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REVIEW: Handsome Highlander in it for the long haul

The Toyota Highlander is one of the bread-and-butter SUVs in Toyota’s line up, which means that it plays an important role for Toyota competing with the likes of Honda Pilot, Volkswagen Atlas, and Mazda CX-9, to name some.

The Toyota Highlander is one of the bread-and-butter SUVs in Toyota’s line up, which means that it plays an important role for Toyota competing with the likes of Honda Pilot, Volkswagen Atlas, and Mazda CX-9, to name some.

It went through a major refresh last year – everything from physical looks to powertrain were updated – so the 2018 model carries on unchanged, which isn’t a bad thing as this SUV proves to be one of the best on the market.

At the core the vehicle is still a sturdy three-row crossover SUV with room for up to eight passengers. With a dizzying array of standard features and hybrid options, buyer should be able to find just the right option/feature in the Highlander lineup. Being Canada’s only mid-size SUV to offer a hybrid powertrain with three rows, the 2018 Toyota Highlander has an edge over the competition.

Design

Despite being one of the most well designed SUVs out there, the Highlander doesn’t bring exciting design elements or passionate body lines. Being a value-focused SUV, I guess it doesn’t have to – since premium looks and design should really stay with Toyota’s high end Lexus brand.

The Highlander has many options and trim levels: LE, LE Plus, SE, XLE, Limited, and Limited Platinum. The exterior features an aerodynamic, smooth design, a wide rear stance and a somewhat bold looking (for a family car) grille. The SE AWD trim model has a sportier look both inside and out with blacked out trims.

Middle seat configurations include either a 60/40 split bench seat or reclining captain’s chairs with folding table. The third row offers a 60/40 bench that folds flat on all models, providing an adequate, if not generous, amount of space back there.

With regards to technology, the Highlander has a few stand-out features, especially at this price point. Five USB ports come standard with each trim level (three up front and two in the back), making it easy for every passenger to plug-in their favourite devices. Driver EasySpeak is included in some of the higher trims, which is basically a microphone located above the driver which connects with the rear speakers to make hearing conversations in the back a little easier.

A 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system is included, as well as rearview camera, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, a backup camera and audio controls for the steering wheel. Unfortunately, even in 2018, Toyota still does not offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) comes standard with the 2018 Toyota Highlander and includes such features as Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Other standard safety features include Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Smart Stop Technology, and eight standard airbags. This is a remarkable feature since many car companies still do not offer such high level safety features as standard items.

With the exclusion of “acceptable” rating for headlights, the Highlander captures a perfect score in every safety category according to the IIHS. With higher trim models, a “birds-eye-view” camera gives a 360-degree view of your vehicle and surrounding area.

The interior is simple but effective. The ergonomics are excellent although the design is looking a bit dated in comparison to newer models in the current market.

Performance

Whether you choose a gasoline or hybrid version, the 2018 Highlander will get you to your destination with power to spare. It features a 3.5-litre V-6 direct-injection engine seamlessly paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provides a hearty 295 horsepower and 263 foot-pounds of torque, more than sufficient to pass cars on the highway and accelerate in energetic fashion. With the gas-powered trims, efficiency is optimized with the Stop and Start Engine system, which shuts the engine off when at rest to conserve fuel. The hybrid powertrain is one of the best in the world, thanks to Toyota’s many years of development and refinement.

Fuel efficiency is good even with the gas version but obviously amazing in the hybrid. Fuel efficiency for the gas-powered comes in at 11.8 (litres/100 kilometres) city and 8.7 highway, and the hybrid brings those numbers to 8.1 city and 8.5 highway. If you go down the hybrid route, you never have to plug it in due to Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) powertrain. This is due to the recapturing of energy through regenerative braking. Battery life may be a concern but Toyota offers an eight year/160,000 km hybrid battery warranty on all Highlanders.

With an ability to tow 5,000 pounds and 3,500 pounds for gasoline and hybrid models respectively, you can easily take a camping trailer or boat along for the ride. Handling and stability are smooth and predictable, thanks to the MacPherson strut suspension in front and a double-wishbone suspension in the rear.

The steering effort is better than expected, with a nice weighty feel, but the general handling isn’t as good as some of the competitors such as the Mazda CX-9 (easily the best handling large SUV). The NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness index) is top notch, providing Lexus-like comfort that’s better than the VW Atlas and most other American products.

Summary

The cost of the 2018 Toyota Highlander starts at $36,450 for the LE trim with FWD (add $2,500 if you prefer AWD), all the way up to $56,955 for the Limited trim. The safety features and overall reliability of Toyota vehicles are one of the reasons that more than 85 per cent of Toyotas sold in Canada in the last 20 years are still on the road today (based on IHS Automotive Canadian Vehicles in Operation and New Registrations MY 1997-2016).

Competitors include the Chevrolet Traverse and the Ford Edge, as well as the Volkswagen Atlas, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, and the Ford Flex (if you desire third row seating). The 2018 Toyota Highlander is a comfortable, reasonably priced mid-size crossover SUV with excellent safety features, handsome styling and eco-friendly driving options. Toyota is playing safe with the Highlander, and in today’s world of risk-mitigation thinking, this might be the best approach to winning customers for the long haul.

editor@automotivepress.com