SUMMARY
Practicality and reliability are at the center of what makes a good family SUV. Toyota is popular exactly for those reasons and the 2022 Toyota Highlander embodies this with all of the different choices that drivers can avail of. The V6 powertrain, although lacking in the excitement factor, does give drivers a smooth experience and agreeable acceleration performance. As you upgrade to higher trim levels, you’ll find the Highlander to be just as luxurious as its other rivals in the mid-sized SUV market. This 2022 Toyota Highlander review will look into the specs and features that give it a lot of value as a family-oriented SUV.
LATEST
For the gasoline models, models like the XLE and above get height-adjustable powered seating available for front passengers. Other than this, the 2022 Toyota Highlander sees no major changes to its design and standard offerings.
ESTIMATED PRICE
The 2022 Toyota Highlander price varies with the 6 different trim levels available for this year’s release. For us, we feel that the XLE and XSE models offer a nice middle-ground when considering standard features. The XLE even has optional packages for the infotainment system, allowing it access to features standard on the XSE and above. The roster of 2022 Toyota Highlander colors includes Midnight Black Metallic, Blueprint, Ruby Flare Pearl, Moon Dust, and other options which make a total of 9 different colorways. Below is our 2022 Toyota Highlander cost table which details the different starting MSRPs of each trim level.
| Trim (Drivetrain) | MSRP* |
| 2022 Toyota Highlander L | $35,405* |
| 2022 Toyota Highlander LE | $37,605* |
| 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE | $40,605* |
| 2022 Toyota Highlander XSE | $42,200* |
| 2022 Toyota Highlander Limited | $44,560* |
| 2022 Toyota Highlander Platinum | $47,560* |
Toyota is well known for its leasing program which provides buyers with an easier way to finance their dream cars. The 2022 Toyota Highlander lease price is available on their website alongside other financing options you can avail of. Make sure to check their site out for the best deals you can get within your local area.
MACHINE PERFORMANCE
Looking at the 2022 Toyota Highlander specs, we can see that there’s a lot of power behind the hood. The traditional gasoline models make use of a 3.5-Liter V6 engine that produces around 295 horsepower and a torque output of 263 pounds-feet. All models come with a Direct Shift 8-speed Automatic transmission and come in either Front-wheel drive or All-wheel drive setups. Higher-end models, starting from the XSE trim level, have the option for a Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system. It distributes torque across all 4 wheels, improving the performance of the vehicle across a wide range of situations. The SUVs stopping power is provided by a set of power-assisted disc brakes both measuring 13.3-inches in diameter.
FUEL EFFICIENT & ACTUAL MPG
The 2022 Toyota Highlander has already been rated by the EPA for fuel efficiency, producing scores that are onpar with that of the competition. The FWD is the more efficient option of the two drivetrains as it scored 1 MPG higher on the combined category and 2 MPGs higher on the Highway category. All models of the Highlander can carry a total of 17.9 gallons of fuel on a full refill. Below are the different MPG scores of the two drivetrains of the 2022 Toyota Highlander:
| Trim Mileage Estimates | City/mpg | Highway/mpg | Combined/mpg |
| 2022 Toyota Highlander FWD | 21 | 29 | 24 |
| 2022 Toyota Highlander AWD | 20 | 27 | 23 |
INTERIOR, SOLACE & BAGGAGE
Toyota’s work on the 2022 Toyota Highlander interior is quite the upgrade from previous models, especially with the materials used on the cabin itself. The Highlander’s passenger volume varies from 141.3 cubic feet without the moonroof and 139.1 cubic feet with the moonroof installed. The Platinum model has a volume of 136.1 cubic feet with the addition of the panoramic moonroof taking slightly more space. For cargo capacity, the Toyota Highlander has a total capacity of 84.3 cubic feet if stowing cargo from the back of the front row of seats. From the back of the 2nd row, storage space is around 48.4 cubic feet and decreases to 16.0 cubic feet with all three rows of seating used.
TOWING CAPACITY
Although there’s no information on the axle ratio of this SUV, we do know that the 2022 Toyota Highlander towing capacity is rated at 5,000 pounds. This goes for both AWD and FWD drivetrains and takes into consideration the addition of the right towing accessories for optimal performance.
TECHNOLOGY
The infotainment system found on this year’s release of the Toyota Highlander starts with an 8.0-inch touchscreen. The Platinum trim level shakes this up with an upgraded 12.3-inch touchscreen. All models come with an Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity as standard features alongside Bluetooth wireless technology. Even the base L model comes with Amazon Alexa compatibility, allowing drivers access to Amazon’s wide range of applications and services. Starting on the XLE model, the Highlander SUV comes with Premium Audio features and a Dynamic Navigation System that’s available with a 3-year trial. The audio system found on the Highlander lineup starts with a basic 6-speaker setup that’s upgraded to an 11-speaker audio setup sourced from JBL. It comes with an integrated subwoofer and amplifier unit for improved sound quality.
SAFETY
The NHTSA has given the 2022 Toyota Highlander a highly respectable 5-star score for overall safety rating. The safety suite and driver-assistive technologies found on the models of the Toyota Highlander help bring safety and security to all passengers and drivers, a mark of the brand’s focus on quality. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite is available across the whole lineup and comes with features like Pre-Collision Systems, Lane Departure Alerts, Automatic High Beams, a Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system, and other advanced features. The Star Safety System provides a selection of safety features that make sure the driver always has control. Some features include an Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control systems, and Smart Stop technology.
WARRANTY
Toyota offers a warranty package that is just about average when compared to other manufacturers. Their limited warranty spans 3 years or the first 36,000 miles driven, whichever comes first. Next is their powertrain warranty which lasts 5 years with a mileage limit of 60,000 miles driven. They also offer a package for complimentary scheduled maintenance which is available for 2 years with a limit of 25,000 miles driven.