As new and veteran parents shy away from family sedans and minivans, crossovers have gained momentum, accounting for 40 percent of new automotive sales. While these crossovers have given consumers more utility and versatility than ever, the love of these vehicles has also caused cutthroat competition, making it more difficult for buyers to choose the right one. Fortunately, the 2018 Toyota Highlander makes it easier than you might think, especially if you’re raising a family.
Entune Infotainment System
When you’re in for a long haul, the best plan of action to keep your kids under control is to keep them constantly distracted. That’s when the Highlander’s Entune Infotainment multimedia bundle becomes your best friend. With the available 8-inch touch-screen display, you can access SiriusXM satellite radio, which features over 150 channels, including kids’ stations that offer both songs and stories.
As a parent, you’ll love the easy-access navigation system. Plug in where you want to go, and the navigation system will turn you into a modern-day Magellan, while also cutting the time your kids have to bicker if you get lost.
Cargo and Passenger Space
When you need extra space for cargo or passengers, the 2018 Toyota Highlander delivers on both fronts. Standard third-row seating accommodates up to eight passengers, or you can opt for the second-row captain’s chairs that reduce capacity to seven, but increases comfort tenfold.
The Highlander offers unparalleled versatility, offering plenty of space for even the largest items. With all three rows upright, the Highlander boasts 13.7 cubic feet of space, which is equivalent to the trunk space in most sedans. Fold the third-row seats down, and the cargo capacity increases to 42.3 cubic feet. Need to maximize your storage space? Take all the seats down to unveil a whopping 83.7 cubic feet, which is enough room to fit just about anything.
Advanced Safety Systems
The 2018 Toyota Highlander earns a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick nod from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. To garner such accolades, the Highlander turns to a number of advanced safety systems that mitigate accidents or limit injury if a collision should occur.
Toyota’s Advanced Air Bag System provides eight air bags throughout the cabin for ultimate protection during a wreck. This includes roll-sensing side curtain air bags in all three rows if the Highlander is involved in a rollover accident.
Available on all trims of the Highlander, Toyota Safety Sense P is another safety suite devised to avoid collisions before they happen. Using sensors, radar, and cameras, the safety system alerts drivers of an impending accident, while also offering semi-autonomous driving. Automatic high beams, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and dynamic radar cruise control highlight the offerings of this outstanding, innovative system.
With so much to offer, the 2018 Toyota Highlander is the perfect family car for proactive newlyweds all the way up to pre-empty nesters. Even after the kids are out of the house, you’re almost certain to keep on loving this vehicle.
Image via Flickr by ilamtoyota