Toyota Highlander 2022: Review, Specs, And Everything You Need To Know

Nov 14, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 71 views

Toyota Highlander 2022: Your Ultimate Guide

Hey everyone! If you're checking out the 2022 Toyota Highlander, you're in the right place. This article is your all-in-one guide, covering everything from its specs and features to what makes it a solid choice in the mid-size SUV game. So, buckle up, and let's dive into what makes the Highlander a popular pick for families and adventurers alike. We'll explore its performance, interior, tech, and safety features. Plus, we'll talk about why it's a great option in today's market. Whether you're considering buying or just curious, this review has you covered.

Overview of the 2022 Toyota Highlander

Alright, let's start with a general overview. The 2022 Toyota Highlander is a mid-size SUV that's known for its reliability, comfort, and family-friendly features. Toyota has a reputation for building vehicles that last, and the Highlander is no exception. It offers a spacious interior with three rows of seating, making it a favorite for those needing extra space for passengers or cargo. This model year, the Highlander continues to build on its strengths. It provides a smooth ride, a well-appointed interior, and a host of standard safety features. It's designed to be practical. That's a good quality for everyday driving and longer trips. The Highlander also comes in several different trims. These include the base L, the LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. Plus, it has a hybrid version for those looking to save on fuel costs and reduce their environmental impact.

One of the main highlights of the 2022 Highlander is its versatility. It's a capable SUV whether you're navigating city streets or tackling weekend getaways. The Highlander provides a comfortable and convenient driving experience. The exterior design is sleek and modern, with a bold front grille and stylish headlights. Inside, you'll find a well-designed cabin with high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Highlander is known for its excellent safety ratings, thanks to Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of advanced driver-assistance features. It includes things like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Overall, the 2022 Toyota Highlander is a well-rounded SUV that offers a compelling package for a wide range of buyers. It balances practicality, comfort, and safety, making it a top contender in its class.

Trim Levels and Key Features

Now, let's talk about the different trim levels and their key features. The 2022 Toyota Highlander comes in several trims, each offering a unique set of features and options. The base L trim is the entry-level model. It provides a solid foundation with essential features like a touchscreen infotainment system, the Toyota Safety Sense suite, and a comfortable interior. Stepping up to the LE trim, you'll get additional features like a power liftgate, heated front seats, and a more advanced infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The XLE trim adds even more luxury with features like a sunroof, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and premium upholstery. It also has a wireless charging pad. The Limited trim takes things up a notch with leather-trimmed seats, a premium audio system, and a hands-free power liftgate. It also has a navigation system. Finally, the Platinum trim is the top-of-the-line model, offering the most luxurious experience. It includes features like a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, and a premium JBL audio system. It also has unique exterior styling elements.

Each trim level builds on the previous one, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. The hybrid versions of the Highlander are also available across most trims, providing excellent fuel efficiency and a more eco-friendly driving experience. The availability of different trims allows buyers to tailor their Highlander to their specific needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a basic, practical SUV or a fully loaded luxury vehicle, the 2022 Toyota Highlander has an option for you. The variety of features and options ensures that there is a Highlander to meet everyone's needs. The Highlander's trim options cater to a wide audience.

Performance and Engine Specs

Let's get into what's under the hood and how the 2022 Toyota Highlander performs on the road. The 2022 Highlander offers a choice of engines. The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6, which produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain provides plenty of power for everyday driving and highway merging. The Highlander can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable time. It offers a smooth and responsive driving experience. For those looking for better fuel efficiency, the Highlander also offers a hybrid powertrain. It combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to deliver a total of 243 horsepower. The hybrid version is significantly more fuel-efficient. It provides impressive gas mileage in both city and highway driving. Both engine options come standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available for those who need enhanced traction in various driving conditions.

The Highlander's suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a smooth ride even on rough roads. The steering is well-weighted, offering precise control and making the SUV easy to maneuver in different driving situations. The Highlander's performance is well-suited for both daily commutes and longer road trips. The V6 engine provides ample power for towing, with a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The hybrid version is more focused on fuel efficiency and provides a quieter driving experience. Overall, the 2022 Toyota Highlander delivers a balanced performance that prioritizes comfort, efficiency, and reliability. The powertrain options cater to a wide range of driving preferences. The result is a smooth, reliable, and practical SUV that is good for many uses.

Fuel Efficiency and Driving Experience

When it comes to fuel efficiency and the overall driving experience, the 2022 Toyota Highlander has a lot to offer. The standard V6 engine, while providing ample power, delivers reasonable fuel economy. It is rated at around 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. This is pretty good for a mid-size SUV of its size and power. The hybrid version is where the Highlander truly shines in terms of fuel efficiency. It is rated at an impressive 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. This makes it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. It is ideal for those who want to save money on fuel costs and reduce their environmental impact. The driving experience of the Highlander is smooth and comfortable. The suspension absorbs bumps in the road, providing a comfortable ride for passengers. The steering is light and responsive. The SUV is easy to maneuver in both city and highway driving.

The Highlander's cabin is well-insulated, minimizing road and wind noise. This contributes to a quieter and more relaxing driving experience. The available all-wheel-drive system provides added confidence in various weather conditions. It enhances traction on slippery surfaces. The hybrid version of the Highlander offers a seamless transition between the gasoline engine and the electric motor. It provides a quiet and efficient driving experience. The Highlander's fuel efficiency and driving experience make it a practical choice for families and individuals. They want a reliable, comfortable, and efficient SUV for their daily commutes and longer journeys. The Highlander's focus on fuel efficiency and comfort is a winning combination.

Interior, Comfort, and Technology

Let's move inside the 2022 Toyota Highlander and check out its interior, comfort features, and technology. The interior of the Highlander is designed with comfort and practicality in mind. It has three rows of seating, providing enough space for up to eight passengers. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned. They provide a comfortable ride for both short trips and long journeys. The materials used in the cabin are high-quality, with soft-touch surfaces and a well-designed layout. The XLE trim and above offer premium features such as leather-trimmed seats. These features add to the luxurious feel of the interior. The Highlander provides ample cargo space. There is plenty of room for luggage, groceries, and other items. The second and third-row seats can be folded down. This expands the cargo area even further, making it easy to accommodate larger items.

In terms of technology, the 2022 Highlander comes with a user-friendly infotainment system. It features a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. It also has USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. This allows drivers and passengers to easily connect their smartphones and enjoy their favorite apps and music. Higher trim levels include additional tech features such as a premium audio system, a wireless charging pad, and a larger touchscreen display. The Highlander also has a suite of advanced driver-assistance features. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. This enhances safety and provides peace of mind. Overall, the interior, comfort, and technology features of the 2022 Toyota Highlander make it a pleasant and functional SUV.

Infotainment System and Features

The infotainment system in the 2022 Toyota Highlander is a key aspect of its appeal, offering a blend of user-friendliness and modern features. The standard infotainment system includes a touchscreen display, which serves as the central hub for accessing various features and functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard across all trim levels. It allows users to seamlessly connect their smartphones and access their favorite apps, music, and navigation systems. The system also includes Bluetooth connectivity. This is for hands-free calling and audio streaming. USB ports are strategically placed throughout the cabin. They allow passengers to charge their devices. The XLE trim and above offer a larger touchscreen display and additional features. These can include a built-in navigation system. The higher trims also have a premium JBL audio system. It delivers high-quality sound for an immersive listening experience.

The infotainment system is designed to be intuitive and easy to use. The touchscreen interface is responsive, and the menus are well-organized. This makes it easy for drivers and passengers to access the features they need. The system also provides access to various vehicle settings and information. It includes fuel economy data and maintenance reminders. Toyota's infotainment system also offers connected services. It is designed to provide safety and convenience features. These features can include emergency assistance and remote vehicle access. Overall, the infotainment system in the 2022 Toyota Highlander is a user-friendly and feature-rich system. It enhances the driving experience with its connectivity, convenience, and entertainment options. The Highlander's infotainment system is a major selling point.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

Safety is a top priority in the 2022 Toyota Highlander, and it comes loaded with a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver-assistance technologies. Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of advanced safety features, is standard across all trim levels. It includes features like pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. These features help to prevent accidents. They also mitigate the severity of potential collisions. The pre-collision system with pedestrian detection uses a camera and radar to detect potential collisions with vehicles and pedestrians. It automatically applies the brakes to help avoid or reduce the impact of a collision.

Lane departure alert with steering assist helps to keep the vehicle in its lane. It alerts the driver if they start to drift out of their lane. The automatic high beams automatically switch between high and low beams, depending on the surrounding lighting conditions. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set following distance from the vehicle in front. It adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance. The Highlander also has other safety features. These include a rearview camera, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking assist. The blind spot monitor alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots. The rear cross-traffic alert warns the driver of approaching traffic when backing out of a parking space. Front and rear parking assist systems help the driver maneuver in tight spaces. The Highlander is designed to provide a safe and secure driving experience. It prioritizes the safety of its occupants and other road users.

Toyota Safety Sense

Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) is a core element of the 2022 Toyota Highlander's commitment to safety. This suite of advanced driver-assistance features is standard on all trim levels, providing a comprehensive safety net for drivers and passengers. TSS includes several key features: a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The pre-collision system with pedestrian detection uses a combination of radar and camera technology. It detects potential collisions with vehicles and pedestrians. The system automatically applies the brakes to help avoid or mitigate the impact of a collision. Lane departure alert with steering assist helps to keep the vehicle in its lane. If the system detects that the vehicle is drifting out of its lane, it alerts the driver. It provides steering assistance to help guide the vehicle back into its lane.

Automatic high beams automatically switch between high and low beams based on the surrounding lighting conditions. It improves visibility at night. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set following distance from the vehicle in front. It adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance. TSS also includes road sign assist, which helps to recognize and display road signs. It helps the driver to stay informed about speed limits and other important information. The Highlander's safety features have earned high ratings from safety organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA. This makes it a top choice for families. It provides peace of mind on the road. The Highlander’s safety systems are a key feature.

Pros and Cons of the 2022 Toyota Highlander

Let's weigh the pros and cons of the 2022 Toyota Highlander to give you a clear view.

Pros:

Reliability: Toyota has a stellar reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the Highlander lives up to that. It is a long-term investment.
Spacious Interior: With three rows of seating, the Highlander provides ample space for passengers and cargo. It is great for families.
Fuel Efficiency: The hybrid version of the Highlander offers excellent fuel economy, saving money at the pump. It is good for the environment.
Safety Features: Standard Toyota Safety Sense provides a comprehensive suite of safety features. This gives you peace of mind.
Resale Value: Toyota vehicles, including the Highlander, tend to hold their value well over time. This makes it a smart investment.
Smooth Ride: The Highlander provides a comfortable and smooth ride, making it enjoyable for both short and long drives.

Cons:

Base Engine Power: While the V6 engine is adequate, some drivers may find it less powerful compared to other SUVs in its class.
Infotainment System: The base infotainment system may not be as feature-rich as some competitors.
Third-Row Space: The third row is best suited for children, with limited legroom for adults.
Price: The Highlander can be more expensive than some of its competitors. However, the value makes up for the price.
Exterior Design: While the design is modern, it may not be as bold or distinctive as some other SUVs. This is subjective.

Final Thoughts: Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander Right for You?

So, after all of that, is the 2022 Toyota Highlander the right SUV for you? Overall, the Highlander is a fantastic choice. It excels as a mid-size SUV. It is especially suited for families and those needing a reliable, comfortable, and fuel-efficient vehicle. Its spacious interior, impressive safety features, and strong resale value make it a smart investment. The hybrid version is particularly attractive for those who prioritize fuel economy and environmental responsibility. However, the Highlander is not perfect for everyone. The base engine power might not satisfy drivers who crave more performance. The infotainment system might feel less advanced.

If you prioritize space, safety, and reliability, the Highlander is a top contender. Its ability to provide all of those qualities makes it appealing. If you want more power or advanced technology features, you might want to explore other options. But, the Highlander is a reliable choice. It is a great choice if you are seeking a mid-size SUV that will meet your needs. We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you make an informed decision. Happy driving!