The 2018 Toyota Highlander is a popular midsize SUV known for its comfortable ride, family-friendly features, and reliable performance. But beyond its reputation as a capable family haulier, the Highlander also offers a solid towing capacity, making it an attractive option for those who need to tow trailers, boats, or other heavy loads. This comprehensive guide will delve into the towing capacity of the 2018 Toyota Highlander, covering various aspects such as engine options, towing packages, and practical considerations for towing safely and effectively.
Table of Contents
Overview of the 2018 Toyota Highlander
Before diving into the specifics of towing, it’s essential to understand the overall context of the 2018 Toyota Highlander. This model year belongs to the third generation of the Highlander, which was introduced in 2014 and received a significant refresh in 2017. The 2018 Highlander continues to build on Toyota’s reputation for quality, offering a range of features that appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers.
The Highlander is available in several trim levels, each offering different levels of equipment and performance. The trim levels for the 2018 model include the LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited, and Limited Platinum. While all trims share the same primary platform, they differ in features, engine options, and available packages, which can influence the vehicle’s towing capabilities.
Engine Options and Towing Capacity
The 2018 Toyota Highlander has two engine options, each offering different performance levels and towing capacity.
2.7-Litre Four-Cylinder Engine
The base engine for the 2018 Toyota Highlander is a 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and is only available in the front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration. While the four-cylinder engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, its towing capacity is limited compared to the V6 option.
- Towing Capacity: The 2018 Toyota Highlander with the 2.7-litre engine has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds (680 kg). This is sufficient for light trailers, such as small utility trailers or lightweight pop-up campers, but it may not be adequate for larger loads.
3.5-Litre V6 Engine
The more powerful option for the 2018 Toyota Highlander is the 3.5-litre V6 engine, which generates 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available in front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. The V6 engine significantly enhances the Highlander’s towing capabilities, making it a more versatile choice for those who need to tow heavier loads.
- Towing Capacity: The 2018 Highlander, adequately equipped with the 3.5-litre V6 engine, has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg). This makes it suitable for towing various trailers, including mid-sized travel trailers, larger utility trailers, and boats.
Towing Packages and Equipment
The 2018 Toyota Highlander must be equipped with the optional towing package to achieve the maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. This package includes several key components that enhance the vehicle’s towing capabilities and ensure safe and reliable towing.
Towing Package Components
The towing package for the 2018 Toyota Highlander includes the following components:
- Heavy-Duty Radiator: Towing places additional strain on the engine, generating more heat. The heavy-duty radiator in the towing package helps keep the engine cool during towing, preventing overheating and ensuring optimal performance.
- Engine Oil Cooler: The engine oil cooler is another critical component that helps to maintain proper engine temperatures during towing. By cooling the engine oil, this component reduces the risk of engine damage caused by excessive heat.
- Transmission Oil Cooler: Towing can also generate additional heat in the transmission, particularly when driving in hilly or mountainous terrain. The transmission oil cooler helps prevent overheating and prolongs the transmission’s life.
- 200-Amp Alternator: Towing often requires additional electrical power, especially if you have a trailer with electric brakes or other electrical accessories. The 200-amp alternator ensures the vehicle’s electrical system can handle the increased demand.
- Trailer Sway Control: This feature is designed to help maintain vehicle and trailer control during towing. If the trailer begins to sway or become unstable, the system applies the brakes to individual wheels and adjusts engine torque to help bring the trailer back under control.
Hitch and Wiring
In addition to the towing package components, you’ll need to install a hitch and wiring to connect your trailer to the vehicle. The 2018 Highlander is compatible with a Class III hitch, designed for towing loads up to 5,000 pounds. The hitch can be installed at the dealership or by a qualified mechanic.
The wiring harness lets you connect the trailer’s lights and brakes to the vehicle, ensuring the trailer’s brake lights, turn signals, and electric brakes function correctly. The 2018 Highlander has a 4-pin and 7-pin connector, making it compatible with a wide range of trailers.
Towing Safety and Considerations
Towing a trailer adds complexity to driving, and taking precautions to ensure safety on the road is essential. Here are some key considerations when towing with your 2018 Toyota Highlander.
Know Your Limits
Before towing, it’s crucial to understand the limits of your vehicle and trailer. Overloading your vehicle or exceeding the maximum towing capacity can lead to dangerous situations, including brake failure, loss of control, and damage to the vehicle’s drivetrain. Always check the weight of your trailer, including cargo, and ensure that it falls within the Highlander’s towing capacity.
Distribute Weight Evenly
Proper weight distribution is critical for safe towing. Ensure that the weight is evenly distributed in the trailer and that the tongue weight (the downward force exerted by the trailer on the hitch) is within the recommended range. For most trailers, the tongue weight should be between 10% and 15% of the total trailer weight.
Use Trailer Brakes
If you’re towing a trailer that exceeds 1,000 pounds, it’s recommended to use trailer brakes to help reduce the stopping distance and prevent excessive wear on the vehicle’s brakes. The 2018 Highlander is equipped with a trailer brake controller, which allows you to adjust the braking force of the trailer’s brakes.
Drive Cautiously
Towing requires a different driving approach than regular driving. The additional weight of the trailer affects acceleration, braking, and handling, so driving more cautiously is essential. Allow longer stopping distances, take turns more slowly, and avoid sudden lane changes or abrupt movements. Always keep an eye on your mirrors to monitor the trailer and be aware of other vehicles around you.
Check Tire Pressure
Tyre pressures on both your vehicle and your trailer should be checked before embarking on a towing journey. Underinflated tyres can lead to poor handling, increased fuel consumption, and a higher risk of blowouts. Ensure that all tyres are inflated to the recommended levels.
Regular Maintenance
Towing puts additional strain on your vehicle, so regular maintenance is essential. Before towing, check the engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant levels, and brake pads to ensure your vehicle is in good working condition. Regular maintenance will help prevent breakdowns and ensure your car is ready for the towing demands.
Real-World Towing Scenarios
Let’s explore some real-world towing scenarios you might encounter with a 2018 Toyota Highlander to provide a more practical perspective.
Towing a Boat
If you’re an avid boater, the Highlander’s 5,000-pound towing capacity allows you to tow various boats. For example, a 20-foot fishing boat or a small pontoon boat falls within this range. The Highlander’s AWD option can also be beneficial when launching and retrieving a boat from the water, providing additional traction on slippery ramps.
Towing a Travel Trailer
The 2018 Highlander can tow many mid-sized travel trailers, making it a viable option for family camping trips. For example, a lightweight travel trailer with a dry weight of around 3,500 pounds would be a good match for the Highlander, leaving room for cargo and passengers. Check the trailer’s weight with all gear loaded to ensure it doesn’t exceed the vehicle’s towing capacity.
Towing a Utility Trailer
If you need to haul equipment, furniture, or other items, the Highlander can easily handle a utility trailer. Whether moving house, landscaping equipment, or carrying a motorcycle, the Highlander provides the power and stability needed.
Fuel Efficiency and Towing
One consideration when towing is the impact on fuel efficiency. The 2018 Toyota Highlander offers respectable fuel economy for a midsize SUV, but towing will inevitably decrease this efficiency. The V6-powered Highlander achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway in FWD configuration, and 19 mpg city/26 mpg on the highway with AWD. However, you can expect these numbers to drop when towing, particularly during highway driving.
To maximise fuel efficiency while towing, consider the following tips:
- Maintain a Steady Speed: Avoid rapid acceleration and deceleration, which can negatively impact fuel efficiency. Use cruise control when appropriate to maintain a consistent speed.
- Minimise Drag: If possible, reduce aerodynamic drag by packing your load efficiently and avoiding unnecessary accessories on the vehicle’s roof.
- Plan Your Route: Try to choose routes with fewer hills and traffic, as stop-and-go driving and steep inclines can significantly reduce fuel efficiency.
Conclusion
The 2018 Toyota Highlander is a versatile and capable SUV that offers solid towing capacity, especially when equipped with the V6 engine and towing package. Whether you tow a boat for a weekend getaway, a travel trailer for a family vacation, or a utility trailer for work, the Highlander provides the power, stability, and features needed for a safe and successful towing experience.
However, as with any towing situation, it’s essential to be mindful of your vehicle’s limits and take the necessary precautions to ensure safety on the road. By understanding your Highlander’s towing capabilities and following best practices, you can confidently tow a wide range of trailers and enjoy this SUV’s flexibility and convenience.
In summary, the 2018 Toyota Highlander balances everyday practicality and towing capability, making it an excellent choice for those who need a vehicle that can do it all. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a family on the go, the Highlander is ready to take on the challenge.