2022 Toyota Highlander L: Reviews, Specs, & More!

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

Hey guys! Thinking about getting a new SUV? Let’s dive deep into the 2022 Toyota Highlander L. We're going to explore everything you need to know, from reviews and specs to what makes this ride a solid choice for families and adventurers alike. Buckle up; it's going to be a comprehensive overview!

Overview of the 2022 Toyota Highlander L

The 2022 Toyota Highlander L serves as the base trim in the Highlander lineup, offering a compelling mix of value, practicality, and reliability – all the hallmarks of the Toyota brand. Even as the entry-level model, the 'L' doesn't skimp on essential features, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who still desire a capable and comfortable SUV. The Highlander, in general, is known for its spacious cabin, smooth ride, and reputation for longevity, and the 'L' trim embodies these qualities while keeping the price point accessible.

From the outside, the Highlander L presents a familiar and appealing aesthetic. It shares the same overall design language as the higher trims, featuring a bold front grille, sleek headlights, and a streamlined silhouette. Inside, you'll find a well-laid-out cabin with comfortable seating for eight passengers, making it an excellent choice for large families or those who frequently carpool. The materials used are durable and practical, designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. While it may not have all the fancy bells and whistles of the more expensive trims, the Highlander L prioritizes functionality and ease of use.

Under the hood, the 2022 Highlander L is powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers a satisfying blend of power and efficiency. Mated to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, this engine provides ample acceleration for merging onto highways and tackling everyday driving situations. The Highlander L also comes standard with front-wheel drive, which helps to maximize fuel economy. However, all-wheel drive is available as an option for those who need extra traction in inclement weather conditions. In terms of safety, the Highlander L comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. These features provide added peace of mind and help to prevent accidents.

Overall, the 2022 Toyota Highlander L is a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot of value for the money. It's a practical, reliable, and comfortable choice for families and individuals who need a spacious and versatile vehicle. While it may not be the flashiest or most luxurious SUV on the market, it excels in the areas that matter most to everyday drivers: dependability, functionality, and affordability.

Key Specs and Features

Let's break down the specs and features that make the 2022 Toyota Highlander L tick. Understanding these details will give you a clearer picture of what this SUV brings to the table.

Engine and Performance

The heart of the 2022 Highlander L is a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing a respectable 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive shifts. Front-wheel drive is standard, but you can opt for all-wheel drive for enhanced traction in various weather conditions. This powertrain delivers a good balance of power and efficiency, making it suitable for both city driving and long road trips.

  • Engine: 3.5-liter V6
  • Horsepower: 295 hp
  • Torque: 263 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (standard), All-wheel drive (optional)

Interior and Technology

Inside the Highlander L, you'll find a functional and comfortable cabin. It comes standard with cloth upholstery, but the seats are well-cushioned and supportive. The infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is easy to use and responsive. It also includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps. Other standard features include a six-speaker audio system, three-zone automatic climate control, and five USB ports.

  • Seating Capacity: 8 passengers
  • Infotainment System: 8-inch touchscreen display
  • Smartphone Integration: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa
  • Audio System: Six speakers
  • Climate Control: Three-zone automatic climate control
  • USB Ports: Five

Safety Features

Toyota prioritizes safety, and the Highlander L comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, road sign assist, and automatic high beams. These features work together to help prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe on the road. In addition to these advanced systems, the Highlander L also comes standard with eight airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.

  • Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+:
    • Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
    • Lane departure alert with steering assist
    • Lane tracing assist
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Road sign assist
    • Automatic high beams
  • Airbags: Eight
  • Anti-lock Brakes: Standard
  • Electronic Stability Control: Standard

Fuel Economy

For an SUV of its size, the 2022 Toyota Highlander L offers respectable fuel economy. The front-wheel-drive model is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive model gets slightly lower ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. These figures are competitive with other SUVs in its class, making the Highlander L a practical choice for those who want a spacious vehicle without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

  • Fuel Economy (FWD): 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway
  • Fuel Economy (AWD): 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway

Interior and Exterior Design

Let's talk about the design – both inside and out – of the 2022 Toyota Highlander L. It’s crucial because, let’s face it, you want something that looks good and feels comfortable.

Exterior Aesthetics

The 2022 Highlander L sports a modern and refined exterior design. While it's the base trim, it doesn't look basic. It features a bold front grille, sleek LED headlights, and a sculpted body that gives it a strong presence on the road. The overall design is aerodynamic, which contributes to better fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise. The Highlander L comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, which add to its stylish appearance. The exterior mirrors are heated and power-adjustable, providing added convenience in cold weather. Overall, the Highlander L's exterior design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

  • Front Grille: Bold and distinctive
  • Headlights: Sleek LED headlights
  • Wheels: 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Exterior Mirrors: Heated and power-adjustable

Interior Comfort and Layout

Inside the Highlander L, you'll find a spacious and well-designed cabin. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making it ideal for long drives. The layout is functional and intuitive, with all the controls within easy reach. The Highlander L comes standard with cloth upholstery, but it's durable and easy to clean. The second-row seats can slide and recline, providing added comfort for passengers. The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, but they're still usable for short trips. With all the seats in place, the Highlander L offers a decent amount of cargo space. However, when you fold down the second and third-row seats, you get a cavernous cargo area that's perfect for hauling large items. The interior design of the Highlander L is both practical and comfortable, making it a great choice for families and individuals who need a versatile vehicle.

  • Seating: Comfortable and supportive seats
  • Upholstery: Durable cloth upholstery
  • Second-Row Seats: Slide and recline
  • Third-Row Seats: Suitable for children or smaller adults
  • Cargo Space: Decent amount with all seats in place, cavernous with seats folded down

Driving Experience and Performance

Alright, let’s get to the fun part: how the 2022 Toyota Highlander L actually drives! Is it smooth? Is it responsive? Let's find out.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander L delivers a smooth and comfortable driving experience. The 3.5-liter V6 engine provides ample power for merging onto highways and passing other vehicles. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and seamlessly, making for a relaxed and enjoyable ride. The Highlander L's suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps and imperfections in the road. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Overall, the Highlander L is a well-balanced SUV that's both comfortable and capable.

On the Road

On the road, the Highlander L feels stable and composed. It handles well for an SUV of its size, with minimal body roll in corners. The brakes are strong and responsive, providing confident stopping power. The Highlander L is also relatively quiet inside, thanks to its well-insulated cabin. This makes it a great choice for long road trips, as you won't be bothered by excessive noise. The adaptive cruise control system works well, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. The lane departure alert system can be a bit intrusive at times, but it can be easily turned off if you find it annoying. Overall, the Highlander L is a comfortable and enjoyable vehicle to drive on the road.

Off-Road Capabilities

While the Highlander L is not designed for serious off-roading, it can handle light off-road conditions. The available all-wheel-drive system provides added traction on slippery surfaces, such as snow or gravel. The Highlander L also has a decent amount of ground clearance, which allows it to clear small obstacles. However, it's important to remember that the Highlander L is still an SUV, not a dedicated off-road vehicle. It doesn't have the same level of capability as a Jeep or a Land Rover. If you're planning on doing any serious off-roading, you'll need to choose a different vehicle. However, for light off-road adventures, the Highlander L is a capable and reliable choice.

Pros and Cons

No vehicle is perfect, so let’s lay out the pros and cons of the 2022 Toyota Highlander L to give you a balanced view.

Pros

  • Spacious and Comfortable Cabin: The Highlander L offers a spacious and comfortable cabin that can accommodate up to eight passengers. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, making it ideal for long drives.
  • Smooth and Powerful Engine: The 3.5-liter V6 engine provides ample power for merging onto highways and passing other vehicles. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and seamlessly.
  • Comprehensive Suite of Safety Features: The Highlander L comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+.
  • Reliable and Durable: Toyota is known for its reliability, and the Highlander L is no exception. It's a well-built SUV that's designed to last.

Cons

  • Base Trim Features: Being the base trim, some may find the features a bit too basic compared to higher trims.
  • Third-Row Seating: The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults. They're not as comfortable as the second-row seats.
  • Limited Off-Road Capability: While the Highlander L can handle light off-road conditions, it's not designed for serious off-roading.

Final Verdict

So, what’s the final word on the 2022 Toyota Highlander L? If you’re looking for a reliable, spacious, and safe SUV that won’t break the bank, this could be an excellent choice. Its blend of practicality, comfort, and Toyota’s renowned dependability makes it a strong contender in the crowded SUV market. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of higher trims, it covers all the bases for a family-friendly vehicle. Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander L worth buying? Absolutely, especially if value and reliability are at the top of your list!