Is the Toyota Highlander the Gold Standard SUV? A 2018 XLE Review

Toyota Highlander XLE: A Used SUV Deep Dive

• 🎯 The 2018 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD with a V6 engine is examined, with the owner paying $23,000 for it with just over 100,000 miles.
• 💡 The V6 engine is praised for its bulletproof reliability and longevity, with some Highlanders reaching 500,000 miles.
• ⚠️ A significant downside of the V6 is its poor gas mileage, getting 23-24 MPG on the highway and in the teens in city stop-and-go traffic.

Engine and Hybrid Alternatives

• 🚀 Toyota no longer offers the V6 engine in newer models, opting for turbo 4-cylinder or hybrid powertrains.
• ⚡ Modern Highlander hybrids offer significantly better gas mileage (35 MPG city/highway) but come with a higher purchase price and expensive repair costs if the hybrid system fails.
• 🔧 The V6 engine's automatic transmission is also noted for its extreme dependability.

Interior, Space, and Construction

• 🧩 The Highlander offers ample interior room, but the third-row seats are best suited for small children or pets.
• 🛣️ Unlike body-on-frame SUVs like the 4Runner, the Highlander is unibody construction, providing a better ride and handling on urban roads and highways, but is not an off-road vehicle.
• 💰 New Highlanders are priced in the high $50,000s, with dealers often selling them significantly over MSRP, making used models expensive as well.

Maintenance and Durability

• ✅ Routine maintenance for the V6 includes changing fluids (engine, differential) every 50-60,000 miles and oil changes every 5,000 miles with synthetic oil.
• 🛡️ Toyotas are well-coated to prevent rust, even in northern climates with heavy salt use.
• ⚠️ However, bare metal parts like control arms and brake rotors can still rust over time in salty conditions, requiring inspection on used vehicles.

Diagnostic and Driving Impressions

• 💻 A diagnostic scan revealed only one minor fault: a power window switch fault, likely due to over-voltage from holding the switch too long.
• 🚗 The vehicle drives smoothly with plenty of acceleration from the V6 engine, though the 8-speed automatic transmission can feel laggy in certain modes.
• 👍 Despite its gas mileage limitations, the 2018 Highlander V6 is considered an excellent and reliable vehicle, especially for those who prioritize longevity and don't mind the fuel cost or have a separate fuel-efficient car for long trips.