For years, the Toyota Highlander name includes thoughts of quality, reliability, practicality, and comfort. Higher trims of this three-row midsize SUV reach into luxury areas of the market. The 2022 version is an excellent alternative to minivan driving, provided you don’t need a large third-row for your passengers. The 2022 Highlander competes in a strong market, but it continues as one of the top models in its class.
Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander a good SUV to drive?
2022 Toyota Highlander | Toyota
This model year marks a redesign for the Highlander, giving this SUV the qualities we admire. This is a comfortable Toyota SUV with a smooth powertrain and impressive suspension. Driving on any road is secure and confident, giving you the right experience. Consumer Reports rates the Highlander as the second-best three-row midsize SUV in the market. The overall score given is 88/100, one of the highest scores any vehicle has earned.
Powertrain benefits of this SUV
A strong V6 engine powers this Toyota, giving you 295 horsepower and fuel mileage that reaches 22 mpg combined for regular models. The available Highlander Hybrid isn’t quite as powerful but does return 35 mpg combined. The Highlander has a tow rating of 5,000 pounds, which is strong enough to pull a small boat or a trailer filled with camping gear.
Comfort in two rows of this Toyota
Interior 2022 Toyota Highlander | Toyota
Even though the Toyota Highlander has three rows of seats, only the first two are comfortable for adults. If you have small children to seat in the third row or a family of five or fewer, this SUV can be perfectly comfortable for everyone. For more comfort, the middle bench seat can be traded out for a pair of captain’s chairs in the middle row.
The cargo room measures 16 cubic feet behind the third row, but with the second and third rows folded, this area expands to 84.3 cubic feet.
Generous Features for the Toyota Highlander
A gray Toyota Highlander Hybrid is parked | Toyota
Six distinct trims complete the Highlander lineup. Kelley Blue Book lists some of the features offered for this SUV as:
L Trim (base model)
- Selectable drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow)
- LED headlights and taillights
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Three-row seating
- Tri-zone automatic climate controls
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Five USB ports
- Push-button starting
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa
- SiriusXM satellite radio
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+
LE Trim
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Power liftgate
- LED fog lights
XLE Trim
- Power moonroof
- Wireless charging pad
- SoftTex faux leather seats
- Heated front seats
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- Rear sunshades
XSE Trim
- Unique appearance package
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Ambient cabin lighting
- Red leather upholstery
Limited Trim
- Leather heated and ventilated front seats
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Heated steering wheel
- JBL premium audio system
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Navigation system
Platinum Trim
- Panoramic moonroof
- Adaptive front lighting
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Head-up display
- Heated second-row seats
Items included in the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ package?
The safety package, which is standard on all models of the 2022 Toyota Highlander, includes:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Full-speed adaptive cruise control
- Lane-departure alert with steering assist
- Automatic high beams
- Lane tracing assist
- Road sign assist
These features alert you to potential dangers and help keep you safe during your drive.
Is the Toyota Highlander the right SUV to buy?
Among SUVs rated by Consumer Reports, the 2022 Highlander came in second. The only SUV to score better is the Kia Telluride, which achieved a 97/100 rating. The Highlander has a tight rear seat, but the Telluride boasts adult-sized space in its third row. This Toyota SUV is one of the best in it’s class, but it might not fit your lifestyle, especially if you have a large family.
Pricing for the Toyota Highlander starts at $35,405 and ranges to $51,160.
Keyword: 2022 Toyota Highlander: What Does Consumer Reports Think About This SUV?