“Overall, a great family vehicle. Only complaint is that the 3rd row seats could have more space.”
2018 Toyota Highlander: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Toyota Highlander is essentially a carryover from 2017. The only notable change is that fog lights shifted from standard to optional on the LE Plus trim.
About the 2018 Toyota Highlander
3rd generation (2014-2019), after the 2017 refresh and before the all-new 2020 redesign.
The 2018 Highlander is Toyota’s family-focused three-row midsize SUV: easy to drive, quiet on the road, strong on safety, and offered in both gas and hybrid form. Toyota markets it as a polished family mover rather than a rugged truck-based SUV, with a wide trim range that starts practical and climbs into near-luxury territory. Its main appeal is simple: usable three-row space, strong reputation for dependability, and a long list of everyday family features.
The 2018 Highlander lineup ranges from the practical eight-seat LE to the comfort-focused XLE and upscale Limited models. The SE adds a sportier look and firmer suspension, while Limited Platinum tops the range with a surround-view camera, panoramic moonroof, and heated second-row seats.
What changed, by category
Styling
Fog lights changed from standard to optional on the LE Plus trim. Otherwise, the exterior and interior styling carried over from 2017.
2018 Toyota Highlander specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.7 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter / V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter / V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Sqntl Shft / Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, CVT | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, CVT | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, CVT | Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Hybrid | Gas | Gas / Hybrid | Gas | Gas / Hybrid | Gas / Hybrid |
| MPG City | 20–30 mpg | 21 mpg | 21–29 mpg | 21 mpg | 21–29 mpg | 21–29 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24–28 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 185–295 hp | 295 hp | 295 hp | 295 hp | 295 hp | 295 hp |
| Torque | 184–263 lb-ft | 263 lb-ft | 215–263 lb-ft | 263 lb-ft | 215–263 lb-ft | 215–263 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500–5000 lb | 5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb | 3500–5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 83.7 cu-ft | 83.2 cu-ft | 83.2 cu-ft | 83.7 cu-ft | 83.2 cu-ft | 82.6–83.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 26.7–27.7 in | 27.7 in | 26.7–27.7 in | 27.7 in | 26.7–27.7 in | 26.7–27.7 in |
| Seats | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7–8 | 7–8 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Power Windows | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Tri-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Did the 2018 Toyota Highlander change much from 2017?
No. The 2018 Highlander largely carries over the styling, engines, safety equipment, and cabin technology introduced or updated for 2017. The main equipment difference is that LE Plus fog lights became optional rather than standard.
What changed on the 2018 Highlander LE Plus?
Fog lights changed from standard to optional on the 2018 Highlander LE Plus. Its main features otherwise include a 3.5-liter V6, an eight-speed automatic, a power liftgate, an 8-inch touchscreen, and three-zone climate control.
Did the 2018 Toyota Highlander get a new engine?
No. The 2018 Highlander kept the previous year’s four-cylinder and V6 gas engines, while the Highlander Hybrid retained its V6-based hybrid system.
Did the 2018 Highlander keep standard driver-assistance features?
Yes. Every 2018 Highlander retained a standard safety suite with collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert with steering assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
Which 2018 Highlander trim has the sportiest look?
The 2018 Highlander SE has the sportiest appearance. It pairs dark exterior trim and black-finished 19-inch wheels with black leather-trimmed seats and a firmer suspension.
2018 Toyota Highlander Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Toyota Highlander.
4.1
2018 Toyota Highlander
(737 reviews)
“Great vehicle. Dependable. Gives a smooth ride. Plenty of cargo space. Only issue is the side mirror. I find it too bulky. Too high. And it obstructs my view when turning a corner.”
“I would tell them that the Highlander I purchased is the best. I never have any mechanical trouble, the ride is smooth, the engine is quiet. It is roomy and lots of storage in the back. I love to drive it.”