The Highlander is a spacious family hauler that offers a fuel-efficient hybrid option and sold more than 215,000 units in the U.S. last year.
The 2018 Toyota Highlander is unchanged from the prior model year, when Toyota gave it a facelift and powertrain updates. The Highlander Hybrid model is one of the most fuel-efficient three-row SUVs on the market.
Here’s a rundown of the Highlander’s specifications.
Pricing
The 2018 Highlander LE starts at $32,150 including a $920 destination charge.
Limited Platinum models start at $46,320 with destination.
Hybrid models range from $37,790 to $49,400 after destination.
Trims
The 2018 Highlander is available in LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited and Limited Platinum trims.
Hybrid versions of the LE, XLE and Limited are available. A Platinum package can be added to Limited models.
2018 Toyota Highlander (All photos: Toyota)
Dimensions
The Highlander has an overall length of 192.5 inches, a width of 75.8 inches and a wheelbase of 109.8 inches.
Interior volume ranges from 154 cubic feet with panoramic moonroof to 158.7 cubic feet without.
Powertrain
Two gasoline-powered engines are available in the 2018 Highlander: a 2.7-liter four cylinder that makes 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and a 3.5-liter six cylinder with 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque
Highlander Hybrids use a 3.5-liter V6 engine with battery system that nets 306 horsepower.
Models equipped with the four-cylinder powerplant receive a 6-speed automatic transmission with snow mode, while V6 models get an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Front-wheel drive is the only choice for Highlanders with four-cylinder engines. All-wheel drive is optional on V6 models.
Towing
Four-cylinder models can tow up to 1,500 pounds, while the V6-equipped Highlander is tow-rated up to 5,000 pounds.
Mileage
Fuel economy estimates vary based on engine and drive-wheel configurations. On the low end, AWD LE V6 models see EPA estimates of 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined. Front-wheel drive V6 models are the most efficient, with an estimated 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway/23 mpg combined rating.
Hybrid-equipped Highlanders achieve up to 30 mpg city/28 mpg highway/29 mpg combined.
Safety
Toyota’s Safety Sense P is standard across the Highlander line, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alerts, automatic high beams and radar cruise control.
SE models and higher receive blind-spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alerts, while Limited and Limited Platinum trims get rear parking assist.
Infotainment
The Toyota Entune system is standard equipment, which includes a 6.1-inch touchscreen, USB audio, Siri Eyes Free and backup camera.
LE Plus models step up to an 8-inch screen, smartphone-connected navigation features and Sirius XM Radio.
XLE and SE add integrated navigation and HD Radio weather features.
Top-tier Limited and Limited Platinum models include JBL GreenEdge speakers and dynamic gridlines for the backup camera system.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available.
Comfort & Convenience
Notable standard features include five USB ports throughout the cabin, second- and third-row air conditioning and seating for up to eight people.
XLE models add leather seating with heated front seats, smart key system with power liftgate and push-button start and an in-cabin microphone system that amplifies the driver’s voice to all three rows.
Highlander Limited models get perforated leather with ventilated front seats, while Limited Platinum trim adds a heated steering wheel and bird’s-eye camera with 360-degree overhead view.
