2018 Toyota Highlander Review: Reliable Midsize SUV With A Luxurious Interior & Long-Lasting Engines

Alex Showalter
Dec 7, 2022

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.

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likeFilled The Good
Standard safety technology is better than all the competitors, the suspension is very smooth and they depreciate slower than other SUVs.
dislikeFilled The Bad
The eight-speed automatic transmission is slow, there’s some road noise at highway speeds and the stereo system is missing the latest technology.

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 20092021, 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

accountCircle Deb P
The Toyota Highlander is very reliable and very safe
I like the roominess. I like the heated seats. I like the comfort
accountCircle Lucas G
This vehicle is loaded with safety features making it great for families.
The Toyota highlander is a great car because of its smooth ride. We really enjoy the space it provides with a 3rd row of seats. The XLE has nice leather seats and my wife loves the seat warmers. We have never had any problems with the car and it does pretty well on gas mileage.
accountCircle Kastle L
Perfect car for the family on the go
Love heated and cooling seats. Pilot seats make it easy to access the third row. Lane swerve notification is nice for long trips or times when tired.
accountCircle Haneen H
Spacious, good with gas, good price, 7 seats.
It is good for big family it has 7 seats, it good with gas, beautiful shape. We bought it with very good price, if you want to do service for it does not cost too much money. It looks spacious from inside and very beautiful shape from outside, I recommend this highlander to families for sure, I am enjoying it and I love it, when my family comes over I can open the back seats.
accountCircle Julissa S
Best car for a starting family!
There are not really that many problems with my car. You can really rely on this car. Everything about it is just so long lasting and comfortable. The breaks are really smooth, the car can let you know when you are too close to a car, there's lane control. The car itself is very spacious and luxurious. Would recommend if you are a small family.
accountCircle Alicia E
Best vehicle I have owned.
Love my highlander. Such a spacious and comfortable ride that I always feel safe in while driving. Love the interior as much as the exterior. Especially love the large amount of trunk space and the captain seats which makes it easy to maneuver around the car.
accountCircle Douglas K
It is very comfortable to ride in.
It is an suv with third row seating, it has all the gizmos and gadgets. It has leather seating with heated seats. The best part of the vehicle is it has navigation.
accountCircle Alina P
This Toyota highlander is very comfortable and has no troubles on the road!
Overall performance is really good. That includes how smooth the car runs on the road. Rarely had trouble with starting the car or any troubles with the tires. The tan leather seats I got are comfortable and easy to clean. It is very reliable that I do not have to waste a lot of gas. The feature I like for the limited version include a nice sunroof. The inside space is very spacious for kids and adults. There are many placements that you can put your drinks. There are also heaters under the seats that are perfect for chilly weather. I really recommend this car especially for big families. Great for road trips!

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Jaime Abondano
2018 XLE Highlander leather issues
This is my second lease in a row for a Highlander. With this one the leather has poor quality on the sterring wheel and the front seats. The car has 16k miles on it HD the leather is peeling off.
accountCircle Bobby
Brake Issues
Overall this car is amazing but it seems to have one flaw and that is the brakes. At 10,000 miles i had warped rotors and bad brake pads so the dealer said i had to pay for them that they were not covered. After fighting about this not being normal they did not budge and I got stuck with a $378 bill on a brand new car. Now at 30,000 miles inhave the same problem again. This got me thinking that I can not be the only one. Upon reading multiple forums and blogs there seems to be a defect on the rotors of the toyota highlander amongst other models in whichToyota refuses to cover for their customers. This is my only gripeabout this car but in my eyes it is a huge safety concern that should not be overlooked.
accountCircle John Pizzulo
No more Toyota's for us.
After having owned six Toyota vehicles, we are done with the thought of ever purchasing another one. Our experience through the years started with great satisfaction in Toyota. But with each new model we didn't get the same quality and certainly the reliability from them. Our latest episode is with our 2018 Highlander Limited Platinum that we purchased in May 2018. It developed a small oil leak at about 1000 miles. It was so minor at first I didn't think it was the new car leaking. 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 due to a manufacturing defect in an engine casting they are going to have to remove the engine to fix it. The car is lightly used, only 2000 miles and now I am expected to accept the car back after having had the engine removed and who knows what done to it. I will try contacting Toyota but I don't have very high expectations on what they will do. In view of the downward trend of value and reliability in our last several Toyota Camry's and Highlanders, I don't plan on ever buying another one.
accountCircle Ryan Drebing
Great Vehicle with HORRIBLE entertainment software
I’ve had my 2018 Platinum Limited Toyota Highlander for 1.5 years now. I purchased it new and I love almost everything about it. This vehicle offers a comfortable ride, Toyota’s legendary reliability and it handles very well in poor weather conditions. It’s the best vehicle I have ever own, with one BIG exception.. Toyota’s Etune Software is amongst the worst in the industry. I have called Toyota customer service on number of occasions to seek a solution to the numerous issues I have encountered. I have had issues with Bluetooth pairing, system crashes and everything in between with this software. Toyota customer service representatives aknowledge that “the software is less than desirable” and “have experienced a number of complaints”. Despite all of this, they offer no remedy or support for these issues. For me this is going to a point where I regret having purchased this vehicle. If you are looking to spend a considerable amount of money on a vehicle that doesn’t even have a functioning radio. Step right up, the 2018 Platinum Limited Highlander is for you!!
accountCircle Ro
Very disappointed!
I'm in my 40's and have owned many cars, and this one is my least favorite. The knobs on the radio are very short and difficult to grasp and turn, there is no light in the trunk so good luck getting things in and out at night, the power trunk door is delayed when trying to open and close it and when it finally goes, its very slow, and lastly, the most annoying is the horrible muffled phone/bluetooth quality to the person you are trying to speaking with! If I had evaluated these features during my test drive I would not made this purchase!
accountCircle Cheryl C
Minor annoyances but overall solid SUV.
I drove the car, brand new off the lot. There has always been a slight hesitation when it shifts from lower to higher gears. Nothing awful but definitely noticeable. The truck is a year old now with general wear and tear, no excessive miles or use. It is starting to have a squeaky liftgate and some interior rattles of unknown source when at higher speeds. Overall though, the truck drives well in the snow, handles more like a car than a full size SUV and has been a good 'grocery getter.'
accountCircle Jonathan N
Amazing car, but little space inside.
It ride very nicely, I'm not saying it a bad car, it's just very small, it's supposed to be a 8 seater but the last three seats are in the back with really no space, so yeah, space is a problem. I like how it has lots of features, and it drives smoothly. And it looks good from outside and inside as well, like I said before it's really nice I would rate it the highest it could go, but the space is not that much for me.
accountCircle Shannon S
It is a pretty silver highlander that has been enjoyed by our family.
It is a medium size SUV that has good storage and gives our family plenty of room but we can feel lots of bumps when driving. It gets good gas mileage and has not had any other problems. Would like to have a bigger car. We do have a storage rack on the top that allows for a top carrier. The leg space in the backseat is fair. Love the heated and air condition seats. It has a GPS system that is reliable with options for Bluetooth and good panel that keeps you informed on gas miles.

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.

accountCircle Alejandra R

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.

accountCircle Lauren H

We haven't had issues thankfully. Car always works as needed and we take it in regularly to avoid concerns.

accountCircle Hailey R

It is extremely reliable, I have yet to encounter any issues. I drive in bad weather frequently and I feel safe.

accountCircle Lia O

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.

accountCircle Melissa K

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.

accountCircle Rebecca U

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

accountCircle Jessica P

It’s Very reliable. I have no complaints. Regarding reliability. We use it mostly for longer distance traveling.

accountCircle Sarah V

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
car
car
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Hybrid XLE
306 HP 28 MPG
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Hybrid Limited
306 HP 28 MPG

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.

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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.

Ranks #5 Midsize SUV by Owners

1
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4.79
2
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4.78
5
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4.66

Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Highlander?

accountCircle Alejandra R

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.

accountCircle Lauren H

Yes, it is easy to handle and great for my family. Large enough but not a boat, lots of storage space.

accountCircle Hailey R

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.

accountCircle Lia O

Yes it is very reliable. I like how smooth and effortless it feels and the model itself is very nice and modern.

accountCircle Melissa K

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.

accountCircle Elle A

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

accountCircle Benjamin W

Yes, only wish it had a digital speedometer and memory seats. Otherwise, it’s the perfect travel vehicle.

accountCircle Tim S

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.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Omar V on June 25, 2021
It is very comfortable and speak but it is fuel efficient for an SUV.
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.
accountCircle Tom F on June 25, 2021
Responsive for being 6 cylinder. Great on gas.
It is a dream to drive, handles great, responsive, and is smooth. With all the features that I can handle, since I am not tech savvy. Can truly say that it's the best. It has fine lines, looks sleek and a joy for trips. With my 2 dogs in back which is what they like.
accountCircle Felicity G on June 19, 2021
Quality car, ideal for families.
Drives very smoothly and easy to maneuver. A quiet ride and feels very safe on all kinds of terrain and in all kinds of weather. Plenty of space, perfect for families with children and dogs. Equipped with a modern Toyota navigation system which is easy to use and customize.
accountCircle Leyla R on June 9, 2021
Toyota highlander has great safety features and is very comfortable.
The Toyota highlander was recommended to me by a friend. One of the best features of the car is the safety it provides for the driver and passengers. It has cameras and video to help when backing up. There are helpful lights on mirrors to ensure safe lane changes. I am a better driver because there are alerts to help me stay in the lane and use turn signals. I haven't had any issues on performance. The interior is easy to keep clean and comfortable. There is enough room to fit a large family. It is a very smooth and enjoyable drive. I am able to connect my phone and take work calls while driving. The heating and cooling works well throughout the car. Kids do not complain about it being too hot or cold. There is a lot of room to transport large items in the back. The automatic back door is helpful. Overall, I do not have anything negative to say about the vehicle. It is all positive and I plan on keeping it for a long time.
accountCircle Roselin V on June 7, 2021
I really like the rims, the body style. Inside outside.
I have a silver Toyota highlander that I love so much. It interior is very cool with light on the side of the doors inside, the dashboard is very cool too so you customize the light color on it. With a capacitor of 7 seats, those leather seats give you access to cool or warm the seat in the level you want it.
accountCircle tim d on June 7, 2021
Not impressed
Decent car, heater controls are awful. Tiny knobs for adjusting temperature, I am barely able to grip them. When you press the a/c button, there is no light on the button (like every other mfg has), only an image on the screen, which washes out in daytime from sunlight! Radio is awful! Lots of road noise on highway! Way more than there should be (and I am hard of hearing!) Entune is decent, but way worse than the Uconnect system in my Ram truck!
accountCircle Ellen L on May 26, 2021
It is a nice car in so many ways.
It is a really good and safe car. The insurance institute for highway safety named the 2018 Toyota highlander a top safety pick and gave it the highest rating of good in five out of six crash tests. Also, it is a very comfortable car for long trips. The design is also amazing and attractive.
accountCircle Christine W on May 23, 2021
Great reliable family vehicle.
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 for well for children.
accountCircle Tempest A on May 23, 2021
The lane assist is awesome. It also helps break when needed. Overall nice car.
Sensory issues called vehicle to cut off while on expressway 1 day after purchasing the vehicle. The sensor was reset and no other issues were found and I have not experienced any other issues. I enjoy the vehicle. I would have preferred captain quarters in the second row.
accountCircle John O on May 18, 2021
Very family oriented vehicle lots of room. Grocery trips and or camping trips.
No problems with the car at all, performance is well balanced in economy mode and it has a bit of power in the sport mode. The blind spot monitors has saved me from countless wrecks. It handles incredibly well and has a lot of horsepower for a v6 engine with no turbo, the leather bucket seats provide extreme comfort for long trips and short commutes to work or the grocery store.
accountCircle Kelsey G on May 18, 2021
Highlanders: safe, reliable, comfortable.
I love my highlander. I have had it for almost three years and have never had an issue. It is roomy and comfortable for long trips. There is an optional third row that is great for multi family travel. There are plenty of airbags and features like blind spot lights and driver easy speak make safe driving even more possible.
accountCircle Theodore A on May 14, 2021
I like my highlander vehicle very much it is very comfortable.
Is the Toyota highlander a good SUV? The highlander does not excel in any one area, but it is still a good, well-rounded midsize SUV. It has three rows of seats, and while the first two are roomy and comfortable, the last row is cramped. Cargo space is not class-leading, but it is still very serviceable.
accountCircle Melissa M on May 5, 2021
Why you should consider getting yourself a Toyota highlander.
Great space. Highlander is perfect for a large family, get the luxury car look for a fraction of the price. Highlander drives very smooth, and is efficient in gas (for a large vehicle). It has a hybrid option. I really enjoy my vehicle and plan on keeping it for its whole life span. (Toyota has a very long life expectancy) these vehicles also don't devalue like other makes (ford jeep etc.) Love my highlander and you should really take into consideration if you want to ride comfortably and in style. 10/10 would recommend. Get you a highlander.
accountCircle Katie V on May 2, 2021
Missing bell and whistles that a 2018 should have.
Do not like the big arm rest in the middle. It could hold a small child which is unnecessary. Do not like that the car does not tell me tire pressure. A lot of blind spots. The DVD player blocks the view of the driver’s rear view mirror. The GPS is very outdated.
accountCircle Derrick J on April 30, 2021
Spacious SUV with sedan mpg.
It is a reliable truck that gets better gas mileage than any other SUV I have owned/driven. I have had virtually no mechanical issues since I have owned it. Keeping up with the maintenance schedule has kept it running well. It is a comfortable driving experience, which is one of the main reasons I love it.
accountCircle Jayme F on April 27, 2021
Safe and stylish - Toyota highlander.
I love my highlander! It is spacious enough for my family of five (almost six) without feeling like I am driving a ship. It is safe for my kids. It drives smoothly and I love the safety features. I love the navigation feature and the computerization of the vehicle. It is a stylish looking vehicle.
accountCircle Sravan S on April 26, 2021
Spacious and good horsepower.
Performance is great and very spacious and comfortable it is very reliable. Has features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, satellite radio and soon. It has v6 engine and four-cylinder, elegant cabin, 7 seated and good horse power and has good available engine and horsepower.
accountCircle Liza P on April 25, 2021
Safe roomy family SUV vehicle.
I have leather interior with heated seats. This car is very comfortable for me and my family. The Toyota rides very nice and smooth and I feel very safe. I recommend a Toyota highlander for a safe family car. I have not have any problems besides one recall that I had to bring my call in for and the services was amazing.
accountCircle Mike M on April 23, 2021
Highlander review that we love and would not drive anything else.
Our vehicle has no problems, great performance, great reliability, comfort and great features. If you are looking for a great SUV than the Toyota is the one to buy. The only problem we have had is nails in the tires. My wife would not have any other SUV.
accountCircle David K on April 16, 2021
Comfortable drive vehicle.
Comfortable driving vehicle plenty of storage and seat capacity and plenty of pickup and gas mileage is good. Only thing I dislike on the vehicle is the side view mirrors especially on the driver's side create a blind spot when looking to the left. Overall I am satisfied with the car.
accountCircle Anthony C on April 6, 2021
Toyota highlander - best in class SUV.
Toyota highlander provides excellent miles/gallon for an SUV. Vehicle rides exceptionally well with several options for maximum comfort (ie: leather/heated seats, sun/moonroof, dual climate control, several USB ports, etc). Vehicle has required no technical repairs beyond routine maintenance. I would highly recommend this vehicle to any prospective buyer.
accountCircle Leslie R on April 4, 2021
The back up camera is very helpful.
My Toyota highlander is a great family car. It has plenty of room for 7 people. I use the cargo space in the back for quite a few things. It has bucket seats and easy to get to the back. It has a very smooth ride and easy to park. I love all the technology as well.
accountCircle Gregg T on March 29, 2021
The peace-of-mind-Toyota SUV.
Super reliable car and highly recommended for big families and practical parents. Solid fuel mileage, comfortable front seats, 3rd row can food down to load items. Moonroof is a very nice feature too! Only tires have need replacement. Quiet ride and beautiful-sounding stereo. Leather easy to clean.
accountCircle Sharon M on March 28, 2021
Love my Toyota highlander!
I love my Toyota highlander so much! It is such a great car to own. I always buy cars from Toyota because they never disappoint. This is a dependable car that I know will last for a long time! The features that come with it are perfect and I am very happy with my purchase and know I will be for years to come.
accountCircle Diana P on March 26, 2021
Car is perfect for big families that like to go in the road for a trip.
Overall this car is very spacious. The seats are very easy to move. If you have more than 4 family members this is a perfect fit for the whole family plus a very big trunk that you can add groceries and luggage in case needed. Also a great thing about it is that when is hot or cold outside it has ventilators on the back seats for people seating in the back.
accountCircle Michelle R on March 25, 2021
Comfortable reliable and roomy SUV.
It is a great reliable SUV. The first two rows are roomy and comfortable, but the third row is pretty much to small for an adult to sit comfortably. It drives very nice and hugs the road. This is my 2nd highlander. The navigation is a good size and the radio sounds great. This is a great vehicle if you have kids and carpool and it has great space in the back to put luggage or camping gear if you love to go on road trips.
accountCircle Claudia F on March 22, 2021
Very comfortable and safe truck vehicle perfect for a family car.
So far a great vehicle. Have no problems. Gas mileage is better than I thought it would be. 24.6 mph. It runs smooth and it has lots of space and storage inside. It can be fast if you push the gas. I feel very comfortable and safe inside my car everyday
accountCircle Anna S on March 21, 2021
The Toyota highlander is an awesome car.
The Toyota highlander is a great car. I love the comfort, heated seats, captain's chairs in the middle row and that it has 3 rows total. Drives super smooth and quiet. I would love it more if it had 2 driver mode for the seat settings and directional signals on the mirror for north, east, south and west. But overall it is a great vehicle and we are very happy with it.
accountCircle Tina C on March 19, 2021
Toyota is the best car out there. It's a good quality car.
I love the smooth ride. I love the fact that I know I have a good quality vehicle that will get me to where I need to be safely. I don't hate anything about my car
accountCircle Kris G on March 19, 2021
Has lots of safety features.
I love my new vehicle. The navigation system. It drives really smooth. Love all the safety features.
accountCircle Lauren G on March 17, 2021
There is Lots of space even with the third row up.
Love the cruise control with distance assist. Dislike that it doesn't have automatic start
accountCircle Mer V on March 17, 2021
Not much to highlight. I do not love the car as much as I did my Acadia.
I do not like that there is not a tire gauge like my prior vehicles. The gas mileage is roughly the same as every other SUV on the market. I bought the car because it has bucket seats in the second row and an additional 3rd row, but my kids complain that it is tight in the back. They thought the space in our prior Acadia was bigger. They are growing, so it is possible neither car would've been spacious for them.
accountCircle Jamke K on March 16, 2021
Love the convenience of the 3rd row with bucket seats!
Comfortable but sometimes exaggerates bumps for a not so smooth ride. Before this we used to have a Lexus which was much more smooth on the road. Bucket seats are extremely helpful with small children in car seats for someone to get to the 3rd row in the back.
accountCircle Amanda L on March 15, 2021
Great family car that has everything a family needs.
Toyota's highlander is a smooth ride. The highlander is very comfortable. In the highlander I love the heated seats. Toyota highlander also gets good gas mileage for a SUV. The highlander is also spacious in 3rd row area. I recommend this highlander to any family looking for a family SUV.
accountCircle Britt P on March 10, 2021
Amazing, reliable family car.
I love the reliability of this car. I love the lane support, the 3rd row seating. The trunk space even with the 3rd row seat up! This is a family car we have a toddler seat and soon to have a infant car seat, and there’s tons of room left available. I would purchase another Toyota highlander again.
accountCircle NICOLE H on March 10, 2021
2018 Highlander Good Vehicle
The 2018 Highlander XLE AWD is a great car. For the price point though, it would have been best to have a backup camera where the viewing angle changes and the car should have parking assistance. The seats are comfortable, it is easy to access the third row especially if you have captains chairs.
accountCircle Andrew B on March 9, 2021
The integrated radar helps keep you safe.
I love the radar feature and how it is integrated into the driving systems. It has crash detection, lane assist and controls your speed for you while using cruise control.
accountCircle Corinne S on March 9, 2021
Overall good vehicle, auto starter needs to. Improve.
Smooth ride, nice interior, great if you have kids, decent storage. I dislike the automatic starter, you have to be entirely too close to the vehicle for it to make a difference. There’s no point in starting the car to warm up on a winter day before you get in if you are standing next to it to do so. The car will not be warm. That feature is something that I would like to see improved.
accountCircle Melissa Q on March 8, 2021
Highlander is a good vehicle.
Extremely comfortable seats and smooth ride. Spacious interior. Great safety features. Dislike the remote start because vehicle will not remain running when doors are unlocked. Safety connect will no longer be supported after 2021. Many of the initial features on the apps screen no longer work.
accountCircle Jess R on March 7, 2021
Toyota highlander: practicality and luxury.
The highlander is the perfect car for a family of 4. You get luxury with practicality. I have never had a problem with mine. It is very comfortable and flexible. I love the trunk space when my third row is put down. It also gets great gas mileage. I highly recommend this car.
accountCircle Katherine W on March 6, 2021
The perfect family vehicle for a traveling, or family trips.
The 2018 Toyota highlander is perfect for my family. Its roomy, comfortable, it drives smooth, and it has amazing safety features. I would recommend it to any family. Its reliable, get spectacular gas mileage, and so much fun to drive.
accountCircle Bailee F on March 6, 2021
A highlander of the highest quality.
I have yet to have any problems with how my car drives. I love the features on the inside as well. The radio with built in navigation and apps is a real time saver. The only complaint I have is with the beeping that happens when you cross over lines on the road because it gets super annoying. I'd definitely turn that feature off.
accountCircle Stephanie S on March 3, 2021
The Toyota highlander: the best qualities and features for gas mileage and snow.
I love my Toyota highlander. It is dependable, reliable and has great gas mileage. I bought the car since I was done with having young kids and I had driven a sienna for over 12 years. I wanted a SUV that I could rely on and had the same space as my minivan. The folding down back seat is amazing. There is cargo room for grocery shopping and luggage, but also an extra roof seats if you need it. The gas mileage has been about 27 miles per gallon and when using the eco feature, I can get even better mileage. I enjoy drinking my highlander to and from work; I have a long commute and the radar cruise control makes the commute easy. Once on the highway I can set the cruise and it automatically sets the distance between my vehicle and the once in front of me based on my settings. I also drove home in a terrible snow storm and the four wheel drive worked like a charm. It was really fun driving in the snow. I had total confidence during the entire drive!
accountCircle Tony R on March 2, 2021
The highlander is a pretty good value for the money. Above average vehicle.
It is a reliable, fuel efficient SUV. The XLE has a lot of luxury features such as heated seats, dual climate a/c, rear a/c controls for passengers, and more. I feel the highlander is a pretty good value for the money. The stereo could be better. Acceleration could be better.
accountCircle Victor V on February 25, 2021
It's fast spacious and good on gas
This car has luxury seats 3rd row seats Bluetooth it's good on gas and it rides smooth it's got different road driving features .. If you don't get one your missing out on a good car. It's got front and rear wheel drive and you can switch the manual drive to six shift
accountCircle Rana A on February 25, 2021
Toyota highlander. You must try.
It's very good I like it 7 seats on one thing I do not like it the last 3rd row is to tight it's good for kid only other than everything is good.It's run good comfortable dashing. I will recommend this SUV.To other people. Hope u like it thanks you so much.
accountCircle Kerri P on February 22, 2021
Love my highlander “pearl”!
Super good looking and very well engineered. Over the top comfortable with lumbar support for driver’s seat plus seat warmer in both driver and front seat passenger seat. I also really love the “sync” feature for the separate climate controls for driver and passenger. Third row seat would only be plausible for very tiny persons. When the third row is laid down there is plenty of space in the back for luggage.
accountCircle Raquel P on February 21, 2021
My vehicle is burgundy, awesome choice for the highlander preferably.
I don't really get much problems except the Bluetooth system sometimes reboots randomly and I can't get to connect my phone to play music, but works fine when I get a phone call. Runs really smooth, and sensor control is awesome. I love how it tells the temperature outside, and when something's wrong like if the trunk is open or which door is open. It's really more to love than hate about this car.
accountCircle Shana P on February 20, 2021
The most comfortable SUV you will ever drive.
Very comfortable seats and reliable. It drives very smoothly. The inside in very spacious and has a third row seat available. We have always had Toyota highlanders. They are the best SUVs. My family and I feel very safe in this vehicle and love to take it on long drives.
accountCircle LeeAnn M on February 19, 2021
I love my highlander! Great vehicle!
Great vehicle. Will continue to buy highlanders because of the level of performance, reliability and features. It is very spacious and has a 3rd row seat that can be used, or lowered as needed to haul additional items or have up to 7 seats. I love it!
avatar Alex Showalter
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.