Only some do. Toyota made Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert standard on the 2018 Highlander XLE grade and above. The L, LE and LE Plus grades were not listed with it, so many 2018 Highlanders on the road today have no blind spot warning at all. It can be added with a radar-based kit.
Does the 2018 Toyota Highlander have blind spot monitor? The grade breakdown
Toyota's 2018 Highlander announcement placed BSM with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) on the XLE and higher grades, which covers the XLE, SE, Limited and Limited Platinum, including the hybrid versions of those grades. The entry grades (L, LE and LE Plus) were described without it. Toyota Safety Sense-P, which brings pre-collision braking and lane departure alert, was standard across the line that year, which is why many owners assume their Highlander also watches the blind spot. Those are separate systems.
How to tell if your Highlander has it
- Look at the outside mirrors. Factory BSM places a small warning indicator in each side mirror glass. No indicator, no BSM.
- Check the rear bumper corners. Toyota's system uses radar sensors behind the rear bumper. They aren't visible, but a body shop or dealer can confirm.
- Read the window sticker or run the VIN. The original Monroney label lists the grade and any packages.
How factory Toyota BSM behaves
According to Toyota's own training material, the radar watches the zones beside and behind the vehicle and lights the mirror indicator when another vehicle is there; if you signal toward it, the light flashes. RCTA uses the same radar when you shift into reverse, warning of traffic approaching from either side. Toyota stresses that drivers should still check mirrors and look over their shoulder.
Adding blind spot detection to an L, LE or LE Plus
GCH's Authentic OEM BlindSpot Detection with Cross Traffic Detection is a radar system built from original equipment components. Per the listing, it:
- Uses radar mounted behind the bumper, so it needs a plastic bumper fascia (the Highlander's rear bumper cover qualifies)
- Adds cross traffic detection that checks left and right of the bumper when you back out of a space
- Comes in two versions: CAN, which reads reverse, turn-signal and speed data from the vehicle network, and VSS, which connects to the vehicle speed signal wire
The listing notes that Toyota, Lexus and Subaru typically use the VSS configuration. Message GCH with your VIN before ordering to confirm the right version for your Highlander.
FAQ
Did the 2018 Highlander Hybrid get BSM?
Toyota listed it as standard on XLE and higher grades, gas and hybrid alike. A Hybrid LE would not have it.
Will an added system light up my mirrors?
Indicator placement depends on the kit and install. Ask GCH how the alert is displayed on your Highlander before you buy.
Why isn't this feature on every trim?
We covered that in Why isn't blind spot warning standard on every car?
Next step
Check your mirrors and window sticker, then look at the OEM BlindSpot Detection kit. If you're unsure which version fits, contact GCH with your VIN.