2018 Toyota Highlander Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision
2018 Toyota Highlander by Kevauto - CC-BY-SA-4.0
If you’re hunting for a midsize SUV option, the 2018 Toyota Highlander is one of the most popular choices. This three-row SUV is a top contender and brings excellent safety features and a sleek design. However, if you are considering this car for your life, it’s a good idea to look at the complete list of 2018 Toyota Highlander pros and cons.
It’s never a bad idea to know more about something before buying it, especially with a pricey investment like a car. This information will determine if the good outweighs the bad in this machine for you or the other way around. Read on to learn more about the best items you’ll find in the 2018 Toyota Highlander - and the worst.
What We Love: 2018 Toyota Highlander Pros
First, the best of the 2018 Toyota Highlander pros and cons. Items like high-quality fuel economy and an excellent towing capacity hit the top of the list.
High-Quality Fuel Economy
First, we love the available fuel economy in the 2018 Toyota Highlander. Most drivers with cars this large would expect to spend more at the gas station, which is not the case with this car. It gets 20 in the city and 24 on the highway with the base engine and 19 in the city, and 26 on the highway with the upgraded alternative to the classic.
If you want something even better, consider the 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. This version of the vehicle uses some electricity to maintain its fuel efficiency. Thus, you’ll get 30 in the city and 28 on the highway in even the lowest trim level.
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Solid Standard Safety Features
It’s nearly impossible for competitors to beat the standard group of safety features offered in the 2018 Toyota Highlander. The vehicle comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense package, which includes additions like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and braking, and automatic high beams. You will feel confident behind the wheel.
These features are all available without upgrading the car to a pricier trim. However, if you decide to upgrade, you can go for something like a parking assistance system that uses advanced technology to provide an overhead view of the spot for better access to parking guides. The 2018 Highlander has some excellent potential.
Luxury-Feeling Cabin
When you step inside the cabin of the 2018 Toyota Highlander, you’ll feel like you’ve purchased a far more expensive car. It comes with plush seats, high-quality materials, and an interior that will feel like you’re standing still even while hurting down the highway. There’s much to love here.
If you decide to upgrade to the second trim level, you’ll get even more luxury under your belt. You’ll find additions like tri-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and other incredible choices on Toyota’s part.
High-Caliber Towing Capacity
Finally, we appreciate the high towing capacity available to those who invest in the 2018 Toyota Highlander. If you purchase the tow package, this seemingly smaller car is capable of handling up to 5,000 pounds at one time. It’s a sneaky powerhouse that can handle a substantial load with enough preparation.
If you pick the optional all-wheel-drive addition for the 2018 Highlander, you’ll automatically get the towing package added to your system. It has excellent cargo capacity, so you can pack the family’s bags and drag a small camper behind you for the ultimate week of adventure.
HOW LONG DO TOYOTA HIGHLANDERS LAST?
It combines space and comfort with a modern, sleek design anyone will love. If you’re interested in this car, it’s critical to think about its lifespan. How long do Toyota Highlanders last?
What We Dislike: 2018 Toyota Highlander Cons
Next, the worst of the 2018 Toyota Highlander pros and cons. These items, such as terrible handling, drag the system down.
Lacking Handling
Unfortunately, the handling in the 2018 Toyota Highlander leaves a bit to be desired. Though the ride can be smooth and enjoyable, the same does not apply to your ability to steer the car - in fact, it can be a downright unpleasant experience to push the 2018 Toyota Highlander in the right direction.
One of the biggest areas where the 2018 Toyota Highlander struggled in handling was on the turn. The car was reported sluggish time and time again and had noticeable body lean. No one wants to experience that when driving their vehicle - especially with their family in the car.
Small Third Row
The 2018 Toyota Highlander manages to have three rows, but the third is much smaller than the other two. It offers less than ideal leg room which will make it tricky for anyone other than small children or those with short legs to rest comfortably.
If you’re headed out on a long trip, remember that the third-row individuals will get less room than others. Stick smaller kids in the back or stop for frequent breaks to permit some leg stretching for your rear companions.
Poor Base Engine
Finally, we found that the base engine of the 2018 Toyota Highlander is somewhat lacking. The standard base choice is a 185-hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s okay, but there are better choices for an engine in the 2018 Highlander.
The other choice for equipping your Highlander with power is the 295-hp V6 engine system. If you can afford it, we recommend upgrading to this powertrain over the other. You’ll have a generally better experience and gather far better performance from the second option than the first.
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Final Thoughts
Overall, there are many items to consider in the 2018 Toyota Highlander pros and cons. The vehicle has high-quality fuel economy, solid standard safety features, a luxurious cabin, and an excellent towing capacity. However, you’ll also find poor handling, a tiny third row, and a weak base engine.
We hope this information was helpful! There are weak and strong points in every vehicle, and the 2018 Toyota Highlander is no different. There are areas where it’s strong and points where it might require you to take a step back. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine whether the good outweighs the bad in this powerhouse.
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