to assume you won’t be doing many repairs annually to your Highlander if you keep up with basic maintenance.
Here are the most common failures and their repair estimates, courtesy of Repair Pal:
- AC Evaporator Replacement: $1,076 – $1,243
- Drive Axle Assembly Drain & Refill: $81 – $100
- Radiator Replacement: $664 – $725
- Air Conditioning Refrigerant Recover: $35 – $44
- Vibration Diagnosis: $88 – $111
- Hybrid Inverter Coolant Drain, Flush & Refill: $116 – $147
- Trans Oil Cooler Line Replacement: $178 – $209
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System Relearn: $35 – $44
- Oil Pan Gasket Replacement: $1,384 – $1,716
- Liftgate Pulldown Motor Replacement: $727 – $737
How Reliable is the 2018 Toyota Highlander?
Repair Pal gives the 2018 Toyota Highlander a reliability rating of four out of five stars. This puts it above average and in spot number seven out of a possible 26 on the list of midsize SUVs on the market.
“The frequency and severity of repairs are both fairly average when compared with all other vehicles,” says Repair Pal.
Though there hasn’t been a lot of time since the release of the 2018 model year to truly trust the longevity of the Highlander, you should feel quite safe putting your trust in one to continue working without issue. Toyota prides itself on its long-lasting vehicles, and in the case of production and manufacturing issues, works hard to alleviate any problems.
2018 Toyota Highlander’s Known Issues
With the previously discussed ownership reviews and the vast information they provide, there are a handful of known issues to look out for when shopping for a 2018 Toyota Highlander. First and foremost is the leak on the front timing cover of the engine. As stated before, the repair of this leak requires the engine to be removed entirely.
When shopping for a 2018 Toyota Highlander, at the bare minimum, be sure to inspect the front timing cover for leaks through the wheel well. The smartest way to ensure the vehicle is free of this issue is to have it inspected by a trustworthy mechanic before purchasing.
Another recurring complaint across reviews, videos, and even official NHTSA complaints is the rapid warping of front brake rotors. As we saw with an actual owner’s review, the brake rotors can warp and cause rattling, shaking, and surging brakes with as little as 10,000 miles on them.
The most recent NHTSA complaint, No. 11422456, is from an owner in Oregon, who is having braking issues consistent with warped rotors as low as 26,500 miles. A Toyota dealership repaired the issue, and just 10,000 miles later, the issue made a return.
Two NHTSA complaints this year have the same story regarding a parked 2018 Toyota Highlander developing an issue. Both cases (No. 11389968 and No. 11420820) state the brake pedal becomes stiff and the steering locks while the dash displays a message that reads, “braking power low, stop in a safe place.”
Though both these instances were in parked cars, should this issue come up while driving, it could cause a serious problem.
2018 Highlander vs. the Competition
How does the Highlander stack up against the fierce competition in the midsize SUV market? To see, let’s take a look at some of the fiercest competition in the three-row midsize category: the Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, Ford Explorer, and Chevy Traverse.
2018 Honda Pilot
The 2018 Honda Pilot is perhaps the most direct competitor to the Toyota Highlander. After all, Honda and Toyota are the largest car manufacturers in Japan, so pitting them head-to-head makes sense.
The Pilot shares a lot of attributes with the Highlander. Both have very similar external dimensions and use a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Furthermore, they both have three rows of seats, and can carry up to eight passengers.
The Pilot generally comes in at a bit of a lower price, with Kelley Blue Book numbers ranging from $24,864 for an LX base model up to $38,869 for the top-trim Elite model.
Power is sufficient at 280 horsepower, and the towing capacity matches the Highlander with 3,500 and 5,000-pound capacities, depending on the trim level and specs.
The 2018 Pilot holds its own in terms of fuel economy, too, with EPA ratings of 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
With all seats up, the Pilot offers about three cubic feet of cargo room more than the Highlander at 16.5. However, with all seats folded flat, the Pilot has a nearly identical capacity of 83.9 cubic feet.
Honda is also known for its reliability and quality vehicles. With the specs being so similar between them, it’s really a personal decision. Given the lower price point, we’d go with the Honda.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Mazda CX-9
Not to be left out of the Japanese three-row SUV market is another massive automaker from Japan: Mazda. Their entry here is the 2018 Mazda CX-9.
Though similar in size, the CX-9 makes a stark departure from its Japanese brethren and opts for a turbo inline four-cylinder engine as the only powerplant option. It doesn’t exactly lack in power with 227 horsepower and a remarkable 206 lb.-ft. of torque. The mighty four-banger is still good for a towing capacity of 3,500, which matches the Highlander hybrid variants.
The fuel economy is a bit better around town than the Highlander, with ratings of 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
Pricing also floats at a similar level, with the base Sport trim starting around $26,808 and topping out around $35,000 for the Signature trim.
The CX-9 offers more cargo room with all three rows of seats in play than the Highlander at 14.4 cubic feet. However, fold the rear rows down, and you’ll find it falls short at 71.2 cubic feet, a substantial drop from the Highlander’s 83.7.
The CX-9 is definitely a contender, especially when considering the bonus mpgs netted around town from the four-cylinder engine. If the additional cargo space with the seats flat is a requirement, then the Highlander is the better choice between these two.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Ford Explorer
The 2018 Ford Explorer is a historical favorite of families in the U.S. for all the same reasons a Toyota Highlander is: It’s a peppy midsize SUV with room for the family and all the toys. How does it stack up against the Highlander for the 2018 model year?
Pricing for the Explorer base model starts at $26,441 currently, with pricing spanning all the way up to $40,453 for the top-tier Platinum trim level.
Power comes from either an Ecoboost four- or six-cylinder powerplant, with power figures soaring as high as 365 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque in the Sport and Platinum trims, blowing the competition clean out of the water. You’ll pay for it at the pump, though, with fuel economy ratings at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
The Explorer can pull up to 5,000 pounds, just like upper-tier Highlanders. However, inside, the Explorer offers quite a bit more cargo space. With all three rows of seats in use, up to 21 cubic feet is offered. With both rear rows down, storage climbs to 80.7 cubic feet. One major reason for the additional cargo is the Explorer’s inability to seat eight people in any trim level.
Buyers less concerned about fuel economy and more interested in performance, with budgets north of $35,000, should look to the Explorer. However, for general consumers, the additional mpgs and Toyota reliability will take the cake here.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Chevy Traverse
The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is our final stop for comparison, but it is certainly not the least applicable.
The Traverse offers strong competition, with its 3.6-liter V6 putting up to 310 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque at your control. Accompanying the power and matching the Highlander is the Traverse’s towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
Pricing starts around $24,000 with the L base trim level and climbs as high as $41,000 with the High Country trim.
Fuel economy is decently on par, with ratings up to 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
The Traverse truly excels in cargo capacity. With all three rows standing, a remarkable 23 cubic feet of cargo space is at your disposal, even with the option to seat eight. Furthermore, with both rear rows folded down, the Traverse is good for 98.2 cubic feet.
Given the price point and similar fuel economy, and add in the monumental cargo advantage, we wouldn’t look down on anyone shelving the Highlander in place of a Traverse.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Is a Pre-owned 2018 Toyota Highlander a Good Buy?
With such stark competition on the market, it’s easy to steer your gaze away from the 2018 Highlander. This is especially the case when considering the not-so-minuscule issues that have surfaced over the years since the 2018 Highlander’s release.
It’s additionally worth noting that many 2018 Highlanders are at the end of the three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty period. Though the powertrain warranty extends to five years/60,000 miles, you can’t help but feel you’d be gambling a bit considering the oil leak and water pump leak issues. Nobody wants to buy a new car and immediately pay out of pocket for a repair that may involve removing the engine.
So, what can you do? Do your homework when purchasing a new car. Check the VIN with our free VIN research tool, take a close look at the vehicle in person, ask questions, and better yet, pay a qualified mechanic to take a look at it for you.
Buying a certified pre-owned model is the smartest move overall. Toyota has a certified pre-owned program for vehicles that are under six years old and have less than 85,000 miles. The one-year/12,000-mile limited warranty covers certified pre-owned vehicles, and it extends the original new-car powertrain warranty to seven years from the initial sale date or 100,000 miles.
If you’re shopping for a 2018 Toyota Highlander, verify that it has had any open recall work repaired, and if the vehicle is in good running order and free of leaks, then you shouldn’t be scared of purchasing one. After all, there is a reason over 70% of owners give it high remarks.
Why You Should Trust Us
Here at Vehicle History, we take these buyers’ guides very seriously. Why? Because readers like you deserve trustworthy advice to aid you in your search for the right used vehicle.
To cover the 2018 Toyota Highlander, we reached out to Braden Carlson, a veteran automotive journalist that has contributed to a myriad of publications and sites, like Team Speed and LS1 Tech. After 35 hours reviewing respected YouTube influencer videos, real past and present owner reviews, and dozens of articles, we hope you enjoyed the final product.
Photos: Toyota, Ford, Mazda, Chevrolet, Honda
