Buyer’s Guide: The 2022 Toyota Highlander

Times are changing, and so are the needs of drivers. With things like safety, convenience, and fuel economy on everybody’s mind, today’s savvy shopper needs a vehicle that can handle it all. Enter the 2022 Toyota Highlander. If you’re looking for a Toyota Highlander for sale, you’re certainly in luck with this year’s model. While this Toyota SUV has been around for some time, the latest updates to the 2022 model have produced a Highlander that has something for everyone. It’s been tweaked with a few key updates while maintaining the integrity of what has made previous model year Highlanders so popular. In order to simplify your search, we’ve put together this nifty 2022 Highlander buyer’s guide, filled with important information whether you’re brand new to the Highlander or revisiting it as an option for your next ride.

A Reliable Three-Row SUV With Mass Appeal

The 2022 Toyota Highlander has mass appeal thanks to all the available options. The 2022 Highlander comes in an astounding eleven trim levels: L, LE, Hybrid LE, XLE, Hybrid XLE, XSE, Hybrid Bronze Edition, Limited, Hybrid Limited, Platinum, and Hybrid Platinum. That may seem like a lot of trims, but many of them consist of very similar interior and feature packages, the only difference being the hybrid powertrain versus the gas-only engine. It’s the availability of five hybrid models that gives the Highlander a competitive edge over other brands, only offering one or two versions of their hybrid options. With fuel costs being at the forefront of so many consumers’ minds, Toyota hit the nail on the head with its stellar lineup of eight-seater hybrid Highlander options.

Aside from the impressive amount of hybrid trims, the Highlander is also outfitted with the latest in safety and driver assistance technologies. Drive the Highlander with confidence, knowing you have the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5) package built into every 2022 Highlander that hits the road. TSS 2.5 is a suite of the best safety and driver assist features engineered by Toyota for today’s modern driving needs. Once you’re done exploring the safe side of things, you can relish in the fun features that make up Highlander’s interior and infotainment system. The cabin is designed for a thrilling good time on short drives and longer commutes, outfitted with key features to keep both driver and passengers entertained.

Gas or Hybrid Performance: Your Choice

The Toyota Highlander is unique for its performance packages. While family-friendly at its core, the Highlander doesn’t slack when it comes to power. The standard 3.5L V6 gas engine delivers a smooth and comfortable 295 horsepower. It can be configured with either front-wheel or four-wheel drive and can easily handle the daily needs of anyone traveling busy city streets or cruising the freeway. The 0-60 mph came in at just 6.7 seconds. If you’re going for a little more incentive, the Highlander can tow up to 5,000 lbs.

Moving to the Hybrid trims gets you a 2.5L four-cylinder that’s set to work in combination with two strategically placed electric motors. The Hybrid has a combined 243 horsepower and comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for a seamless experience when quickly picking up speed or slowing down. The hybrid models can tow up to 3,500 lbs.

Three specialized driving modes help you make the most of any driving scenario. Choose from Normal Mode, Sport Mode, or Eco Mode for maximum efficiency. Sport Mode provides faster acceleration, Eco Mode focuses on fuel preservation, and Normal Mode blends the two. For this size SUV that comfortably fits eight passengers, you’re getting generous fuel economy for both the fully gas engine and the hybrid trims. The standard V6 engine delivers 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. Meanwhile, moving to a Hybrid LE, Hybrid Platinum, or any other hybrid option means your Highland delivers 36 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. No more worrying about multiple stops to a gas station while doing long road trips or having to watch all your hard-earned money disappear at the pump.

Packed With Safety and Driver Assist Features

Many Highlander fans recognize this supreme SUV as a family-friendly option. With a host of features oriented around creating a comfortable experience for passengers, the 2022 Highlander boasts impressive safety and driver assist features where other three-row SUVs pale in comparison. The 2022 Toyota Highlander earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA thanks to its comprehensive suite of standard safety features.

Every Highlander comes with a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection that scans for vehicles or pedestrians using camera and radar technology and will start braking for you if you don’t react fast enough. The Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist issues both audio and visual warnings if it senses your Highlander veering outside of detected white and yellow lines. In the event of accidental lane drift, the system provides corrective steering if actions aren’t taken by the driver. You can also get the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. This system lets you know when there are vehicles around you that you might not be able to see when changing lanes or backing out of a parking space to help prevent collisions and help keep you safe.

Depending on the trim, your Highlander also comes with extra driver assistance technologies that make your commute easier. Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control factors in vehicle-to-vehicle distance and adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance between you and other vehicles, a more sophisticated version of the cruise control present in most vehicles.

An all-wheel drive configuration gets you Multi-Terrain Select: choose between mud, sand, rock and dirt, snow, and normal driving modes to enhance driving in any conditions. When one of these modes is activated, the SUV maximizes its performance for different scenarios by enhancing traction and preventing spinouts and slippage. Available Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive works to optimize responsiveness by sending a 50-percent power increase to the rear axle and then redistributing as needed. With the use of Toyota’s intelligent camera technology, available Road Sign Assist offers drivers a display of detected road signs such as speed limited, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, and more. These are displayed on the Multi-Information Display in an intuitive and non-distracting manner.

This SUV Has Something for Everyone

Whether you’re looking for an SUV for personal use or a vehicle that will easily fit into your busy family, the 2022 Toyota Highlander brings many great qualities to the table. It has a swift powertrain that can handle whatever’s thrown at it, whether you are opting for the gas-only engine or one of the available hybrid models. But it’s not just the power and efficiency that draw drivers to the Highlander. With available seating for seven or eight passengers and a cabin outfitted to make every ride more enjoyable, the exterior and the interior work together to offer the SUV for today’s needs.

No matter the trim, each 2022 Highlander comes with durable and comfortable materials throughout the cabin. Available cloth or leather seats come with lumbar support designed to feel great on drives of any length. Customize your Highlander with heated and ventilated seats, a ten-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a Power Panoramic View moonroof, a height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate, and more to make daily life easier.

Available eight or 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment systems keep the whole crew engaged by easily connecting to all your favorite Apple, Android, or Amazon devices. Away for a while? Enjoy available wireless charging for your phone located conveniently in the center console. The 2022 Toyota Highlander simplifies running errands, commuting to work and school, and adventuring when it’s time for fun and relaxation. The SUV that looks good and feels good, and because it’s a Toyota, will go the distance with you for years to come.