2018 Toyota Highlander LE Plus

The 2018 Highlander is a midsize three-row SUV that seats up to eight, slotting between the RAV4 and the larger Sequoia in Toyota's lineup. It competes with the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Nissan Pathfinder, offering a more car-like ride than most. The Highlander drives smoothly and quietly, with a comfortable ride that masks its size, though it feels heavy in corners. Inside, the cabin is spacious and versatile, with a fold-flat third row and a large center console for storage. Owners consistently report few mechanical issues, making this a dependable choice for families who plan to keep it for years. The LE Plus splits the difference between the base LE and the XLE, adding a power driver's seat and a power liftgate while keeping the price reasonable. Its 3.5L V6 makes 295 horsepower and pairs with a eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, which gives you confident traction in rain or snow and returns 23 mpg combined. This trim also unlocks the available Driver Technology package, which adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert for easier highway merges.