2018 Toyota Highlander XLE

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. Leather-trimmed heated front seats, the moonroof, and the 8-inch touchscreen distinguish the XLE from the LE trims below it. Its 3.5L V6 makes 295 horsepower and pairs with the eight-speed automatic, giving it confident highway passing power and 22 mpg combined with four-wheel drive. The available Dynamic Torque-Control AWD shifts power between axles automatically, a feature you don't get on front-drive Highlanders.