2022 Toyota Highlander: Next-Gen Highlander Hybrid Preview, Price and Release Date

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2022 Toyota Highlander So far, we know very little. At least from Toyota. We have no confirmed details about the redesigned Tundra 2022. We also don’t know if there will be any small or big changes to come to other popular Toyota favorites like the Tacoma 2022 or 4Runner or RAV4 or Camry.

The Toyota Highlander was redesigned just a few years ago for the 2020 model year. Truly it has been changed from the ground up. Almost everything has changed.

A new style that is more sporty and luxurious. Lots of technology and convenience updates. New security features. And a modernized interior with more cargo space. All changes for good. Especially for people in the market for a reliable and versatile midsize SUV.

This latest fourth-generation Highlander is a great choice for families of all sizes. I find it smooth and comfortable, especially on longer road trips. Not much is known about the refresh or add options yet. I’m referring to new technology or a new style or security update.

However, one small change that came involved removing one color and adding another.

The three-line SUV is a modern SUV on par with the old family station wagon, and the Toyota Highlander 2021 dutifully gets the job done – and a few others. Buyers can choose from a standard V-6 engine or go for the fuel-inhaling hybrid option; both powertrains are available with all-wheel drive.

Inside, there are three rows of chairs – although the very back is a perch for children or young. The well-equipped cabin is packed with infotainment features and space-wise storage. Toyota also equips each Highlander with a full suite of standard driver assistance features to provide an additional layer of safety.

The Highlander ride is quiet and its acceleration performance is adequate, but its apathetic driving attitude puts it right behind top competitors – such as Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade – in the mid-size SUV class.

The sporty XSE trim level looks to join the Highlander lineup for 2021. It blows up the looks with its more aggressive exterior styling, unique 20-inch wheels, black exterior accents, and a sporty calibration for the suspension.

Elsewhere, LED projection headlights are now a standard feature and all models receive additional driver assistance features, including semi-automatic emergency steering technology designed to help drivers avoid collisions.

2022 Toyota Highlander Preview

In 2020, Toyota released the fourth-generation Highlander with a larger, more aggressive-looking body built on the well-received RAV4 design cues. Entering its third model year, we expect the Toyota Highlander 2022 to be a carry-on, except for a few potential special edition models.

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The new generation Highlander arrives in 2020 with a bold design that builds on the success of the new generation RAV4. It boasts a more upright and SUV-like design without losing its crossover character. It’s also equipped with powerful wheel arches, striking character lines, breezy headlights and taillights, and more.

Shoppers looking for something sportier can opt for the XSE trim level custom look. Aside from the potential of some new special edition models, we hope the Highlander 2022 can maintain this look.

Inside, the current Highlander combines sophistication and simplicity with a checkered steering wheel centerpiece, a large touchscreen that stands out from the relatively thin dashboard, a clean and well-organized center stack, and more.

Moving on to XSE adds a special feel with the two-tone color schemes available. We hope this interior design remains the same in Highlander 2022.

The current Highlander is well equipped throughout the lineup, including the entry-level L trim. The base model comes with standard three-row seating, upholstery, 18-inch wheels, a power-adjustable driver seat, five USB ports, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and more.

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Optionally, buyers can add more premium features, including a JBL audio system, 12.3-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery, and more. We anticipate these standard features and options will remain largely the same in the Toyota Highlander 2022.

Powering the Highlander right now is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that pumps 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

As standard, the Highlander comes with a front-wheel drive, but two all-wheel-drive systems are optional, including a torque vector system on the Limited, Platinum, and XSE trims. We hope this powertrain remains the same in Highlander 2022.

Toyota puts safety first, and the current Highlander is no exception. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and lane departure warning.

On the LE and higher trims, the Highlander added a standard blind-spot monitor. There’s also an optional parking sensor and a surround-view monitor. In IIHS testing, the Highlander currently received a “Good” rating in all crash tests. It also features optional “Good” grade LED headlamps and “Superior” grade automatic emergency braking.

Combined, this earned him an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating. We hope the standard safety features and ratings remain the same.

2022 Toyota Highlander Redesign

The Highlander is the most extensive crossover in the Toyota lineup (Sequoia and the larger Land Cruiser, truck-based SUVs). Redesigned just two years ago, the Toyota Highlander feels sleek and modern on the inside. It’s similar to the Luxe Avalon sedan in overall design and materials, and the optional 12.3-inch touchscreen is the same one you’ll find on an expensive Lexus product.

We even think that Toyota has a superior interface. The top trim features a hands-free liftgate, a digital rearview mirror, and an intercom that broadcasts the driver’s voice through the rear speakers. Pair this with the Highlander suite of advanced driving aids, and you have the recipe for one of the better three-line SUVs on the market.

The only fault of the Highlander is the lack of interior space. The third row is suitable if you plan on only having the kids back there, but most adults will have a hard time adjusting to comfortably. There is also less cargo space behind the third row, so you have to prepare your luggage for family trips.

The Toyota Highlander is a solid choice in the mid-range three-line class, but its rivals are broader or offer better value for money. Volkswagen Atlas is a passenger space champion, with enough head and legroom to seat a 6-foot adult in each row.

The Kia Telluride also offers a spacious interior and relatively low price and upscale cabin relief materials, making it our favorite mid-range three-line SUV by a fair margin. If you’re still interested in the Highlander, know that we don’t expect significant updates for the 2022 model, so be sure to check out our review of the Toyota Highlander 2021 for all the details.

2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The all-new Highlander Hybrid was launched in 2020 and carries with it the striking design that attracts some of the latest RAV4. Entering its third model year, we hope the Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2022 will become the default model.

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This new look includes a straighter posture like an SUV without losing its crossover character. Other bold design cues include strong wheel arches, rising character lines, cover headlamps and taillights, and more. The XSE trim level adds character with a sportier, more distinctive design. We hope this design remains the same in the 2022 Highlander Hybrid.

Inside, the Highlander Hybrid combines a sophisticated look and simplicity. Some of its key features include a checkered steering wheel center, large top dash touchscreen, thin instrument panel, clean and well-organized center stack, and more.

The sporty styling of the XSE trim continues on the inside with the available two-tone color scheme. We hope this interior design remains the same in the 2022 Highlander Hybrid.

The Highlander Hybrid is well-equipped from the basic LE trim to the range-topping Limited model. On the basic trim, the Highlander Hybrid comes standard with three-row seating, three-zone automatic climate control, upholstery, 18-inch wheels, five USB ports, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, and more.

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Optionally, buyers can add more premium features, including a JBL audio system, 12.3-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery, and more. We hope that these features remain largely the same in the Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2022.

Powering the current Highlander Hybrid is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors combined to produce 219 horsepower. This power flows through a continuously variable transmission.

Electronic all-wheel drive is standard. We hope that this powertrain remains the same in the 2022 Highlander Hybrid.

Toyota puts a lot of focus on safety, and the Highlander Hybrid follows this trend. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, lane alerts, automatic headlights, and more.

The Highlander currently received a “Good” rating in all crash tests in IIHS testing. It also features optional “Good” grade LED headlamps and “Superior” grade automatic emergency braking. Combined, this earned him an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating. We hope the standard safety features and ratings remain the same.

Is it worth buying a Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

Is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable? In NHTSA testing, the Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating, the highest possible score. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) suite of driver assistance and active safety features is included on all 2021 Highlander Hybrids.

Is the 4 cylinder highlander underpowered?

Acceleration and Power The 2018 Highlander comes standard with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. … The basic engine can feel underpowered, especially when carrying heavy loads. The optional V6 is quite powerful, although the transmission waits for a little when you start moving.

2022 Toyota Highlander Interior

The Base L and mid-range LE models can accommodate eight passengers using seat seats in the second and third rows, but a seven-seat arrangement with a second-row captain’s seat is available on higher trim.

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The passenger space here is more spacious than in the CX-9, but not as wide as in the Chevrolet Traverse, especially in the third row.

The materials throughout the cabin are much better compared to the last generation Highlander. The Upscale Limited and Platinum models provide the most comfort, but compared to the features offered by Palisade or Telluride, they are inadequate. The cargo area behind the third row can only fit four carry-on cases; Traverse fits six.

An 8.0-inch infotainment system comes standard on most trims, but the Highlander Limited and Platinum get 12.3-inch screens. An 11-speaker JBL audio system is available. Toyota provides SiriusXM satellite radio, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration for all models.

2022 Toyota Highlander Engine

The Highlander comes with a 295 hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive or all. During a short test drive, we found the V-6 could handle a short on-ramp without difficulty; on our test track, our all-wheel-drive test vehicle made it to 60 mph in a pretty fast 6.7 seconds.

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The handling is unpleasant but stable, and the ride is perfect for family chauffeur duty. Another driving pleasure can be found in the Mazda CX-9.

A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors work together to produce a combined 243 horsepower in the Highlander Hybrid. This model comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

Leveraging Toyota’s hybrid expertise, this powertrain provides buyers with something more fuel-efficient than the standard model. The compromise comes in acceleration performance, both due to the hybrid’s lower horsepower rating and the fact that this model uses a CVT rather than a nonhybrid eight-speed automatic.

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On our test track, the hybrid model made it to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. Prospective buyers in this segment will probably know that the Ford Explorer also comes in a hybrid form.

But pitting these utes against each other, Toyota comes out on top when it comes to fuel economy, and the Highlander Hybrid’s starting price of $ 39,585 is $ 11,810 less than the Explorer Hybrid.

2022 Toyota Highlander EPA

The EPA estimates that the 2020 Highlander V-6 will deliver up to 29 mpg on the road is equipped with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive cuts it by 2 mpg. The hybrid model carries a higher rating, with the front-wheel-drive variant producing 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

We’ve tested the standard Highlander on a 200-mile fuel-efficient route, which delivers 28 mpg. When a hybrid visits our office, we will test its fuel efficiency on the same route.

2022 Highlander Exterior Colors

Toyota Highlander 2020 exterior colors In terms of family adventure, the three-row Toyota Highlander 2021 is a fan favorite at Earnhardt Toyota which has an athletic style that only a few competitors can match. Drivers in the mesa area who have fallen in love with the Toyota Highlander want to know – how many colors of Toyota Highlander are available? Find the perfect fit in the Earnhardt Toyota inventory with this list of available 2021 Toyota Highlander interior and exterior color options.

List of Toyota Highlander Exterior Color Options

  • Midnight Black Metallic
  • Ruby Flare Pearl
  • Opulent Amber
  • Blueprint
  • Blizzard Pearl
  • Magnetic Gray Metallic
  • Celestial Silver Metallic
  • Moon Dust

List of Toyota Highlander Interior Color Options

  • Black
  • Graphite
  • Beige
  • Red Cockpit
  • Harvest Beige
  • Glazed Caramel

2022 Highlander Dimensions

  • Overall length/width
    • 194.9/76.0
    • 194.9/76.0
    • 194.9/76.0
  • Unloaded height (no antenna)
    • 68.1
    • 68.1
    • 68.1
  • Wheelbase
    • 112.2
    • 112.2
    • 112.2
  • Track (front/rear)
    • 65.3/65.4
    • 65.3/65.4
    • 65.3/65.4

2022 Toyota Highlander Release Date

In our view, the mid-range XLE is the litter’s choice. It has heated front seats, wireless smartphone charging pads, and a power sunroof, among other conveniences.

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We also launched Premium Audio with a Dynamic Navigation package, which brings navigation on the dashboard and an enhanced stereo system. All-wheel drive will add $ 1,600 to the bottom line. And opting for a hybrid powertrain over the standard V-6 will cost you an additional $ 1400.

There is no official release date for the 2022 Highlander. Based on the previous schedule, we are expecting the arrival of the summer of 2021.

2022 Toyota Highlander Price

Pricing is also informal. With no changes in work, the Highlander 2022 MSRP will likely stay close to the current model’s MSRP range of $ 35,985 to $ 50,090 (including destination costs).

There is no official release date for the 2022 Highlander Hybrid, but we expect the arrival of summer 2021 based on the release schedule of previous years.

With no changes to be expected, we believe the Highlander Hybrid 2022 MSRP will stay close to the current model’s MSRP range of $ 39,585 to $ 51,490 (including destination costs).

  • L – $ 35,985
  • LE – $ 38,185
  • Hybrids – $ 39,585
  • XLE – $ 40,985
  • XSE – $ 42,580
  • Limited – $ 44,940
  • Platinum – $ 48,140

2021 Highlander XSE Price

Toyota Highlander 2021 xse price The Toyota Highlander 2021 represents the second model year after a complete redesign usher in a new generation. The current version is only slightly larger than before, as Toyota realizes that its predecessor, which is slightly smaller than most other three-line crossovers, is the right size for many existing customers.

Despite this, the third-row seats and cargo capacity are smaller than most competitors, so the new Highlander may not be for everyone. Even so, its attractive interior and well-crafted with the latest Toyota infotainment technology helps it to stand tall in this segment along with much better road behavior and superior fuel economy provided by the Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 model.

The new model for 2021 is the Highlander XSE model. It combines the XLE’s upgraded interior designation with special chassis enhancements to achieve a more exciting driving experience.

Reworked steering and a stiffer sport-tuned suspension are among the highlights, though of course doesn’t expect a three-row sports car or a rock-hard ride. It also gets a unique styling, carbon fiber look interior trim, and an exclusive upholstery consisting of SofTex vinyl and fabric inserts. The latter can be replaced with red skin.

The Highlander comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic are standard, but an all-wheel drive is an option (like the RAV4, the top trim level gets the more advanced torque vector AWD system).

The EPA’s estimated fuel economy is an effective combined 23 mpg regardless of FWD or AWD. The Highlander Hybrid produces 240 horsepower and gets an incredible 36 mpg combined with FWD and 35 mpg combined with AWD.

The base trim level L is very well equipped and granted, the next LE doesn’t really add up as much. There’s nothing wrong with keeping things simple. The top trim levels lift the Highlander into luxury territory, but with it comes a price push up to $ 50,000. We really consider the Hybrid because its fuel economy really gives the Highlander a unique attribute in a busy segment.

You can use the rest of this page to find more in-depth information on the Toyota Highlander 2021, including features, specifications, and where to get the best price near you.

  • XSE 4dr All-wheel Drive TOTAL MSRP $ 43,630