As you can see, the features of these two top-notch Toyota cars are remarkably similar, which makes sense given that they are the same car from two distinct years. However, the 2018 Toyota Highlander is the clear winner amongst these two superb automobiles. The 2017 Toyota Highlander does not come standard with any of the new safety features and technologies that this vehicle does, despite having the same horsepower and maximum passenger seating as its predecessor. Among these is Toyota Safety SenseTM, a collection of outstanding safety features.
However, the 2018 Toyota Highlander offers a wider range of engine options in addition to more safety features. These engine options include a 2.7-liter engine that is optional and a 3.5-liter V6 engine that provides a range of performance.
In This Article...
What distinguishes the 2019 Toyota Highlander from the 2017–2018 models?
The 2019 model’s minor weight reduction is one of the greatest distinctions between the 2018 model and the newer model. More than thirty pounds of unneeded weight from this SUV were removed by Toyota experts. Although this may not seem like a lot of weight, it can be useful when you’re pushing your car to its limits on weekend excursions. Because the motor doesn’t have to work as hard to pull the car ahead, the reduced weight can help marginally enhance handling and fuel efficiency. The fact that the 2018 model comes with all of the 2019 model’s standard features, like keyless entry and heated mirrors, is an advantage. As a result, you might want to think about the 2018 model if you don’t want to make many changes to your car.
What year of the Toyota Highlander is the best used?
The 2008–2013 edition is most likely the best option. You get more interior room, more features, a more potent engine lineup, better safety ratings, and better crash test results with this generation.
What issues might there be with a 2017 Toyota Highlander?
The 2017 Toyota Highlander is known for its tough exterior and cutting-edge driver assistance systems, as well as a third row that is sufficiently large and above-average fuel efficiency. However, there are still issues with the fuel pump, roof rails, and windshield wires of the 2017 SUV, which have resulted in recalls. The powertrain, brakes, and electrical system were also problematic for customers.
The NHTSA has 131 complaints about the 2017 Toyota Highlander as of late 2021. The same issues are frequently brought up: the automobile won’t start, it stalls when moving, and strange noises are emanating from the engine.
The following are the most typical difficulties, issues, and NHTSA complaints:
- Electrical problems: Twenty complaints are related to electrical problems. Customers have stated that the car would sometimes shut off at random, the engine won’t start, and in one instance, the battery failed after less than three years of ownership and 44,000 miles on the odometer. According to a 2017 Highland owner, “At a red light, the car twice stalled on me. Without any ability to steer, the vehicle twice came dangerously close to being hit from behind.
- 27 complaints have been filed regarding the powertrain, including problems with the transmission, stalling when driving, and shifting issues. “One 2017 Highland owner stated that after only 25,000 miles, the automatic transmission failed at a stoplight. Many additional owners, some of whom validated his experience more than once, concurred.” The car has abruptly, without warning, switched to a low-power limp mode three times at 30,000, 40,000, and 42,000 miles while traveling at highway speeds (70 mph), causing a quick deceleration in the middle of high-speed highway traffic.
- 16 complaints have been made about the failure of the service brakes, as well as about their lack of power, difficulty starting, and odd noises. One 2017 Highlander owner reported that he hit the brake pedal in response to unwanted acceleration, but the car kept moving and struck a sign. The identical problem led to a similar accident for another owner. He says, “I attempted stopping immediately after the car in front of us stopped, but the Highlander’s automated collision avoidance kicked in and took control of my brakes, but it still didn’t stop. I ultimately rear-ended the vehicle in front of me.
- Among the 33, hard shifting and quick acceleration “Other reported complaints reference additional difficulties in addition to the ones mentioned in different other categories, such as some owners finding metal shavings and dark muck in the gearbox fluid. A 2017 Highland owner who left the engine running while performing a quick errand inside a residence reported one of the more serious problems after hearing a crash. The vehicle sped up and [crash-landed] into the garage.
The Highlander body style changed in what year?
For 2008, the Highlander underwent a redesign based on the longer Toyota Avalon chassis, maintaining its seven-seat capacity. At the beginning of the generation, only V-6 engines were offered; the conventional gas model had a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, while the gas-electric hybrid exclusively had all-wheel drive. 2009 saw Toyota launch a front-drive four-cylinder variant, and 2011 saw an upgrade to the exterior design.
Is the Highlander from 2018 or 2019 superior?
The performance of the Highlanders from 2018 and 2019 is fairly comparable. They both have a 2.7-liter inline-4 engine with 185 horsepower as its base powertrain. They also have options for a V6 hybrid engine and a 3.5-liter engine with 295 horsepower.
Which vehicle—the Limited or XLE—is preferable?
When comparing the Toyota Highlander XLE and Limited trims, it’s obvious that the Limited comes standard with a lot more high-end amenities, but the XLE delivers a lot of its own conveniences for approximately $4,000 less. LED headlights are among the XLE’s standard features.
which is more trustworthy Toyota Highlander or a Honda Pilot?
The information above makes it evident that the Toyota Highlander outperforms the Honda Pilot in every category, including safety features and fuel efficiency. The Highlander is a much better choice if you’re searching for a three-row SUV that is incredibly dependable in this situation.
Do Toyota Highlanders frequently experience issues?
Toyota Highlander Typical Issues This generation of Highlanders has received comparatively few complaints from owners. However, some owners report concerns with the motorized tailgate becoming caught in the open or closed position, a musty odor coming from the air conditioning system, and excessive wind noise when traveling at highway speeds.
Do Highlanders continue to be valuable?
Thanks to a recent complete redesign, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is at its best. The three-row utility defies typical trends in hybrid SUV design, such as shoddy brake feel and a subpar interior. Instead, it offers exceptional fuel efficiency, a more than 600-mile driving range, and a ton of cargo room. Although it isn’t enjoyable to drive, this hasn’t diminished its appeal. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the only hybrid crossover to make the top ten, maintaining, on average, 53.4% of its original value after five years.
What is the lifespan of a 2017 Toyota Highlander?
What Is the Toyota Highlander’s Lifespan? One of the most durable midsize SUVs on the market, the Toyota Highlander can keep going for up to 300,000 miles after you drive it off the lot.
Are there any 2017 Toyota Highlander recalls?
Certain 2017 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles with accessory roof rail cross bars are being recalled by Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST). The roof rail fasteners might not be torqued appropriately.
Is the Highlander being phased out by Toyota?
Unexpectedly, Toyota has dropped its most popular V6 engine from the Highlander lineup and added a second four-cylinder engine in its place.
Today, Toyota made the decision to stop producing the popular V6 engine for its Highlander SUV model in 2023. A four-cylinder engine with less power but, strangely, the same MPG rating will take its place. The new four-cylinder engine offers a little bit more engine-rated torque and is turbocharged (of course). We found the move strange because the V6 Highlander had plenty of torque.
Does the Toyota Highlander AWD make sense?
The Highlander’s AWD improves its traction on slick roads, but it isn’t much of an off-roader. The steering and suspension offer a smooth, pleasant ride both in town and on the highway. The Highlander doesn’t have the sporty appeal or feel like a smaller vehicle like some SUVs in this class do.
Kia Sorento versus Toyota Highlander: which is superior?
The Kia Sorento distributes power to its wheels slightly more efficiently than the Toyota Highlander thanks to its slightly higher torque. If you need to transport several passengers, the Toyota Highlander is a better option than the Kia Sorento because it provides more seats.
Are the 2019 Highlanders problematic?
There haven’t been many complaints about the 2019 Highlander, especially none that stand out or are particular to it. Resale values are still high, and there hasn’t been any depreciation on the used market either.
A gasoline pump issue that led to abrupt vehicle stalling and was the cause of two recalls for a variety of Toyota vehicles also affected the 2019 Highlander.
With the exception of fuel pump difficulties, the 2019 Highlander has so far proven to be dependable in every other area. It is extremely roomy and well-equipped, and it retains its worth very well. With this, Toyota had a real winner.
Is the Toyota Highlander in for a successful 2019?
In the class of midsize SUVs, the 2019 Toyota Highlander is rated in the middle. It boasts a smooth ride, user-friendly features, and a high safety rating. It falls short of better rankings due to a subpar base engine and a confined third row.