There are some car buyers who head down to Irvine car dealerships looking for a vehicle that has the capability of hauling people and massive amounts of cargo around, usually at the same time. That is why so many people are more drawn to three-row crossovers and overlook minivans, and that is where used cars like the Toyota Highlander fit in.
It is a great choice if you are looking for a vehicle that has a spacious cabin, good build quality, and efficient engines. Obviously, if you are the type of person who loves the “thrill of the ride” and considers yourself to be a “driving enthusiast,” you should overlook the Highlander. However, its smooth ride and muted dynamics will win the hearts of everyone else.
Apart from all of the above, the 2018 Toyota Highlander has a bunch of active safety technologies that get top scores from safety-conscious drivers. Also, the Toyota Highlander is top-selling at Irvine car dealerships because it is a good value vehicle and provides long-term durability. And for many buyers of used cars for sale , that means a lot more than a bunch of fancy gizmos and the ability to carve around corners.
Driving
The 2018 Highlander is available at the Toyota dealer near Irvine in three different powertrain choices, which also include a hybrid. The Highlander is an extraordinary option in the three-row crossover marketplace. It has good performance, and both the V-6 and the hybrid gets the job done. The 3.5-liter V-6 produces 295 horsepower and is connected to an easy-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. These models are available with front or all-wheel drive. The base LE trim is equipped with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive.
All Highlander Hybrid models are outfitted with a 3.5-liter V-6, continuously variable automatic transmission, nickel-metal-hydride battery pack, and all-wheel drive. An electric motor powers the rear axle for an on-demand all-wheel drive.
The Highlander is a very competent machine that is family-friendly and very comfortable because it can effortlessly take the impact of rough roads without causing distress to passengers.
When it comes to the Highlander’s EPA rating, it provides excellent gas mileage for its class. The V6-powered front-wheel models have a stop-start function for better fuel efficiency.
With the four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive, the Highlander provides 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The V6 front-wheel-drive has a fuel efficiency of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, and the V6 all-wheel-drive provides 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Technology
The Highlander comes with a standard suite of safety technology which is very welcoming if you don’t want to splurge for a top range model. The basic infotainment connectivity comes standard on the Highlander, and if you are interested in more advanced technologies, you can get your hands on these on the higher trim levels. For instance, if you step up to the LE Plus, you replace the standard 6.1-inch touchscreen for an 8.0-inch unit. The XLE trims and above get integrated navigation and connection to several apps with limited internet connectivity. However, what you might be bummed out about on the 2018 Toyota Highlander is the fact that Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot can be found. Nevertheless, a rear-seat entertainment system is readily available.
When it comes to driver aids, every Highlander comes standard with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, along with adaptive cruise control and lane departure intervention. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are included on the XLE on up.
Comfort
The Highlander’s interior offers first and second-row passengers tons of space and comfort, but the third-row passengers aren’t as well treated and lucky as them. Standard seating features cloth seats while other available seating features have synthetic leather upholstery, genuine leather upholstery for first- and second-row seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a four-way power-adjustable passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, heated front seats, heated second-row seats, and ventilated front seats.
The materials used throughout the cabin are a mixed bag of high-end to economical. Nevertheless, if you are a family with children, you will find that the available captain’s chairs and rear-seat entertainment system are very handy.
The driver will have no issues finding a comfortable position. All Highlanders come equipped with front and rear climate controls; automatic three-zone climate control is standard on LE Plus trims and up. An average-size cargo bay offers average size cargo capacity. Small-item storage is the Highlander’s best attribute, with more cubbies than its rivals for stowing loose items.
Again, if you are traveling with children, you will appreciate that the Highlander has two complete sets of LATCH child-seat connectors in its second row. There’s a top tether anchor for the middle seat (if you have the bench) and another tether anchor for the third-row middle seat. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this LATCH system the highest rating of Good for its ease of use.
The 2018 Highlander’s dashboard has many buttons and knobs enclosing the infotainment display, which lets you gain fast access to common functions without using the touchscreen.
The standard infotainment features are a 6.1-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, five USB ports, and voice recognition. Available infotainment features include:
- A satellite radio.
- HD Radio.
- Smartphone-linked navigation.
- Integrated navigation.
- The Entune App Suite.
- A 12-speaker JBL stereo.
- An 8-inch touch screen.
Other available features consist of tri-zone automatic climate control, a moonroof, a panoramic moonroof, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, a 120-volt household-style power outlet, and Driver Easy Speak.
Overall
You can’t complain about the 2018 Toyota Highlander. It is a vehicle that does the job and does it well. If you want to haul your cargo and family around in comfort and style, you shouldn’t wait any longer. Buy this vehicle today at Irvine car dealerships particularly Toyota of Orange.