Over the years, the Highlander has solidified itself as a mid-size SUV that can take on any other model in the category. Buyers have come to expect comfort, practicality, and exceptional style in the family-oriented crossover. Indeed, it rivals more expensive three-row SUVs in looks, ride quality, and technology. And of course, it comes with Toyota’s unmatched reputation for reliability and overall value.
So, what can we expect from the 2022 Toyota Highlander? The manufacturer has made a few notable changes for the upcoming model, including an entirely new grade—the Bronze Edition. Below, Mount Airy Toyota will discuss these changes in more detail, highlight some of the 2022 Highlander’s features, and compare it to its staunchest competitors.
Changes for 2022
Unquestionably, the biggest change for the upcoming model year is the all-new Hybrid Bronze Edition. Available in Wind Chill Pearl or Cement paint, the Bronze Edition rides on 18-inch bronze-colored wheels, among other striking features. In addition to this new model, the Highlander XLE and higher grades now offer a height-adjustable power front passenger seat. And other than minor updates to the exterior and interior, the 2022 Highlander mainly carries over from previous years.
Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition
This new special edition Highlander is, in a word, stunning. Anywhere this vehicle treks, it’s guaranteed to turn heads. Rather than the typical blacked-out appearance of Toyota models that include the Nightshade package, the 2022 Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition is attempting to capture a moment in design, according to Toyota.
Available in either gray (Cement) or white (Wind Chill Pearl) exterior paints, the Bronze Edition will boast several bronze accents on the exterior and interior. All models will come with a hybrid powertrain, and they will also be available in either front- or all-wheel drive.
If you like bronze, chances are you’ll be drawn to the Bronze Edition like a moth to a flame. 18-inch bronze-finished alloy wheels are accompanied by illuminated bronze-colored door seals and plenty of bronze interior elements. The seats are simply beautiful. Designed with mid-
century modern fans in mind, the Bronze Edition seats are wrapped in Toyota’s leather-like SofTex material—bronze stitching and fabric inserts included.
As if that wasn’t enough, the mats on the floor and in the cargo section come with attractive bronze logos stitched into them. In short, if you’re down with the current bronze and mid-century modern trends in architecture, you’ll likely appreciate the aesthetics of this three-row SUV.
Mechanically, the Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition is built off of the Hybrid XLE grade. That said, the Bronze Edition does offer some unique features, including:
· Hands-free power liftgate
· LED strip-type daytime running lights
· Digital rearview mirror
· Puddle lamps with Highlander logo
· 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat (with memory technology)
· Rain-sensing windshield wipers
· A house-style power outlet
· Ambient lighting
As with the standard 2022 Highlander Hybrid model, the Bronze Edition joins a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. One of the best parts about the Hybrid powertrain is that it is expected to provide a combined 36 mpg, yet thanks to the battery pack being concealed beneath the rear seats, the passenger and luggage space are not compromised.
Front-wheel drive is standard on the base Hybrid Bronze Edition, and the optional all-wheel-drive configuration, which is unique to Highlander Hybrid models, powers the rear wheels via an electric motor mounted on the rear. This motor functions separately from all the other elements of the drive system, including the transmission, and drivers can choose when they want to operate it.
No official release date or pricing has been announced for the 2022 Bronze Edition. However, we do know that it falls between the Hybrid XLE and Hybrid Limited in the Highlander lineup. This puts the expected MSRP at about $43,000 (not including the destination charge). And Toyota has hinted that the Bronze Edition will be released sometime in the Fall of 2021. Be sure to keep a lookout for more information from the automaker in the coming weeks, and don’t hesitate to contact Mount Airy Toyota for any questions you have!
Performance
Now that you have a fundamental idea of what to expect from the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition, let’s discuss what is in store for all of the new Highlander models, starting with performance:
Engine and Transmission
A 3.5-liter V6 engine comes standard on the Toyota Highlander. This engine is good for 295 horsepower and is matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission. You can get the SUV
in either front- or all-wheel drive. This power train is ideal for daily commutes, as it can take care of on-ramps with ease and get you from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds.
The Highlander Hybrid utilizes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. This model gives you exceptional fuel economy, but it’s not quite as powerful as the combustible engine models. The Hybrids are also available in either 4WD or AWD. And the powertrain includes a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). All and all, this results in a maximum of 243 hp and a zero-to-60 of 7.3 seconds.
Fuel Economy
According to EPA estimates, all Highlander V6 4WD models give you 29 mpg on the highway, and models with the AWD configuration will deliver 27 mpg. Not surprisingly, the Hybrid models provide much better results; 4WD variants will deliver about 36 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, and AWD models will deliver roughly 34 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Driving
Perhaps one of the most appealing qualities of the Toyota Highlander has always been its ride quality. If you didn’t know what vehicle you were driving, you might mistake it for a luxury model. The Highlander’s handling may not provide you with the dynamic experience of a sports car, but driving feels stable, responsive, and secure. And the SUV will feel smooth on most road conditions, even over rougher pavement and minor potholes. In short, this is one of the most comfortable three-row SUVs on the market for family commutes.
Interior
The interior of the 2022 Highlander is can be summed up as comfortable. The cabin has been constructed with top-tier materials, providing an overall sense of luxury. There is plenty of room in the cabin as well. You can choose between a seven-seat and eight-seat configuration. Many enthusiasts prefer the seven-seat configuration because it includes uber-comfortable captain’s chairs in the second row.
Headroom in the front row comes to 39.9 inches in the Toyota Highlander, while second-row headroom is 39.4 inches. The headroom is 36.1 inches in the third row. As far as legroom is concerned, you’ll get 40.4 inches in the front row, 41 inches in the second row, and 27.7 inches in the third row. These are not the highest numbers on the market, but the Highlander provides enough space to be competitive in the segment. Additionally, the Highlander provides 6.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which increases to 48.4 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded down.
Furthermore, you can fold both the third and second rows for a total of 84.3 cubic feet of cargo room. In terms of infotainment technology, most Highlander grades are equipped with an eight-inch infotainment display, though the Limited and Platinum grades include a 12.3-inch screen. Buyers can opt for an eleven speaker JBL sound system. And every Highlander model comes equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility to go with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and Sirius XM Satellite Radio.
Exterior
The overall exterior styling and design of the 2022 Toyota Highlander will carry over from those of previous years. After all, it’s incredibly fine, sleek, and attractive, which is likely why the manufacturer hasn’t prioritized making any major changes.
Along with distinguished design lines and curves, the Highlander has a short wheelbase and a bulky body (and if you see how it all comes together, you’ll see that’s a good thing). Plus, the wheel size is just disproportionate enough to turn heads. Overall, the Highlander boasts a sporty design, 20-inch alloy wheels, and provides features like optional twin-tip exhaust and auto-leveling LED headlights.
Safety
While neither the NHTSA nor IIHS has tested the 2022 Toyota Highlander, we can expect nothing but greatness. In the 2021 model year, the Highlander received an incredible five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, and the IIHS made the Highlander a top safety pick for 2020. Seeing as how minimal changes have been made to this model, we expect the 2022 Highlander to be among the safest vehicles on the road.
Blind-spot monitoring and rear traffic alert are standard on Highlander XLE models, and automatic braking and front and rear parking assistance will be included on the Limited grade. Moreover, adaptive headlights with auto-leveling will come standard on Platinum models.
A Top Safety Pick honor was largely presented to the 2020 Highlander because of its curve-adaptative LED headlights. Even without that feature, however, the SUV received a “Good” score and all six crash tests.
The 2022 Highlander offers a ton of standard safety features, including Toyota’s Safety Sense package (i.e., lane departure warning with steering assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, etc.), traction and stability control, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, cyclist detection, road sign recognition, lane tracing assist, and much more.
Other Available Grades
We talked about the 2022 Highlander Hybrid and Hybrid Bronze Edition, but let’s cover the other grades available for this model:
Highlander L
The base Highlander offers drivers LED headlights and taillights, body-color door handles and mirror caps, and 18-inch allow wheels to go with an eight-passenger configuration and cloth seats. For convenience, the Highlander L comes with three-zone automatic climate control, cargo tie-downs, and one-touch up/down window control.
Highlander LE
Step up to the Highlander LE and LED fog lights, as well as a power liftgate, are added. You also get sunshades in the second row, a leather-trimmed shift knob, and blind-spot monitoring among other features.
Highlander XLE
Right in the middle of the pack, the Highlander XLE comes with premium 18-inch wheels, roof rails, and a power moon roof. Inside, drivers get a seven-inch instrument gauge display, captain chairs in the second row, leatherette seats, heated front seats, and a height/tilt power-adjustable passenger seat. Wireless device charging and auto-dimming rearview mirror are also included.
Highlander XSE
The XSE grade essentially takes the XLE and makes it sportier. The 20-inch dark finished alloy wheels are joined by black headlight backing and a shorter exterior styling. You can opt for red leather seats on this model, and you’ll also receive features like ambient cabin lighting and a sport-tuned suspension system.
Highlander Limited
The Toyota Highlander Limited approaches luxury’s door. Drivers get 20-inch alloy wheels finished in chrome to go with a chrome grille surround and body-color side paneling. The interior includes a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and wood-like trim adorning the cabin. The step up to the Limited grade also comes with a load of convenience features, including front and rear parking sensors, driver’s voice amplification, a hands-free power liftgate, and more.
Highlander Platinum
The top-tier 2022 Toyota Highlander Platinum offers a rear cargo area bumper protector and an amazing panoramic moon roof. Heated seats in the second row and a head-up display also come standard, as do built-in navigation, a 360-degree camera system, a digital review mirror, and rain-sensing wipers.
Primary Competitors
The midsize SUV segment is extraordinarily competitive. There’s no shortage of three-row SUVs on the market, and nearly every automaker is spending ample time and energy keeping up with an ever-growing market. That said, the 2022 Highlander can be expected to hold its own in a crowded class. Let’s talk about three of the fiercest competitors the Highlander will face in this next model year:
Ford Explorer
There’s no denying that the Ford Explorer is a venerable competitor. It has a long reputation for being one of Ford’s best-selling vehicles. The Explorer has garnered praise for its overall performance, and it narrowly beats the Highlander in terms of interior space and cargo volume.
However, the Highlander trumps the explorer in fuel economy. Then you have to consider the reliability and safety features provided by the Highlander. The Explorer is a good SUV, but unless you need the extra space and cargo room, the Highlander is the superior vehicle.
Kia Telluride
One of the newer SUVs on the marker is the Kia Telluride, and it’s had a strong start in the segment, largely thanks to the SUV’s focus on new technologies. The Telluride is also a practical vehicle with reasonable performance.
But seeing as it’s only a few years old, there’s much to learn about the reliability of this model. Besides, it’s a completely different style of SUV in terms of exterior and interior design. If you’re going for reliability and safety, the Highlander is the clear choice between the two.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is another SUV that has entered the scene within the last few years. Essentially, the Palisade looks like a combination of the 2022 Highlander and 2021 Telluride. On par with other Hyundai models, the Palisade provides a lot of technology features for the money. But as far as ride quality, standard safety features, and reliability, it doesn’t come anywhere close to the Highlander.
Conclusion
The future looks bright for the Toyota Highlander. The all-new Bronze Edition is sure to garner attention with its mid-century modern aesthetics and excellent fuel efficiency. Moreover, every 2022 Highlander grade will provide buyers with the performance, design, features, and safety that has come to be expected from the vehicle’s fourth generation.
If you’re looking for a three-row SUV that looks and feels more luxurious than the price suggests, the 2022 Toyota Highlander should be on your shortlist. And if you would like to stay posted on availability or schedule a test drive, remember to contact Mount Airy Toyota today!
