Toyota’s family SUV, the Highlander, underwent a thorough freshening in 2017 and is scheduled for a full makeover for 2019, so it remains unchanged for 2018. I tested the 2017 model, so why review the model this year? The answer is that the model still stands on its own as a 2018, and deserves a test to also see if we were accurate in our appraisal from a year ago.

This third-generation of the three-row family SUV, debuted in 2014, but the Highlander began its life in late 2000, known as the Toyota Kuraga (pronounced Kluger) in Japan and Australia. The name "Kluger" derives from the German word "klüger", meaning "clever" or "very clever. In January 2001, Highlander became the first car-based midsize SUV or midsize crossover available in North America and it has been a solid seller for Toyota ever since.

Moving to 2018, Highlander combines a family-use personality with niche-solid economy and driver-friendly maneuverability for in-town and soft-road utility.

The Highlander exterior features a bold grille, striking LED taillights, a sophisticated silhouette, low roofline and sculptured side-door panels. Highlander measures 192.5 inches long, 75.8 inches wide and 68.1 inches high on a 109.8-inch wheelbase, to provide 8.0 inches of ground clearance and a towing capacity of 5000 lbs., with a curbweight in Limited trim of 4495 lbs.

Available in 4-cylinder and V-6 powertrain configurations, the 2.7-liter 4-cylinder is coupled with a 6-speed Electronically Controlled automatic transmission with FWD, and with intelligence (ECT-i), sequential shift mode and snow mode. The system is good for 185hp and 184 lbs.-ft. of torque for an EPA estimate of 20mpg/city, 24mpg/highway and 22/combined.

The 3.5-liter V-6 engine that powered my test vehicle, delivers 295hp and 263 lbs.-ft- of torque, mated with a Direct Shift – 8AT, 8-speed Electronically Controlled automatic transmission with intelligence in either FWD or AWD, for an EPA fuel rating of 20mpg/city, 26mpg/highway and 22mpg/combined for AWD.

I tested the 2018 Highlander Limited in better conditions than I tested last year’s model – clear roads this year vs. snowy roads in 2017. This year, the better conditions improved fuel consumption from 21.9mpg in 2017, to 22.8, in mixed-use driving. Acceleration and performance were as expected with good response from a stop and in passing. Track tests were nearly identical to last year, as I shaved one-tenth second off both runs -- 7.6 seconds from zero-to-60mph and a 15.9-second quarter-mile.

The interior is well-crafted and quiet, and seats seven, providing 39.5 inches of front headroom (with moonroof), 39.6 in row two and 35.9 inches in row three; leg room is 44.2, 38.4 and a child-worthy 27.7 in row three, with shoulder room of 59.3, 59.6 and 55.0.

My Limited trim cabin was packed with infotainment and amenities upgraded with Entune™ Premium JBL®Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite. Blue LED ambient lighting around the dash and doors adds a touch of high-tech elegance, and comfortable second-row captain’s chairs, perforated leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a 4-way power passenger seat and memory settings for the driver seat and side mirrors set the luxury tone for driver and passengers.

From a safety perspective, Highlander earned an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ ranking --qualifying for the award with standard equipment. Highlander is among numerous Toyotas employing the innovative Toyota Safety Sense™ P driver-assist technology as standard. TSS-P uses millimeter-wave radar and a monocular camera sensor to detect obstacles and automatically apply braking if necessary to help mitigate or avoid collisions in certain conditions. TSS-P includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection function; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist function; Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams.

Available in LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited and Limited Platinum trims, as well as four Hybrid trims starting at $36,270, the gas-version Highlander starts at $31,030 for the base model and tops out with the Limited Platinum starting at $46,660. Prices are up $400 per model for 2018. The Hybrids start at $36,670 and run to $48,280. My test Limited based at a $43,540 starting price that included the3.5-liter engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P) package, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear Parking Assist Sonar, Integrated Backup Camera, Smart Key System+ Liftgate with Push Button Start, Leather-Trimmed Steering Wheel, Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel, Heated/Ventilated Front Seats, Seating for Seven with Second-Row Captain's Chairs and 60/40 Split Third-Row Seats, Multi-Information Display, Roll-Top Center Console, Soft-Touch In-Dash Shelf, Three-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Entune™ Premium JBL®Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, Height-Adjustable Power Liftgate and Flip-Up Rear Hatch, Chromtec® Roof Rails and a Moonroof.

Blizzard Pearl paint was matched to an Almond Perforated Leather interior. A rear seat Blue-ray Disc™ entertainment system with9-inch display added $1810; the All-Weather Floor Liner Package (front, rear and cargo) added $249; Body Side moldings added $209, Door Edge Guards added $125;Remote Engine Starter added $499; Roof Rack Cross Bars added $350 and Running Boards added $599. With Delivery, Processing and Handling fees of $995 ($35 more than last year), my test 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited stickered at $48,771 (with slightly different accessories, the sticker was $2760 higher than my test Highlander last year).

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

At one point in car show history, there were a few “big” Mopar themed events across the United States. Knowing they could not do them all, these “options” forced enthusiasts to have to decide which event to attend. Over time; however, the little show that could, the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, did and as such, Mopar lovers no longer have to decide IF they’ll be at Carlisle each July. Now it’s just a matter of when and for 2018, when is July 13-15 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.

It’s not just the cars that draw guests to Carlisle, it’s the people AND the swap meet. Of course, the cars, nearly 3,000 of them, help anchor the event. 2018 spotlights a handful of anniversaries that focus on the history of the brand. Displays include 50 years of the Plymouth Road Runner, 50 years of the Dodge Super Bee, 50 years of the 340 engine, 50 years of the Hemi Dart and Barracuda and 25 years of the LH platform. A limited edition die-cast A12 Road Runner will be available to make that celebration even better. There’s also the always popular Mopar Survivor display and wide array of special guests too.

Guests include the Ramchargers and Golden Commandos, Herb McCandless, Linda Vaughn of Hurst fame and of course Chrysler themselves. Speaking of the McCandless family, the McCandless Antique Auto collection will feature some of the finest cars including a display of convertibles from the Forward Look era. The Mopar garage always anchors a massive portion of the midway and they do their best to not only showcase their top products, but also feature a variety of show vehicles by canvasing the field to find owners of cars and trucks to interview and share their stories via Dodge and Mopar’s official social media channels.

Cars and trucks don’t just sit on the showfield, they compete too. There are a few automotive competitions that always draw a crowd. Those competitions include the real street autocross shootout, thrill rides with Dodge and even the burnout contest. Other activities include the Daisy Duke contest and walk-arounds of the latest offerings from Dodge. In addition to the new vehicles, we also offer seminars to help you learn more about older Mopars too. Our most popular seminar last year was also our newest called the Restorers Roundtable. We brought in the best Mopar restorers in the business to answer YOUR questions to help you get over that hump with your project. Based on that popularity, it is back for 2018.

Another added bonus with your paid admission to the Chrysler Nationals is free walk-in access to the Hurst Nationals. This event is held just across the street at our Carlisle Expo Center where you’ll find an outdoor show field and an air-conditioned, indoor invitational display. This is open to all Hurst-equipped vehicles. While it might not be an all-Mopar event, it is free with your Chrysler Nationals admission and if you’d rather not walk, we’ll even take you there on our free shuttle. The Hurst Nationals is Friday and Saturday only.

There is so much to see and do at this show that three days simply can’t accommodate it all. Much of the fun rolls into the evenings such as the Mopar Hall of Fame on Saturday where we’ll honor the 2018 inductees. Many Mopar enthusiast will converge on Carlisle earlier in the week. The demand for all things Mopar is such that the Mopar Rebellion car club will once again host its annual event kick-off party at the Carlisle Expo Center. This party starts at about 4 p.m. on July 12 and hosts a few hundred cars. In addition, there’s BBQ, a DJ and more.

The kick-off party is FREE for guests and for event weekend itself, tickets and complete details are available online now at www.CarlisleEvents.com. Further, anyone looking to secure a swap meet space at the world’s largest all-Mopar themed swap meet, the Carlisle Events office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Would be vendors should call 717-243-7855.

Acura upgraded its luxury SUV lineup in 2001, when it replaced the under-selling SLX with a newly initialed mid-size crossover that was created to supply “Multi-Dimensional luXury," or MDX.

The third-generation Acura MDX received a complete redesign for the 2014 model year and received a major refreshening in 2017 that included tweaked exterior styling, a bold new diamond pentagon grille drawn from the Acura Precision Concept, and a suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies -- AcuraWatch™. With a full redesign scheduled for the 2020 model year, MDX stands pat for the most part for 2018, gaining a redesigned dual-screen infotainment interface with more menus and faster response; a new 7.0-inch capacitive touchscreen; standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility; and two new exterior colors -- Basque Red and San Marino Red.

Acura’s only three-row vehicle, MDX was designed at the Acura Design Studio in Torrance, Calif., with the new grille integrated with a sharply sculpted hood, front fascia and front fenders coupled with unique LED fog lights and restyled Jewel Eye™ headlights, for an “executive athletic” demeanor. A full complement of bright, efficient LED lighting enhances the elegant look, and luxury exterior features include a one-touch power moonroof, power folding outside mirrors, high-performance all-season tires, available roof rails, and remote keyless entry.

Thanks to its use of advanced materials including aluminum, high-strength steel and magnesium, MDX offers refined ride quality, while a 4.5-mm thick, 3-layer acoustic windshield and 4.8-mm front door glass help mitigate vibration, and wind, road and traffic noise in the cabin.

Sculpted with roundness and refined softness, MDX measures 193.6 inches long, 77.2 inches wide and 67.6 inches high on a 111-inch wheelbase. MDX has a ground clearance of 7.3 inches empty and 5.3 inches full, weighing in with a curbweight of only 4063 pounds with the Tech and Entertainment packages.

MDX is a class-leader with its combination of power and fuel efficiency. Muscle comes from an advanced 3.5-liter direct-injected i-VTEC® V-6 engine rated at 290 peak horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. peak torque. Acura’s i-VTEC® (intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) for the intake valves is combined with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) to widen the power band and maximize fuel efficiency. During startup, aggressive acceleration or when climbing hills, VCM operates the engine on all six cylinders. During moderate speed cruising and at low or moderate engine loads, the system operates just the front cylinder bank.

Coupled with a 9-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters, I found good passing power and decent off-the-line speed. A trip to the track showed a 6.7 second zero-to-60mph sprint and a 14.2-second quarter-mile.

My AWD test ride was rated at 19mpg/city, 26mpg/highway, and my week of mixed-use tests including some soft-road excursions yielded an economy average 24.1mpg.

While I wouldn’t recommend extreme off-road challenges with this crossover, the suspension was equal to most pothole tasks, and the quiet cabin was stable with responsive steering and minimal yaw and wobble during quick maneuvers.

Inside, MDX is luxurious, quiet, roomy (for the first two rows), and filled with tech, safety and convenience, though that might also be due to the option packages installed. With seating for seven, headroom is good for average-sized inhabitants, but crunched for the tall. Front headroom is 38.1 inches, second row headroom is 38.3 inches and the third row shows 35.6. Legroom goes 41.4, 36.6 and a very tight 28.1 in the kids’ third row. Shoulder room comes in at 61.1, 59.1 and 54.7.

An IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-star rating-winner, every MDX model and trim level includes the AcuraWatch™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technology, including Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Road Departure Mitigation. Using millimeter wave radar and a monocular camera to detect other vehicles as well as lane markings, AcuraWatch can help intervene to prevent or mitigate the severity of a collision.

The 2018 Acura MDX starts at $44.200 for front wheel drive and $46,200 for the SH-AWD model. The Sport-Hybrid in SH-AWD starts at $52,100.

The MDX SH-AWD Technology Package model (GPS-linked climate control, Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers, Power Folding Side Mirrors with LED Puddle Lights, Remote Engine Start Color Multi-Information Display with Turn-By-Turn Guidance, Blind Spot Information System, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, Acura Navigation System with 3D View and HD Traffic™ and Traffic Rerouting™, 10-speaker premium audio system, and more) adds $4400 and starts at $50,600; the Advanced Package (Idle Stop for improved fuel efficiency, perforated leather interior, Heated and Ventilated Front Seats, Heated Steering Wheel, Auto Dimming Side Mirrors, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Surround View Camera and more) adds $6050; and the Entertainment Package (9-inch Full VGA Screen, 11th Speaker for Improved Surround Sound, heated second-row bench seats and more) adds $2000.

My test ride was the MDX SH-AWD with Tech, Entertainment and the Advance Packages included. Also added were Cross Bars for $250; Body Side Molding for $259; Door Edge Guards for $109 and Moonroof Visor for $172. Destination charges increased the sticker by $995, for a price-as-tested of $60,435.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

The pre-event press release for Spring Carlisle written in January said something about the feel of winter and its accompanying snow being a thing of the past by the time show week came around in April. Ooops! In all seriousness, the annual spring event went off without a hitch between April 18 and April 22 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds and neighboring Carlisle Expo Center. Sure, it snowed on Tuesday, but since that wasn’t an event day, does it really count?

Spring Carlisle ushered in the 2018 Carlisle based schedule for Carlisle Events and did so with beautiful weather for everyone to enjoy. Entering its 44th season, Carlisle once again offered the best outlet known to man (or woman) for guests from around the world to buy, sell and trade all things automotive. Spring Carlisle offered a little bit of something for everything, including the massive swap meet, the expansive car corral, on-site metal fabrication seminars with Pro Metal Shop and event special guests.

Coming to Carlisle in conjunction with Hagerty Insurance was author host of Hagerty’s Barn Find Hunter program; Tom Cotter. In addition, guests at Spring Carlisle were surprised with an unannounced visit from Andy Cohen of Junkyard Empire on Velocity. Not only did Cohen come to Carlisle to shop, he brought his production crew with him to film segments for an upcoming episode of his show. Now, why did he come to the show? Because Carlisle is THE place to be for car lovers of all types. In fact, Cohen coming to town is the exact thing guests are advised of all the time; meaning they can literally be walking the aisles and shopping alongside TV stars and sometimes they don’t even know it.

The on-site seminars also served as a fund raiser of sorts for a local animal rescue. Guests not only gained some knowledge from fabrication expert Steve Mercurio, they also had the chance to donate pet food and supplies to Speranza, a central Pennsylvania organization known for rehabbing abandoned, abused and neglected dogs.

From the midway and its always growing list of vendors to the swap meet, car corral, food vendors, industry experts and more, Spring Carlisle 2018 really did live up to its label as one of the top 5 automotive events of its type in the world…and that doesn’t even include the three-day collector car auction, powered by Carlisle Auctions (more on that in a separate release).

While Spring Carlisle is a wrap, it’s only the beginning of the fun at Carlisle in 2018. Up next, running May 18-20 is the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals. It’ll serve as the first of six specialty events before giving way to Fall Carlisle in October. The fall event is similar to the spring show but wraps up the year with five days of shopping and swapping fun. Fall Carlisle runs October 3-7 and tickets for it as well as other events are for sale now at www.CarlisleEvents.com.

It took forever for the feeling of spring to go from concept to reality in central Pennsylvania, but when it did, the amazing weather served as THE perfect backdrop for Carlisle Auctions and its second auction event of the year. For three days, the Carlisle Expo Center came to life as part of the auction, which ran concurrently with Spring Carlisle. Of all the auctions ever produced by Carlisle Auctions, this one was, hands down, THE BEST EVER!

Over 500 consignments crossed the block and between the first slamming of the gavel on Thursday, April 19 to the final hammer to fall on Saturday, April 21, 62% of the consignments sold. If that’s not enough of a “wow” factor, how about the fact that the top five selling rides sold for $435,000. Overall, Carlisle Auctions tallied $5.7 million in total sales, an all-time best for the brand. Bidder count was up over last year’s event too, as well as the overall quality of consignment. This combination helped amass an unmatched energy in the room as well as the aforementioned $5.7 million in sales.

As top five selling cars go, the list is as follows:

1) 1969 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 Convertible $103,000
2) 1989 Ferrari Testarossa $90,000
3) 1966 Chevrolet Corvette $85,000
4) 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 $82,500
5) 1966 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350 $75,000

Honorable mention to this list was a low mileage, one owner 1972 Chrysler Town & Country wagon. This gem was impeccable, loaded with all of the top of the line features of its time and went home with just its second owner ever. At $55,000, it is believed to be world record price for a 1972 Chrysler Town & Country.

Ultimately, Carlisle Auctions continues to set the bar high and backed by its FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee, plans to offer another stellar event this summer. Brand new to the auction slate, the Summer Sale, a stand-alone auction offering, runs June 16 at the Carlisle Expo Center and spotlights 200+ consignments. It all starts at 12 p.m. and complete details on that event, plus results from this one can be found at www.CarlisleAuctions.com.