2018 / 2019 Toyota Highlander - Still King Of The Hill?
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Date: 2019-05-30
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Comments and reviews: 10
Stephen Hendricks
I was interested in your take on the Highlander since it was one of the vehicles we considered when we replaced our 2012 Kia Sorento a few months ago. The Toyota did have a few advantages over the 2018 Sorento we eventually purchased. The most notable were the eight speed transmission versus the six speed unit in the KIA (now replaced with an eight speed for 2019, lane keeping assist (again, now standard on the KIA for 2019, and the trick rear window opening in the Highlander. On the whole, however, the KIA offered much more at considerably less money (8, 000 off MSRP in our case) than the comparable top trim of the non-hybrid V6/AWD Highlander. A longer warranty (bumper to bumper and drivetrain. Apple Carplay and Android Auto. A much, much better infotainment system including real-time traffic navigation (included with a five year subscription. More upscale interior including Nappa leather seating, etc. The Sorento is slightly smaller on the outside than the Highlander, as you noted. Frankly, though, that was an advantage as far as we were concerned. Marginally easier to maneuver and park in the city. And on the interior the Sorento had more room, especially leg room in the third row, than the Highlander. Neither vehicle, of course, is adequate for seven or eight passengers for more than short trips. But of the two, the KIA is more accommodating. Our 14 y/o daughter and her girlfriends find it preferable to the second row presumably to get as far away as possible from her parents. We found the Highlander a good choice. Just not as good as the SX-L Sorento. And for thousands of dollars less in real world pricing, there was no contest.
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I was interested in your take on the Highlander since it was one of the vehicles we considered when we replaced our 2012 Kia Sorento a few months ago. The Toyota did have a few advantages over the 2018 Sorento we eventually purchased. The most notable were the eight speed transmission versus the six speed unit in the KIA (now replaced with an eight speed for 2019, lane keeping assist (again, now standard on the KIA for 2019, and the trick rear window opening in the Highlander. On the whole, however, the KIA offered much more at considerably less money (8, 000 off MSRP in our case) than the comparable top trim of the non-hybrid V6/AWD Highlander. A longer warranty (bumper to bumper and drivetrain. Apple Carplay and Android Auto. A much, much better infotainment system including real-time traffic navigation (included with a five year subscription. More upscale interior including Nappa leather seating, etc. The Sorento is slightly smaller on the outside than the Highlander, as you noted. Frankly, though, that was an advantage as far as we were concerned. Marginally easier to maneuver and park in the city. And on the interior the Sorento had more room, especially leg room in the third row, than the Highlander. Neither vehicle, of course, is adequate for seven or eight passengers for more than short trips. But of the two, the KIA is more accommodating. Our 14 y/o daughter and her girlfriends find it preferable to the second row presumably to get as far away as possible from her parents. We found the Highlander a good choice. Just not as good as the SX-L Sorento. And for thousands of dollars less in real world pricing, there was no contest.
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Dennis Dowd
The seating for a vehicle like this is truly unfortunately limited it seems. Why the 4 cylinder at all? Truly a mistake for Toyota and it is these types of mistakes that make me wonder about them. Though I keep hearing that to up date a model like this costs almost a billion dollars in design costs, and may take 3 to 5 years of planning. I dont know how many of these they are selling, but they surely are nice looking vehicle, but the engine, and seating makes me wonder what the hell is Toyota thinking. You made me laugh, naughty children and mother-in-laws for the third seat I agree mini-vans is the way to go rather than this configuration. I believe we have made a poor mistake leaving the mini-van. Funny I didnt even see an SE trim listed on Toyotas website. These are very expensive, and one better hope gas prices dont go up, but that isnt suppose to happen, from what I have read. The entertainment features are just down right disappointing. This is another issue I have had with Toyota, I really feel sometimes they dont have a clue what the market standards are or they just dont care. These items get out of date they quickness, and therefore to buy a car in this price range with an entertainment system that is already out of date, is unacceptable. Of course I do like that Toyota is placing all those safety systems in all there vehicles, and that tells me that if they wanted to they could of done this with the entertainment system.
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The seating for a vehicle like this is truly unfortunately limited it seems. Why the 4 cylinder at all? Truly a mistake for Toyota and it is these types of mistakes that make me wonder about them. Though I keep hearing that to up date a model like this costs almost a billion dollars in design costs, and may take 3 to 5 years of planning. I dont know how many of these they are selling, but they surely are nice looking vehicle, but the engine, and seating makes me wonder what the hell is Toyota thinking. You made me laugh, naughty children and mother-in-laws for the third seat I agree mini-vans is the way to go rather than this configuration. I believe we have made a poor mistake leaving the mini-van. Funny I didnt even see an SE trim listed on Toyotas website. These are very expensive, and one better hope gas prices dont go up, but that isnt suppose to happen, from what I have read. The entertainment features are just down right disappointing. This is another issue I have had with Toyota, I really feel sometimes they dont have a clue what the market standards are or they just dont care. These items get out of date they quickness, and therefore to buy a car in this price range with an entertainment system that is already out of date, is unacceptable. Of course I do like that Toyota is placing all those safety systems in all there vehicles, and that tells me that if they wanted to they could of done this with the entertainment system.
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Eskie Man
Alex, as usual, an OUTSTANDING automotive review; you remain the gold standard for online car reviews. Now, I know youre a fan of the Sorento, but I have two concerns. ONE: two Sorentos Ive driven in the past two years have had a serious (ie, dangerous) steering trait where they required constant correction to travel straight down even a level, straight road - you dare not take your eyes off the road for scarcelya second, or youll be in the ditch or have a head-oncollision. Compare that to a new 18 Ford Edge (for example, where I can aim the car over the same stretch of road, release the steering wheel, and it will track (travel) straight in its lane for well over 200 yards before any correction may beneeded. Ive asked other reviewers of the 19 Sorento if this documented (Kia knows about this) steering problem still exists - crickets - no response. TWO: Unlike Toyota, Kia dealers in Central & South Florida will rape a prospective Sorento buyer on any trim level over a LX. Theyre just not worth the money, particularly considering the space provided as well as the potential ongoing steering issue. At least most Toyota dealers are more willing to deal with you than Kia dealers, and some will make a fairly reasonable offer on a new Highlander. Hopefully, the new Toyota RAV4 will arrive faster than anticipated, and someone will do a quick review on one - that vehicle is more suitable for me & the wife for our needs.
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Alex, as usual, an OUTSTANDING automotive review; you remain the gold standard for online car reviews. Now, I know youre a fan of the Sorento, but I have two concerns. ONE: two Sorentos Ive driven in the past two years have had a serious (ie, dangerous) steering trait where they required constant correction to travel straight down even a level, straight road - you dare not take your eyes off the road for scarcelya second, or youll be in the ditch or have a head-oncollision. Compare that to a new 18 Ford Edge (for example, where I can aim the car over the same stretch of road, release the steering wheel, and it will track (travel) straight in its lane for well over 200 yards before any correction may beneeded. Ive asked other reviewers of the 19 Sorento if this documented (Kia knows about this) steering problem still exists - crickets - no response. TWO: Unlike Toyota, Kia dealers in Central & South Florida will rape a prospective Sorento buyer on any trim level over a LX. Theyre just not worth the money, particularly considering the space provided as well as the potential ongoing steering issue. At least most Toyota dealers are more willing to deal with you than Kia dealers, and some will make a fairly reasonable offer on a new Highlander. Hopefully, the new Toyota RAV4 will arrive faster than anticipated, and someone will do a quick review on one - that vehicle is more suitable for me & the wife for our needs.
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vkozlovsky
I previously had a 2015 Chevy Traverse, which was an exceptionally good driving vehicle. I am used to European handling and the Chevy felt very similar to my Opel based SAAB I had years ago. Now I am looking for another three row crossover. I have been test driving different models. A few days ago I test drove a 2018 Highlander XLE. I was utterly shocked how bad it was. The handling was extremely poor, the steering was terrible, the transmission was unresponsive and I basically could not drive it the way I normally drive. I drove a Subaru Ascent right before driving the Highlander and it was quite good, although not quite as good as my old Traverse. The Highlander also seemed very cramped, with much less room for passengers and cargo. I cannot believe that people buy so many of these, as to me the Highlander is very much a substandard choice in this segment. Hell, even the ancient Ford Flex is much better on every level.
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I previously had a 2015 Chevy Traverse, which was an exceptionally good driving vehicle. I am used to European handling and the Chevy felt very similar to my Opel based SAAB I had years ago. Now I am looking for another three row crossover. I have been test driving different models. A few days ago I test drove a 2018 Highlander XLE. I was utterly shocked how bad it was. The handling was extremely poor, the steering was terrible, the transmission was unresponsive and I basically could not drive it the way I normally drive. I drove a Subaru Ascent right before driving the Highlander and it was quite good, although not quite as good as my old Traverse. The Highlander also seemed very cramped, with much less room for passengers and cargo. I cannot believe that people buy so many of these, as to me the Highlander is very much a substandard choice in this segment. Hell, even the ancient Ford Flex is much better on every level.
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Tek z
Definitely one of the most popular 3-row CUVs in the market due to its reliability and high resale value. it is a good all-rounder but lets admit it is not great in any particular aspect. I cross-shopped this a year and a half ago but didnt end up buying it. the interior looks out-dated and a lot of cheap plastic materials not to mention a lot of the competition offers standard LED lighting but this still uses halogen headlights. come on its already 2018 even corolla has LED on the base model I also just couldnt get past on the old stalk switch for the cruise control. my 2004 Sienna had that and fast forward to 2018 Toyota still uses that same stalk switch and even used in Lexus
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Definitely one of the most popular 3-row CUVs in the market due to its reliability and high resale value. it is a good all-rounder but lets admit it is not great in any particular aspect. I cross-shopped this a year and a half ago but didnt end up buying it. the interior looks out-dated and a lot of cheap plastic materials not to mention a lot of the competition offers standard LED lighting but this still uses halogen headlights. come on its already 2018 even corolla has LED on the base model I also just couldnt get past on the old stalk switch for the cruise control. my 2004 Sienna had that and fast forward to 2018 Toyota still uses that same stalk switch and even used in Lexus
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Lok-Man Chiu
A suggestion. When you mention the USB ports in a vehicle can you also list what kind of amperage they also provide? Some vehicles have USB ports that are mainly for data transfer but insufficient for actually charging a smartphone like an iPhone 7/8 Plus. Some manufacturers seem to disclose that information but for most do not. I have a 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF, which provides 2 USB ports, but they are essentially useless for actually charging a phone. I think I do see more manufacturers making USB ports powerful enough for charging phones. I end up having to use the 12V port to use an adapter that can provide enough power to charge my iPhone 7 Plus
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A suggestion. When you mention the USB ports in a vehicle can you also list what kind of amperage they also provide? Some vehicles have USB ports that are mainly for data transfer but insufficient for actually charging a smartphone like an iPhone 7/8 Plus. Some manufacturers seem to disclose that information but for most do not. I have a 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF, which provides 2 USB ports, but they are essentially useless for actually charging a phone. I think I do see more manufacturers making USB ports powerful enough for charging phones. I end up having to use the 12V port to use an adapter that can provide enough power to charge my iPhone 7 Plus
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k domster
It never was a king: ) to some maybe the most overrated logo under the hood makes it a king? Unfortunately it is Toyotas problem, many not the most car savvy buyers buy these cars only because they see so many of them parked next to Walmart near you and this effect cascades and multiplies. In effect very average design and rather lifeless product sales like crazy. very similar with Honda even that Honda has many more problems and issues than Toyota. Not to take away great reliability and solid resale value, second mostly due to Wal-Mart effect described above. No thanks. Way too much money for poorly driving, unrefined product.
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It never was a king: ) to some maybe the most overrated logo under the hood makes it a king? Unfortunately it is Toyotas problem, many not the most car savvy buyers buy these cars only because they see so many of them parked next to Walmart near you and this effect cascades and multiplies. In effect very average design and rather lifeless product sales like crazy. very similar with Honda even that Honda has many more problems and issues than Toyota. Not to take away great reliability and solid resale value, second mostly due to Wal-Mart effect described above. No thanks. Way too much money for poorly driving, unrefined product.
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Rob Mock
Personally, Id prefer a midsize 2 row crossover like an Edge or Murano. The third-row is useless for just about anyone over the age of five and when its up you cant put anything in the cargo hold really. But I cant get over people who buy something like this intending to use the third row regularly on trips, and realize they can do seven passengers or cargo, not both. People really need to man up and buy a minivan if they need a third row on a regular basis and to shuttle around cargo. Buy the car that makes the most sense and forget about your ego.
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Personally, Id prefer a midsize 2 row crossover like an Edge or Murano. The third-row is useless for just about anyone over the age of five and when its up you cant put anything in the cargo hold really. But I cant get over people who buy something like this intending to use the third row regularly on trips, and realize they can do seven passengers or cargo, not both. People really need to man up and buy a minivan if they need a third row on a regular basis and to shuttle around cargo. Buy the car that makes the most sense and forget about your ego.
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Lok-Man Chiu
A suggestion. When you mention the USB ports in a vehicle can you also list what kind of amperage they also provide? Some vehicles have USB ports that are mainly for data transfer but insufficient for actually charging a smartphone like an iPhone 7/8 Plus. Some manufacturers seem to disclose that information but for most do not. I have a 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF, which provides 2 USB ports, but they are essentially useless for actually charging a phone. I think I do see more manufacturers making USB ports powerful enough for charging phones.
reply
A suggestion. When you mention the USB ports in a vehicle can you also list what kind of amperage they also provide? Some vehicles have USB ports that are mainly for data transfer but insufficient for actually charging a smartphone like an iPhone 7/8 Plus. Some manufacturers seem to disclose that information but for most do not. I have a 2017 Mazda MX-5 RF, which provides 2 USB ports, but they are essentially useless for actually charging a phone. I think I do see more manufacturers making USB ports powerful enough for charging phones.
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Lord Commander Manny
Hi Alex Great Video again. However I am a big man and I do long distance driving NY to Florida. So I want a 2 role midsize SUV. I was wondering your thoughts about Nissan Murano SL. It has standard safety features and navigation and most importantly apple carplay. The bonus Nissan are giving big discounts on them. I appreciate your opinion. I also find the front seats very comfortable with zero gravity seats. I am looking at GMC Acardia or Jeep GC and Kia Sorrento
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Hi Alex Great Video again. However I am a big man and I do long distance driving NY to Florida. So I want a 2 role midsize SUV. I was wondering your thoughts about Nissan Murano SL. It has standard safety features and navigation and most importantly apple carplay. The bonus Nissan are giving big discounts on them. I appreciate your opinion. I also find the front seats very comfortable with zero gravity seats. I am looking at GMC Acardia or Jeep GC and Kia Sorrento
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