Used 2018 Toyota Highlander XLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) Consumer Reviews
Used Highlander for sale
Still the BEST, still!
Doug Randolph, Woodland Park, CO, 04/15/2018
updated 04/28/2025
Toyota Highlander XLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
6 of 11 people found this review helpful
Experts and customers agreed, Highlander was the BEST midsized SUV for 2018. It's still great for us in April 2025, even given the rough roads we've been driving in Costa Rica. Still smooth, good performance and very comfortable. Only minor issues, less than what would be expected. April 2021 - We're still loving it. Still smooth, quiet, good performance, very comfortable and issue-free. Couldn't ask for better.
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What Other Reviewers Overlooked:
M.U., Marshall, NC, 10/19/2018
Toyota Highlander XLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
For me it was a very close race between the Subaru Forester and the Toyota Highlander. The Highlander won out because I could not abide the Forester’s 4-cylinder engine and to soup it up with the Touring option further requires premium gas, which I also could not abide. My previous car was a 2007 Toyota Avalon, and I appreciated its reliability and the fact that it offered plenty of leg room for the driver. I traded it in on the Highlander because the Avalon—while a great car— could not handle the hill to my house in the winter; I had to walk from the bottom several times because Avalons are not made for snowy hills. With that bit of background, let’s turn full attention to the Highlander. I like everything about this SUV EXCEPT two things: 1). I am a tall person and I have trouble getting into and out of the vehicle; the steering wheel does not tilt up and the driver’s seat does not go back far enough, so I have to maneuver my knees and thighs into and out of the seat; there is not enough clearance. This was never a problem with the Avalon; I can only surmise that whoever desiged the Highlander is 5’5” tall. It’s a gross oversight on Toyota's part and I can’t believe other reviewers have not mentioned it. I can only conclude that they are likewise height challenged. 2). Every time I start the car, I have to clear messages from the screen that warn me about data usage and that I must have a data plan. After seeing these tedious messages about a thousand times I get it. It would be nice if Toyota had an option that can be chosen to toggle the startup messages off. Otherwise, I have every expectation that the Highlander will suit my needs, but Tall People Beware!
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What other reviewers overlooked, part 2
M.U., Hot Springs, NC, 10/22/2019
Toyota Highlander XLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had the Highlander for a little more than a year now. It’s been a great, low-maintenance vehicle. However I continue to maintain that the driver’s seat does not go back quite far enough for tall people, which is a bit uncomfortable but not a deal-breaker.
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The Sienna Exchange
Lover of Siennas, Arlington, VA, 04/15/2021
Toyota Highlander XLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Really good fuel mileage. Easy to clean like the Sienna, but a little higher off the ground than the Sienna which makes it better for deap snow. Less cargo space than the Sienna and less foot room in the very back seat. But an SUV not a van so looks cooler and can go on more rugged places.
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Maintains the Toyota Rep
Damien, Colorado Springs, CO, 09/19/2022
Toyota Highlander XLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I wanted to write a review as I read a lot of reviews before I bought this car. Pros. I have had this car for about 18 months bought it at 3 years old and nothing has gone wrong. Just normal service and new tires from wear and nothing has been a problem. That's what I bought a Toyota for. The ride is reasonably good, not luxurious but still very comfortable. Ironically I test-drove another highlander and the ride was terrible, perhaps that one was beaten up. Highway driving is nice, radar cruise control works well until it snows and it all shuts down. Seats with heating are comfortable. Back seats ( have Captain Chairs) are comfortable and go back at a decent angle with lots of leg room ( I'm 6'2") Engine is solid and can get you up to speed easily. I have done a lot of snow driving with and without snow tires and the handling is great. There are sufficient USB ports and 120ac outlet with satisfactory drink holders and other hiding places. The dashboard shelf is handy particularly to accumulate things you don't need. Cargo space is good, fits everything we need as a family with a dog and a small child. I removed the 3rd row seats for a camping trip and that increased space available significantly. Cons: As others have said the media center on the touchscreen is quite annoying. I can easily Bluetooth or USB my phone for music but listening to the radio and setting new stations isn't as easy as it should be. I inquired if I could upgrade the system to include apple play however that isn't available on my model. August 2018 and later are models that are eligible for the upgrade I am told. The gearbox is ok however sometimes it can't decide on what gear it wants and constantly changes mainly up hills, whether manual or radar cruise control is on. Around town, gear changes can be unexpected however that could be its learned my wife's driving habits not mine. My pet peeve with the interior design is if someone is in the back seat they have a habit of stepping on my seatbelt. Imagine driving along then out of nowhere you feel the seatbelt pull you tight into your seat... Overall I think it is a great car and have zero regrets buying it. Top tip if you end up buying one or any car, check the spare tire accessory box for all the components, I was missing the lug to lower the space saver tire down (5 sided nut). Not having that cost me about 5 hours on the side of a highway.
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