2018 Toyota Highlander XLE

Description

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In 2018, the Toyota Highlander helped push three-row SUV sales past the million-unit mark in North America—and this Highlander XLE shows exactly why families keep gravitating to it. Finished in refined Celestial Silver Metallic, this pre-owned, all-wheel drive SUV blends everyday usability with thoughtful technology and a confident V6 powertrain, creating a package that still feels thoroughly modern at just 87,315 km. Under the hood sits Toyota’s proven 3.5L DOHC V6 engine with port/direct injection and variable valve control, delivering a robust 295 horsepower while running on regular unleaded fuel. Paired with an 8‑speed automatic transmission featuring overdrive, selectable drive modes, and a transmission oil cooler, it’s engineered for smooth, efficient highway cruising and responsive acceleration. The automatic full-time all-wheel drive system, supported by all‑speed ABS, driveline traction control, and hill descent control, aims to provide stability and control in changing road and weather conditions. The XLE trim’s cabin balances durability with a premium feel.

Leather upholstery covers the front and rear seats, complemented by leatherette door trims, metal-look accents, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift boot. The front seats are heated, with the driver enjoying 10‑way power adjustment including 2‑way lumbar support and multiple directional controls, while the front passenger seat is power adjustable as well. Both second and third rows are designed for real-world use, with 60/40 split-folding seatbacks, manual reclining capability, fore/aft adjustment in the second row, and a fold-into-floor third row to maximize cargo flexibility when needed. Technology and connectivity take center stage in this Highlander XLE, particularly through its robust smartphone integration. The 8‑inch touchscreen primary display anchors the dashboard, providing an intuitive interface for audio, navigation, and connected features.

Android Auto support transforms the screen into an extension of your compatible Android phone, allowing access to Google Maps, podcasts, streaming apps, and hands-free calling through a familiar layout. Voice control integration enables you to dictate messages, search for destinations, and control media with minimal distraction, making Android Auto one of the most valuable everyday tools in this SUV. Apple users are equally well served. Apple CarPlay enables seamless integration with compatible iPhones, bringing Siri voice assistance, Apple Maps, Apple Music, and selected third-party apps directly onto the Highlander’s touchscreen. Instead of juggling devices or relying on basic Bluetooth alone, CarPlay lets you respond to texts by voice, follow real-time navigation, and manage your playlists with a consistent, smartphone-like interface. For drivers who rely on their phone to organize their day, this level of Apple CarPlay functionality meaningfully elevates the in-car experience. Beyond smartphone mirroring, the infotainment system includes AM/FM/SiriusXM satellite radio with a 3‑month trial subscription, a single-disc CD player with dashboard integration, Bluetooth wireless audio streaming, auxiliary input, external memory control, and a six-speaker arrangement with speed-sensitive volume.

Siri Eyes Free and steering wheel-mounted audio controls maintain focus on the road, while the EasySpeak intercom system allows front occupants to communicate clearly with passengers in the rear rows through the vehicle’s speakers—particularly useful in a three-row SUV. Comfort is managed by automatic climate control with dual-zone settings up front and a dedicated rear climate control system featuring separate controls and rear under-seat and headliner/pillar ducts, helping all three rows maintain a pleasant temperature. The cabin air filter works to keep the interior environment fresh. A power sunroof with sliding and tilting glass, express open/close, and a sunshade adds natural light and ventilation to the first row. Practicality is evident throughout the Highlander’s interior. There are 12 beverage holders, multiple door bins, two seatback pockets, and a full floor console with covered storage, plus an overhead console with additional storage and a conversation mirror.

The cargo area features a roll-up cargo cover, tie-downs, concealed storage, and carpeted floor and seatbacks, designed to handle everyday hauling duties. A power liftgate, flip-up rear windshield, and keyfob cargo access simplify loading and unloading. Safety and driver assistance features are extensive. Toyota Safety Sense P includes a forward collision mitigation system with Pre-Collision and Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Vehicle Sway Warning driver attention alert, and Automatic High-Beam headlights. Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert provide added awareness during lane changes and reversing. Eight airbags—including front, side, curtain for all three rows, a driver knee airbag, and a front passenger seat cushion airbag—combine with front seatbelt pretensioners, rear center 3‑point belt, and electronic stability control.

A rear-view camera aids in parking, and the immobilizer and security system help protect the vehicle when parked. Externally, the Highlander XLE presents a clean, upscale profile. Celestial Silver Metallic paint is paired with body-coloured bumpers and mirrors, a black grille with chrome surround, chrome window trim, and roof rails for added utility. 18 x 7.5‑inch machined aluminum wheels with painted accents wear P245/60R18 all-season tires, while LED daytime running lights, projector-beam halogen headlights with auto on/off, LED brake lights, and front fog lights handle illumination. Turn signal indicators integrated into the door mirrors enhance visibility for surrounding traffic. Everyday usability is further supported by Smart Key access with push-button start, keyfob keyless entry, auto-locking doors, power windows with one-touch up/down for driver and passenger, a rear window defroster with rear wiper, heated wiper park for winter conditions, and deep-tinted rear glass.

Three 12V power outlets and four USB ports help keep devices charged across all rows, while the driver information center, 4.2‑inch gauge cluster display, trip computer, and multiple warning indicators keep the driver informed of vehicle status. With its combination of a strong V6 powertrain, full-time all-wheel drive, thoughtful three-row interior, and particularly advanced Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, this 2018 Toyota Highlander XLE in Celestial Silver Metallic stands out as a well-rounded, family-focused SUV that remains highly relevant in today’s tech-centric driving environment.