By Jim Powell
When a vehicle becomes a benchmark in the automotive industry, it means it has been at the top of its class and category for more than a few years. The Toyota Highlander has been a benchmark for mid-size SUV’s for a few decades, and one of Toyota’s best-selling vehicles. As the buying public started craving a unibody-based utility vehicle in smaller proportions like a Land Cruiser, Chevy Suburban, Ford Expedition, or any van, Toyota has been anticipating the right size SUV. The newest generation of the Highlander seemed to fit the bill. The 2018 Highlander generation is almost as large as a GMC Yukon/ Chevy Tahoe and is similar to a Ford Explorer.
Overall, the Highlander is still is more comfortable to drive than all of these other vehicles and seats up to 8 people. All three rows are roomy enough for adults [158.7 cubic feet total], and the rear seat has enough legroom for trips around town. However, kids will be the most comfortable for longer trips. To highlight how great a family SUV the 2018 Highlander can be, our XLE came standard with a “Driver Easy Speak” system which amplifies the driver’s voice in the rear speakers. This will give new emphasis to “Don’t make me stop the car and come back there!” This audio system would have also enhanced the history lessons I gave my kids when driving across our great country in our 1988 Suburban.
The challenge for all 3-row SUV’s is luggage space behind the 3rd seat. The 60/40 split and reclining rear seat increased flexibility, and 7-8 passengers can fit a lot of their gear [42.3 cubic feet] without strapping items on the roof rack. A driver and passenger side, one-step second-row sliding seats make climbing into the third-row convenient. Not having a side-sliding door like a mini-van, these sliding seats are the next best parent assist.
The Highlander went through major renovations for 2017, so the 2018 Toyota Highlander continues with a newer design, more safety features, and some high-tech amenities. With a new silver-painted finish on the front grille on LE, LE Plus and XLE models, the Limited and Platinum grades get chrome finishes. This year all the Highlanders have LED taillights.
All Highlander models are equipped with their advanced Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) driver-assist systems. To start, the Highlander can detect pedestrians and vehicles which are approaching from all sides and will brake when moving unsafely toward an object using radar and camera sensors. TSS-P also includes a Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA) function, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and Automatic High Beams (AHB). Although the MSRP has increased just slightly, this is all standard across the line.
Our XLE also came with a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (BSM w/ RCTA)- an extra eye on traffic hiding in the blind spot which is included on higher models. Toyota could offer these more useful safety monitoring fields as part of the TSS-P package for very little extra expense. Additionally, the Limited and Platinum receive these and the 360 monitor. The question becomes what of these features are considered significant safety systems and which are considered features reserved for the higher price tags.
Power is provided by a new 3.5-liter Direct Injection V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and stronger 263 lb.-ft. of torque for full-loads. The smooth 8-speed automatic transmission is perfectly matched to the extra 15 ft.-lbs. of torque, while also increasing mileage estimates up to 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway (AWD). I was not on the highway long enough to get a real-world measurement, but these are impressive numbers for an all-wheel drive SUV with this much room and capacity.
The 18-inch wheel and tire combination gives the Highlander a solid but comfortable ride that matches much more expensive luxury SUVs. It also has the capacity to tow up to 5,000 lbs. with the integrated hitch. This would pull a boat or a light-weight travel trailer without much trouble, but the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) needs to include all the people and cargo. Therefore, if a travel trailer that sleeps 7-8 persons is desired, a truck-based SUV would be a stronger choice.
Toyota continues to offer great seats, and armrests in the trim levels; from fabric upholstery, up to SofTex© synthetic leatherette, to smooth or perforated leather seating. Now the LE Plus grade and above feature contrast stitching to give some class. The Limited Platinum models are fully loaded and include a unique wood accent. However, all Highlanders include satin or chrome-plated accents, and padded dashes. Cup Holders and storage are everywhere, and the roll-top center console provides one of the best armrest/hidden compartments for digital pads and snacks in the industry.
The LCD Multi-Information Display (MID) is mounted high to keep the driver’s eyes closer to the road line-of-sight. Information for our XLE AWD Highlander was displayed in clear color with stats such as fuel economy, cruising range, and an ECO driving conditions. Our LCD MID also provided caller information, turn-by-turn directions, and an energy monitor (Hybrid models only). It also displays the torque-vector distribution (AWD) and cruise control guides which, in my opinion, are pure entertainment and very distracting to the driver. It is always a judgment call as to what is helpful and what is “play” with these screens and I for one, have to turn them off at times when traffic is heavy.
As for the road manners of the Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, the Highlander is a sure-footed SUV that can safely transport a family through snow, rain, mud, and windswept mountain passes. Most modern vehicles have dozens of computers monitoring even more sensors (i.e., vehicle speed, steering speed and radius angle, throttle angle and yaw rate) to adjust the engine torque and transmission to match the road conditions. The Highlander AWD system also continually adjusts the power to each wheel through a computer-controlled transfer case and an electromagnetic coupling in the rear differential. The front-to-rear torque distribution varies from a 100:0 to a 50:50 ratio which is great for on-road and some back-road adventures.
Our 2018 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD came to $43,409 with the optional rear-seat Blu-ray™ video system. A long list of features also gets leather heated seating, tilt-slide moonroof, sun shades, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The Entune Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite can be upgraded with Toyota’s Entune Premium JBL Audio system. There are plenty of features with this infotainment system, but the telecommunications and cell phone control does not measure up to the simplicity of the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ software. Fortunately, Toyota is beginning to use this newer and more stable integration beginning this year in several models and should be available in the Highlander soon.
Still a benchmark, the 2018 Toyota Highlander is a great choice for family transportation for many reasons. Reliability, value, comfort, controlled driving characteristics, and safety features are all evident, just to name a few. What I have found is that driving a Highlander almost convinces me that this SUV could replace a great mini-van as the ultimate family road-trip machine. Almost! For those who want to imagine greater back-road adventures, the Highlander is a top choice.