2022 Toyota Highlander Review - MPG, Price, Colors, Performance

2022 Toyota Highlander Review - MPG, Price, Colors, Performance

The 2022 Toyota Highlander has the best price in its class and the lowest cost of ownership. If you’re looking for a comfortable and reliable midsize SUV, you’ll want to make sure that the 2022 Toyota Highlander meets your needs. It offers seating for 7 people, generous cargo capacity, and an advanced driving experience with available semi-autonomous driving features. And there are three different engine options, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and gasoline. Be sure to check out the full review!

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Overview

The 3.5L V6 engine is standard on all trim levels of the Highlander. It delivers 295hp and 263lb-ft of torque. Mileage is rated at 16/23mpg (city/highway). The 2WD models do sacrifice some fuel economy with an 11/18 rating while 4WD models are rated at 14/21.

Interior

The 2022 Toyota Highlander has a four-way center console with a removable tray to hold small items like keys or loose change. The middle area can be used for storage, but it is also useful as an armrest while driving. The 2022 vehicle features new materials which are much more appealing to touch than previous generations. However, interior noise levels have increased by over 2dB since last year’s model so make sure your sound system of choice can handle it. Higher trims add heated seats with driver's seat memory settings, leather seating and power liftgate. 

Colors

The Toyota Highlander 2022 offers six colors: Barcelona Red Metallic, Sunfire Pearl, Shoreline Blue Pearl (new), Satin Metalic (new), Galactic Gray Mica and Nautical Blue Metallic. The new metallic color Satin Metalic is a great choice for those of you who want to make a statement with your car. We do not expect it to be priced higher than $12999. 

Exterior

The 2022 Toyota Highlander has been redesigned with a sleeker exterior and an aerodynamic body. The new grille and headlights complement its overall sleek appearance. In addition to all-wheel drive and a turbocharged V6 engine, base models include 18 alloy wheels and fog lamps. For safety features, look for standard automatic emergency braking on top trims and optional lane departure warning systems.

Trim Levels

The Platinum trim offers an available 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 203 lb.-ft. of torque paired to a 8-speed automatic transmission that allows for an EPA estimated 25 mpg combined rating. The FWD Highlander will start at $34,000 and its available all-wheel drive version starts at $36,220.

Engine

The base engine is a 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder with two valves per cylinder. It's rated at 187 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The optional engine is a 3.5-liter V6 with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). It has 278 hp and 248 lb.-ft., though it comes on stronger than its peak numbers suggest—from 4,400 rpm to 5,000 rpm.

Price

The price of a 2022 Toyota Highlander depends on trim level. A base model gets great gas mileage and has a fairly low starting price but does not come with some of the more popular options. High-end models are much more expensive and feature better performance and higher levels of luxury but do not get better gas mileage than lower trim levels. The 2022 Toyota Highlander was designed to compete with other mid-size SUVs, such as Ford Explorer and Hyundai Santa Fe.

Cargo Space

2022 Toyota Highlander trims feature ample cargo space. All trims boast: 3.7 cubic feet of cargo space with second-row seats folded flat; 8.6 cubic feet of cargo space when second-row seats are upright. The Highlander Platinum features a 4,250 pound towing capacity (Class 1 trailer hitch included) for that boat or RV you’ve always wanted to buy but could never get home from your favorite lake or campground.

Seating

The front seats are well-bolstered and supportive. The front seats provide a high level of comfort when driving on long trips. Taller individuals may find that their head is touching against the roof liner when sitting in a comfortable position. Both front and rear seats can be folded down flat for hauling cargo. Rear seat passengers have ample legroom even with rear seats in an upright position.

Performance

The 2022 Toyota Highlander has two engine options: a 3.5-liter V6 and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four with 203 horsepower. The smaller of these two engines will save you on gas, but it’s a bit underpowered for towing or off-roading.

Towing Capacity

Whether you need to pull a small camper or large utility trailer, consider getting a vehicle with a higher towing capacity. The 2022 Toyota Highlander has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. This is about as high as you’ll find in an SUV, and if you need more power for your tow vehicle then remember that your car can use an RV hitch adapter.

MPG

Highlander offers 19 city/26 highway/22 combined. (Front-wheel drive model.) Opt for FWD and you’ll get 20 city/27 highway/23 combined. And if you choose AWD over FWD, your numbers will be 19 city/26 highway/21 combined. This is based on a 22-mpg scenario; driving more aggressively with lots of passing or going up steep hills can cause lower mileage estimates.

Verdict

Bigger may not be better. A slightly wider body, longer wheelbase and more ground clearance gives it a bit of an SUV look. However on city streets, you won’t have any trouble maneuvering through traffic in it. It’s still a pretty big car at 188 inches long but thanks to its smaller footprint (15.2 feet), it feels like a much smaller car.