The 2018 Toyota Highlander lasts around 300,000 miles with only minor paint and brake wear issues. At $24,275 to $35,750, it’s expensive, but worth the money for one of the best midsize SUVs in its price range.
Is the 2018 Toyota Highlander a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2018 is a great year for the Toyota Highlander since it’s extremely safe with perfect reliability scores, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the passenger room, smooth suspension, as well as the quiet cabin.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a midsize SUV, the seats offer excellent comfort on long drives, cargo space is also great for its size.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no mechanical issues reported on the 2018 Toyota Highlander. We recommend models from 2009–2021, which are all dependable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the 4-cylinder engine, while the V6 offers a decent amount of power, yet it’s not very thrilling to drive.
- Safety 10/10 – The 2018 Highlander is a very safe SUV earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard safety equipment includes a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, as well as adaptive cruise control. A surround-view camera is optional.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 23 MPG, giving 441 miles of range from the 19.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $15 cheaper than average at $231 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Toyota Highlander costs more than many other midsize SUVs, although it holds its value well, making it a good long-term choice.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Toyota Highlander?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Toyota Highlander offers consistently good reliability and a high resale value with great owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Highlander at 4.1/5, praising the high-tech safety features, but they don’t like the cramped third row.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Highlander a 4.4/5, enjoying the very comfortable interior, but owners don’t like the low 5,000 pound towing limit.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Toyota Highlander Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Toyota Highlander include chipping paint, premature brake wear, as well as water leaks from the panoramic sunroof. Overall, these problems are minor compared to other midsize SUVs, with lower repair bills as well.
Chipping paint is the most common complaint from 2018 Toyota Highlander owners at around 15,000 miles. Paint, particularly on the front bumper, tends to chip easily when exposed to a lot of stones. The only way to fix chipping paint is by repainting the affected panels, at a cost of around $1,000 per panel.
Premature brake wear has also been reported by Highlander owners at around 30,000 miles. The front brakes tend to wear down quickly, especially if you’re driving with a lot of passengers or cargo. Replacing the brake pads costs around $400, while a set of rotors is an additional $600.
Water leaking from the panoramic sunroof is a rare issue, yet is worth mentioning at around 65,000 miles. When the Highlander is left in direct sunlight for a years the rubber starts to wear down, which can cause leaks. Replacing the seal on the sunroof costs around $900, depending on local labor rates.
There are 5 recalls on the 2018 Toyota Highlander, which is similar to other midsize SUVs. The most serious recall covers the fuel pump, which can fail. Toyota will replace the fuel pump for free on affected models. Other recalls cover a windshield gasket as well as labels, which are not as mechanically severe.
How Long Will the 2018 Toyota Highlander Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Toyota Highlander can last around 300,000 miles, which is about 50,000 more than the popular Honda Pilot. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other midsize SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $477 per year.
As a used 2018 Toyota Highlander reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the ignition switch for $300, battery cable costing $150, as well as the transmission oil cooler line which costs $200.
So far I haven't had any problems with it. It is very reliable. I have taken it everywhere and I feel safe when I am in it.
We haven't had issues thankfully. Car always works as needed and we take it in regularly to avoid concerns.
It is extremely reliable, I have yet to encounter any issues. I drive in bad weather frequently and I feel safe.
I haven't encountered any problems. I do feel it is reliable and I feel safe driving it. This is one of the best cars I have owned.
I have never had any issue with the highlander and this is the 3rd one I have owned. Toyota includes basic oil changes and maintenance which also keeps it in good working order.
It is reliable. Having Toyotacare for the first 2 years is also peace of mind. I haven't had any problems with it which is key with 2 young kids
It’s Very reliable. I have no complaints. Regarding reliability. We use it mostly for longer distance traveling.
I think Toyota is an extremely reliable brand and I've yet to experience any problems with this make and model
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good with a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen. Optional upgrades include stereo improvements as well as a better 8-inch touchscreen. Unfortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not offered.
Safety technology is outstanding for a midsize SUV from 2018 with the Toyota Safety Sense setup. Standard features include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, as well as adaptive cruise control. Optional upgrades available include parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a surround-view parking camera.
Is the 2018 Toyota Highlander a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Toyota Highlander is a good value since it’s one of the most reliable midsize SUVs on the market. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $24,275 to $35,750, making it more expensive than a Subaru Outback or Ford Edge. When new, the price range was $31,230 to $46,860. Depreciation is better than other SUVs, only losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Toyota Highlander?
There are six models of the Toyota Highlander offered in 2018, from the base LE all the way up to the luxurious Limited Platinum. The Highlander is also offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
LE is the entry-level model with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Toyota Safety Sense
- Rearview Camera
- Rear Air Conditioning
- 60/40 Split-Fold Seating
- 1-Inch Touchscreen
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Six-Speaker Sound System
LE Plus adds features including:
- Power Liftgate
- Flip-Up Rear Window
- Foglights
- Tri-Zone Climate Control
- Upgraded Cloth Seating
- Power Driver Seat
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Satellite Radio
XLE is next in the lineup, adding:
- Sunroof
- Leather Upholstery
- Roof Rails
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- 110-Volt Power Outlet
- Second-Row Window Sunshades
SE has more items such as:
- 19-Inch Alloy Wheels
- LED Running Lights
- Sport Themed Styling
- Improved Suspension
Limited offers luxury with:
- Unique 19-Inch Wheels
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Heated And Ventilated Front Seats
- Heated Second Row Captain’s Chairs
- 12-Speaker JBL Audio System
Limited Platinum is the flagship model with:
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Premium Leather Seating
- 360-Degree Parking Camera
- Heated Steering Wheel
What Engines Come In the Toyota Highlander?
- The base engine is a fairly weak 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 185 horsepower while getting up to 23 MPG. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
- An available upgrade is the strong 3.5L V6 which produces 295 horsepower while also getting up to 23 MPG. This engine comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s also offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Performance is good, taking 7.2 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Toyota Highlander Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Toyota Highlander?
The 2018 Toyota Highlander is a very comfortable midsize SUV offering seating for seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration. Seating is very nice, offering an excellent amount of cushioning and support.
Passenger room is good throughout the first and second row, the optional second row captain’s chairs are a nice touch as well. The third row has limited legroom, making it best suited for younger children.
How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota Highlander Have?
Cargo space is similar to other midsize SUVs on the market, with enough space for 2-3 suitcases behind the third row, 8-10 behind the second row, and over 15 suitcases with all of the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Toyota Highlander came out in 2014, and was replaced by the fourth generation in 2020.
2015: No major changes.
2016: Standard towing package on all V6 models.
2017: New front grille added with upgraded LED lights, a more powerful V6 engine, as well as Toyota Safety Sense technology.
2018: No changes from earlier years.
2019: Minor exterior styling changes.
2020: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new engines, more cargo space, along with new technology.
2021: New XSE model launched with sportier suspension.
How Does the Toyota Highlander Compare to the Competition?
The Toyota Highlander is one of the best midsize SUVs since it combines a very nice interior with Toyota’s outstanding reliability ratings, making it worth the money.
The Honda Pilot is another midsize SUV which costs around $2,000 less. Passenger room is better in the Honda Pilot with its larger cabin, while safety technology is more advanced in the Toyota Highlander. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since you get more for your money, but both are worth taking a look at.
The Mazda CX-9 is a competitor available for $4,500 less. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Mazda CX-9, while the Toyota Highlander has a more powerful V6 engine available. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since they last slightly longer, although both are very good choices.
Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Highlander?
Yes, it is. Very comfortable and spacious. A good size car for a big family. It is easy to drive and I just absolutely love the space in the back. I have a baby so I have a lot of room for his stuff. I recommend this car to anyone.
Yes, it is easy to handle and great for my family. Large enough but not a boat, lots of storage space.
Yes! It is a fantastic vehicle for families with kids or pets. I love it and will likely upgrade to a newer model when my lease comes to an end.
Yes it is very reliable. I like how smooth and effortless it feels and the model itself is very nice and modern.
Yes it is spacious and family friendly. I think it drives well and has optimal safety features. It is easy to get kids in and out of car seats as well as ample storage for groceries and strollers in the trunk.
Yes, it has 3 rows which is good for twins and a dog. I love the captain seats for the back and the fold down seats. It also has lane departure and fcam
Yes, only wish it had a digital speedometer and memory seats. Otherwise, it’s the perfect travel vehicle.
Yes I love it. Toyota is my favorite cat make and would buy it again. This is my first highlander. I also had several RAV4s but upgraded for more size. I love the optional third row and how easy it is to fold down the back row of seating.