2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV

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Rating7.4

Ranked #3 in 

Midsize Hybrid SUV
Write Review
$39,555 - $51,460
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 8, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

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.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

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 wheels 

20-inch alloy wheels 

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 protection 

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 liftgate 

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 seats 

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.

Trims

    LE
    $39,555 onwards
    • 18-Inch alloy wheels
    • Eight-inch touchscreen interface
    • Tri-Zone climate control
    XLE
    $42,555 onwards
    • Auto headlights
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Leatherette upholstery
    • Power moonroof
    • Second-Row captain's chairs
    Bronze Edition
    $44,580 onwards
    • Engine: 2.5L 4cyl AWD CVT
    • Horsepower: 243 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 175 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.6 sec
    • Top Speed: 118 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 35 mpg
    XLE Bronze
    $44,580 onwards
    • Bronze 18-inch alloy wheels
    • Digital rear-view mirror
    • Graphite SofTex leatherette upholstery
    • Hands-Free power liftgate
    • Rain-Sensing wipers
    Limited
    $46,510 onwards
    • 11-speaker JBL sound system
    • 20-Inch alloy wheels
    • Hands-Free tailgate
    • Heated and ventilated front seats
    • Perforated leather upholstery
    Platinum
    $49,510 onwards
    • 12.3-inch touchscreen interface
    • Head-Up display
    • Heated second-row seats
    • Panoramic sunroof
    • Surround-View camera

Compare to similar cars

Price

$34,200- $51,460

Engine

hybrid

Rating

7.41

Horsepower

243 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

175 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

Capacity

8

Read Review

$48,720- $54,520

hybrid

8.2

308 hp @ 6000 rpm

247 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,495- $36,345

hybrid

6.54

152 hp @ 6000 rpm

145 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$33,100- $48,090

hybrid

7.59

227 hp @ 5500 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

6

Read Review

$33,240- $40,730

hybrid

7.2

219 hp @ 5700 rpm

163 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm

5

Read Review

$52,060- $54,375

hybrid

7.53

318 hp @ 6500 rpm

322 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

7

Read Review

2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    8.2 sec--
    6.7 sec15.1 sec125 mph
    7.1 sec--
    7.9 sec15.7 sec150 mph
    8.3 sec16.6 sec109 mph
    8.4 sec16.4 sec124 mph

    2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      36 mpg35 mpg36 mpg17.1 gal.615.6/598.5 mi.
      40 mpg37 mpg39 mpg14.5 gal.-
      39 mpg35 mpg37 mpg17.7 gal.690.3/619.5 mi.
      31 mpg28 mpg30 mpg17.2 gal.533.20/481.60 mi.
      28 mpg33 mpg30 mpg16.6 gal.-
      27 mpg28 mpg27 mpg18 gal.486/504 mi.

      2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        194.9 in.76 in.68.1 in.8 in.112.2 in. -
        198.8 in.78.9 in.69.9 in.7.9 in.119.1 in.
        192.5 in.74.6 in.67.7 in.8.2 in.109.8 in. -
        189.4 in.74.8 in.66.7 in.6.9 in.110.8 in. -
        186.6 in.73 in.65.9 in.7.7 in.105.9 in. -
        176.5 in.71 in.63.6 in.8.7 in.104.9 in. -

        2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          16 cu.ft.141.3 cu.ft.84.3 cu.ft.
          18.2 cu.ft.152.7 cu.ft.87.8 cu.ft.
          12.6 cu.ft.142.3 cu.ft.75.5 cu.ft.
          -100.9 cu.ft.55.3 cu.ft.
          -98.3 cu.ft.55.1 cu.ft.
          16 cu.ft.98.1 cu.ft.32.6 cu.ft.

          2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            84.3 cu.ft.16 cu.ft.84.3 cu.ft.-
            55.3 cu.ft.-55.3 cu.ft.-
            32.6 cu.ft.16 cu.ft.32.6 cu.ft.232 ft.
            55.1 cu.ft.-55.1 cu.ft.-
            75.5 cu.ft.12.6 cu.ft.75.5 cu.ft.-
            87.8 cu.ft.18.2 cu.ft.87.8 cu.ft.-

            2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              3500 lbs.1495 lbs.4330 lbs.
              5000 lbs.-4969 lbs.
              3500 lbs.920 lbs.4740 lbs.
              2000 lbs.1599 lbs.4065 lbs.
              -1007 lbs.3847 lbs.
              -1184 lbs.3117 lbs. -

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