DecodedCars2018 Toyota Highlander
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- AWD 4dr SUV, FWD 4dr SUV, Hybrid 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 2.7L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 295 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7–8
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 30 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 192.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,332–4,894 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 55% better than the average 2018 standard SUV (18.7 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 83 rows of seating.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Toyota Highlander is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 2.7L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,475 lb (AWD 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (30 city / 28 highway), 55% better than the 2018 standard SUV average of 18.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 275 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2018
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Highlander →
Trims, performance & features
Engine295 hp3.5L 6-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7–8 seats · 3 rows
Trims
SE/XLELtd/Ltd PlatinumLE/LE Plus
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
Built in: Princeton, Indiana
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Highlander configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWD 4dr SUV | 192.5 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 109.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,475 lb | 55/45 |
| FWD 4dr SUV | 192.5 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 109.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,332 lb | 55/45 |
| Hybrid 4dr SUV | 192.5 in | 76 in | 68.1 in | 109.8 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,894 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Hybrid AWD LE Plus Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 30 / 28 / 29 | +55% | $2,300 | 305 |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 29 / 27 / 28 | +50% | $2,400 | 313 |
| Highlander LE/XLE/SE/LTD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | -8% | $2,900 | 384 |
| Highlander | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -8% | $2,900 | 391 |
| Highlander AWD LE | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +23% | $2,900 | 390 |
| Highlander | 2.7L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 24 / 22 | -12% | $3,050 | 407 |
| Highlander AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +18% | $3,050 | 403 |
| Highlander AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 26 / 22 | +18% | $3,050 | 398 |
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.7 MPG2018 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Toyota Highlander SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 18.5% |
| 2018 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.9% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2018 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Toyota Highlander (this car) | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2018 Ford Explorer | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 14 |
| 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe | 24 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (4)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 4, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V682000 · 1,525,742 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jan 13, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V012000 · 1,830,752 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Apr 3, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V211000 · 6,046 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry and Highlander vehicles, 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the oil galley in the rotor for the brake booster vacuum pump assembly may have been improperly machined possibly resulting in a sudden loss of brake assist.
- Risk
- A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0K/JLD.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Dec 20, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V831000 · 649 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles.
Not every 2018 Toyota Highlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
275Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
24Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
25Injuries reported
16,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Toyota Highlander buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 69 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Service Brakes — 53 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 36 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 16,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Toyota Highlander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Highlander years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Highlander | 35 | 194.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
| 2025 Highlander | 35 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 10 |
| 2024 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 43 |
| 2023 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 198 |
| 2022 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 272 |
| 2021 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 548 |
| 2020 Highlander | 36 | 194.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 330 |
| 2019 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 511 |
| 2017 Highlander | 29 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 274 |
| 2016 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 117 |
| 2015 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 195 |
| 2014 Highlander | 28 | 191.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 125 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →