Affordable in price in comparison to the Toyota Highlander without a hybrid option.
Seats in the third row are uncomfortable.
The Bronze Edition joins the trim lineup for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2022. The replacement trim adds distinctive exterior and interior trim in addition to a custom cement paint job.
Offers a comfortable ride and handsome styling.
There is not much room for baggage behind the third row.
It is a part of the fourth Highlander generation that was introduced in the year 2020.
There are several standard and accessible safety measures.
At high power, the engine makes a rough noise.
Specs & Features
$41,155
price
243 hp @ 6000 rpm
horsepower
175 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
torque
1-speed CVT
transmission
2.5L 4cyl AWD CVT
engine
-
basic warranty
Overview
When it comes to three-row hybrid SUVs in the market, there aren’t many options available. So, Toyota makes its presence known with its 2022 Toyota Highlander hybrid. Its comfortable ride, spirited motor, and excellent fuel efficiency for a midsize SUV all contribute to its suitability as a daily commuter. Additionally, it has a luxurious cabin with an easy-to-use infotainment system and the MPG numbers are pretty impressive too. Even industry experts like Cargurus call the Highlander hybrid as the "family-sized fuel sipper", check out what more they have to say in the video below.
Buying Advice
We will recommend the XLE trim above the standard LE trim It costs less than the Limited model, which also comes with a few high-end but unneeded options like ventilated front seats, sunroof, wireless charging pad, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster display, second-row captain's chairs, and power-adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger.
A new trim named the Bronze Edition joins the lineup for the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid with the exception of the new Bronze Editionthe Highlander Hybrid doesn’t receive any significant overhauls for the model year 2022. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2022 has excellent fuel efficiency ratings, a long list of standard safety features, and a smooth ride. There are five trim levels available for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid which are LE, XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum. The base trim starts at an MSRP of $39,555 which can range up to a maximum of $51,460. In this segment, it will always continue to compete against the likes of the Hyundai Santa FE hybrid, the Kia Sorento Hybrid, and the Lexus RX Hybrid.
Features
8.0/10
With the addition of the new Bronze Edition for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV now comes in five trims options which are LE, XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum. The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid MSRP for the base trim starts around $39,555 which can range up to a maximum of $51,460 for its top tier. The 2022 Highlander Hybrid comes in an FWD drivetrain while an optional AWD drivetrain option is also available on all trim options. The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE offers a wide range of features and specifications which include 18-inch alloys, a power liftgate, remote keyless entry, heated outside mirrors, LED headlights and taillights, tri-zone automatic climate control, fabric-trimmed rear and front seats, 8-inch touchscreen display, six speakers and an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat.
Trims
Hybrid LE
Hybrid XLE
Bronze Edition
Hybrid Limited
Hybrid Platinum
MSRP
(FWD)
$39,555
$42,555
$44,580
$46,510
$49,510
MSRP
(AWD)
$41,155
$44,155
$46,180
$48,460
$51,460
Key Features
18-inch painted alloy wheels
Add to or upgrade from LE trim
Add to or upgrade from XLE trim
Add to or upgrade from Bronze Edition
Add to or upgrade from Hybrid Limited
Audio Plus with 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, and Android Auto & Apple CarPlay & Amazon Alexa compatibility
18-inch machined-finish alloy wheels
18-inch bronze-finish alloy wheels
20-inch chrome wheelsÂÂ
20-inch alloy wheelsÂÂ
Three-zone automatic climate control
Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging with charge indicator light
Illuminated front doorsill metal scuff plate with bronze finish
Height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate with jam protectionÂÂ
Power Panoramic View Moonroof with sunshade and one-touch open/close with jam protection
Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators
10-way power-adjustable driver's seat including power lumbar support and 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
SofTex-trimmed front and second-row seats with fabric inserts and bronze-colored stitching
Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators, puddle lights and folding feature
Height adjustable hands-free power liftgateÂÂ
Fabric-trimmed front and second-row seats, 8-way power adjustable driver's seat and 4-way manual adjustable front passenger seat
SofTex trimmed front- and second-row seats with heated front seats
Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators
Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation with 3-year trial, JBL
12.3-inch touchscreen display and 10-inch color Head-Up Display
Smart Key System with Push Button Start
Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink universal transceiver
Digital rearview mirror with HomeLink universal transceiver
Leather-trimmed front- and second-row seats, heated and ventilated front seatsÂÂ
Bird's Eye View Camera with dynamic gridlines
Leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel
Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
Two 120V outlets located on the bottom rear of center console and in the luggage area
Backup camera with dynamic gridlines
Fuel Economy
4.0/10
The Highlander Hybrid variant does succeed in going a step farther in terms of fuel efficiency than the standard Toyota Highlander. The trim with an FWD drivetrain offers the most economical option of the trim choice, with remarkable ratings of 36 MPG in the city, 35 MPG on the highway, and 36 MPG combined. On the other hand, the optional AWD drivetrain gets a 1 MPG decrease in the city and combined. It can go on a range of 598 miles thanks to its fuel tank capacity of 17.1 gallons in its class.
Model
2022 Toyota Highlander
2022 Hyundai Santa FE Hybrid
2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid
2022 Lexus RX Hybrid
MPG
(City)
36 MPG
36 MPG
39 MPG
31 MPG
MPG (Highway)
35 MPG
31 MPG
35 MPG
28 MPG
MPG (Combined)
36 MPG
34 MPG
37 MPG
30 MPG
Fuel Tank Capacity
(Gallons)
17.1 gallons
17.7 gallons
17.7 gallons
17.2 gallons
Range, City/Highway/ Combined
(Miles)
615.6 / 598.5 / 615.6
637.2 / 548.7 / 601.8
690.3 / 619.5 / 654.9
533.2 / 481.6 / 516
In comparison, the 2022 Kia Sorrento offers a mileage of 39 MPG in the city, while it offers an equivalent mileage of 35 MPG as that of the 2022 Toyota Highlander on the highway, and a 37 MPG combined. The Kia Sorento Hybrid 2022 variant offers the best in class mileage of 690 miles in the city, 619 miles on the highway, and 654 miles combined thanks to its fuel tank capacity of 17.7 gallons which is equivalent to that of the 2022 Hyundai Santa FE Hybrid. When comparing all the statistics, we can say that the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid is a better fuel-efficient vehicle.
Interior
9.0/10
The Toyota Highlander SUV is a relatively roomy 8-seat mid-size hybrid SUV, especially given its low MSRP of $39,555. There is sufficient under-thigh and lower back support, and the chairs are neither too soft nor too rigid. The heated and power-adjustable front seats add to the convenience of traveling. The driver's seat may be easily and quickly adjusted, and it has a wide range of motion. The steering wheel could probably be a little bit more telescoped out for tall drivers. Even on lengthy trips, the spacious front seats are surprisingly comfy, and the optional captain's chairs in the second row provide almost the same degree of comfort. Unfortunately, the Highlander's biggest flaw continues to be the third-row seats. The Highlander offers good wind and road noise insulation when traveling at highway speeds. The outside view is excellent and It is easier to see around curves and in confined parking spaces since the windshield roof pillars are narrow.
Model
2022 Toyota Highlander
2022 Hyundai Santa FE Hybrid
2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid
2022 Lexus RX Hybrid
Passenger Capacity
8
5
6
5
First Row (Head/ Shoulder/ Legroom)
(inches)
41.2 / 59 / 42
41.2 / 59.1 / 44.1
41.3 / 59.1 / 44.1
39.4 / 57.8 / 44.1
Second Row (Head/ Shoulder/ Legroom)
(inches)
39.4 / 58.7 / 41
39 / 58.3 / 40.8
39 / 58.3 / 40.8
38.2 / 57.6 / 38
Third Row (Head/ Shoulder/ Legroom)
(inches)
36.1 / 55 / 27.7
NA
36.8 / 53 / 29.6
NA
Cargo capacity to the third row (cu-ft)
16 cu-ft
36.4 cu-ft
12.6 cu-ft
16 cu-ft
Cargo capacity to the second row (cu-ft)
48.4 cu-ft
36.4 cu-ft
38.5 cu-ft
16 cu-ft
Cargo capacity to the first row (cu-ft)
84.3 cu-ft
72.1 cu-ft
75.5 cu-ft
32.6 cu-ft
In comparison, the 2022 Highlander Hybrid has a 16 cu-ft of cargo capacity behind the third row of seats which extends to 48.4 cu-ft when the third seat is folded down and it offers a maximum cargo capacity of 84.3 cu-ft with the third and second rows folded down while the 2022 Hyundia Santa FE Hybrid offers a much better cargo capacity of 36.4 cu-ft behind the third row of seats in comparison to its counterpart which can expand up to a maximum of 72.1 cu-ft while the 2022 Lexus RX Hybrid offers the least cargo capacity of 32.6 cu-ft in total.
Some of its key interior features are
Three-zone automatic climate control with an air filter.
Fabric-trimmed front- and second-row seats.
8-way power-adjustable driver's seat and 4-way manual-adjustable front passenger seat.
8-passenger seating with 60/40 split, sliding, and reclining fold-flat second-row bench seats.
Leather-trimmed shift knob and tilt/telescopic leather steering wheel.
Silver-painted dashboard trim and painted door trim.
How intuitive is the 2022 Toyota Highlander Infotainment system?
When it pertains to technology, Toyota has lagged behind other automakers recently. Although the most recent Highlander Hybrid makes significant improvements and comes equipped with a standard suite of features such as the 8-inch touchscreen display, six audio speakers, Bluetooth, Wifi-Hotspot, satellite radio, and five USB ports.
Some of its salient infotainment features include
8-inch touchscreen display.
4.2-inch color LCD multi-information display.
Satellite radio and hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth.
Six Speaker audio system.
Five USB ports (USB-A media port and four USB-C charging ports) and two 12V outlets.
Android Auto & Apple CarPlay & Amazon Alexa compatibility.
Exterior
6.0/10
Particularly when contrasted to the uninspiring third generation, the masculine-looking exterior styling of the Toyota Highlander's fourth generation has consistently garnered accolades. The design remains mostly unchanged in this edition until 2022. Three new colors, a new Bronze Edition, and a few other minor adjustments are given as a way to make the automobile stand out, though. We appreciate the powerful front and side profile of the 2022 Highlander Hybrid, which is accentuated by the blacked-out grille, a large air dam, the Toyota emblem with a blue surround, and the muscular bumper and hood design. Additionally, it is incredibly attractive thanks to the 18-inch alloy wheels and the blacked-out pillars.
Model
2022 Toyota Highlander
2022 Hyundai Santa FE Hybrid
2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid
2022 Lexus RX Hybrid
Curb Weight (lbs)
4,330 lbs
4,079 lbs
4,000 lbs
4,222 lbs
Length (inches)
194.9 inches
188.4 inches
189.4 inches
196.9 inches
Width, with mirrors
(inches)
76-inch
74.8 inches
74.8 inches
74.6 inches
Height
(inches)
68.1 inches
67.3 inches
66.7 inches
67.7 inches
Ground Clearance (inches)
8-inch
8.2 inches
6.9 inches
8.2 inches
Wheelbase (inches)
112.2 inches
108.9 inches
110.8 inches
109.8 inches
Front Track Width (inches)
65.3 inches
65-inch
65-inch
64.4 inches
Rear Track Width (inches)
65.4 inches
65.4 inches
65.4 inches
64-inch
In comparison, the 2022 Santa FE Hybrid and the Lexus RX Hybrid offers a much better ground clearance that measures 8.2 inches that offer more capability on being driven on unlevel roads without the chassis and underbody being damaged by grinding against surface obstructions. On the other hand, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2022 wheelbase measures 112.2 inches which is longer than other adversaries, offers better ride quality, and vehicle less likely to become unsettled.
Some of its key exterior features include
18-inch painted alloy wheels.
Smart Key System on front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start.
Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators.
LED projector headlights with Daytime Running Lights.
Washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers and intermittent rear wipers.
Rear liftgate windshield washer and backup camera washer.
Safety
8.0/10
The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ package of cutting-edge safety technologies is included on every Highlander Hybrid. Included in the list of technologies that come as standard equipment are automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, traffic sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam assistance. The IIHS gave the highest rating of Good for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2022 in all six crash safety tests and the NHTSA gave an overall rating of five out of five stars for this vehicle.
Some of its salient safety features include
Pre-Collision System With Pedestrian Detection.
Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist.
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Eight airbags.
Rear-seat reminder.
Competition
8.0/10
2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Hyundai Santa FE Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid base engine generates 17 more hp than the Hyundai Santa FE Hybrid. In comparison to the Santa FE Hybrid, the Highlander Hybrid offers higher fuel efficiency additionally, the brake rotors of the Highlander Hybrid are bigger for increased stopping power when compared to its counterpart, and along with that its 18-inch alloy wheels and better wheelbase of 3.3 inches it offers a far more comfortable ride and handling than the Hyundai Santa FE Hybrid 2022 making it a winner over its counterpart.
2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid
The Kia Sorento Hybrid has better driving dynamics as despite being quite big, it "drove little," had a strong steering feel, and had a responsive steering wheel. This is advantageous for shorter or smaller drivers who might not be accustomed to operating an SUV. That's not to imply the Toyota Highlander was difficult to maneuver in any way. Although It doesn't provide as exciting of a drive as the Sorento due to its soft suspension and slightly numb handling. While the Toyota Highlander excels with a great fuel-efficient vehicle over its counterpart while the Sorento’s interior includes captain chairs, supportive seats, and more comfortable space for travelers on a long trip which makes the 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid a more preferable option.
2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Lexus RX Hybrid
A fancier counterpart of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the Lexus that boasts a more upscale interior and a V6 engine that is more powerful than the base engine of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2022. Despite this, the Highlander Hybrid is the more sensible option in this comparison due to its larger passenger and luggage capacity as well as superior estimated fuel efficiency.
Final Verdict
7.0/10
Yes, we will recommend buying the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid as it provides exceptional fuel efficiency in addition to a smooth ride, a tonne of user-friendly electronics, and spacious seating in its first two rows. Additionally, It is comparably swift and agile to the non-hybrid Toyota Highlander and doesn't sacrifice any passenger or cargo space. When it comes to selecting a midsize three-row SUV then there are limited options available and fortunately, Toyota makes it counted by adding the Highlander as a hybrid option which makes every drive a true delight. It also gets a recommendation in the top-10 midsize SUV for the year 2022 making it a preferable choice for most families.