Toyota is updating the Highlander on the US market, short after the SUV reached the European market.
For 2022, the Toyota Highlander will continue to include standard Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.5+), a comprehensive suite of active safety systems
The standard backup camera features projected path, while the Limited’s backup camera comes standard with dynamic gridlines. A Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan is available on Limited and standard on Platinum and provides a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle.
The 2022 Highlander is equipped with eight airbags, including side curtain airbags for all three rows. Toyota’s Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). Hybrid models will receive Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) as well. VDIM provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-start assist control and EPS systems. It helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by controlling the brakes, hybrid system output and steering assist.
Launched first in 2021 and continuing for the 2022 model year, the Highlander XSE badge signals a drive on the sporty side with specially tuned handling suspension, unique exterior styling and exclusive interior trim.
Starting at a price of $42,000 for the FWD variant, the Highlander XSE combines bold exterior design with more agile driving reflexes. Positioned between the XLE and Limited grades, the 2022 Highlander XSE is briskly motivated by a 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that’s teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s available with either Front-Wheel Drive or Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive.
Setting off the bold design, the L, LE and XLE grades feature a black front grille with silver-colored paint surround, while the Limited and Platinum grades are distinguished by a black grille with chrome-colored trim, high output LED fog lights and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Platinum grade stands apart with silver-colored painted front bumper and rear fascia and a unique 20-inch wheel.
Looking sporty does not come at the expense of practicality in the 2022 Highlander. The L and LE grades come standard with second-row bench for seating for eight, while the XLE and Limited grade come standard with a Captain’s Chair second row with seating for seven. For XLE Gas, XLE Hybrid and Limited Gas grades, there is an option of second-row bench for seating for eight; the Hybrid Bronze as well as the XSE come standard with seven-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs. Finally, the Platinum grade comes standard with Captain’s Chair second row with seating for seven. Either way, the large rear doors provide easy access, while versatile seat folding features allow passengers to access the third row. Passengers in the second and third row stay comfortable thanks to standard three-zone climate control that ensures ample flow of warmed or cooled air.
With all seat rows in use, Highlander offers 16.0 cu. ft. of carrying space behind the third row. Folding the 60/40 split fold-flat third-row seatbacks opens the space to 48.4 cu. ft., and then folding the second row raises that to 84.3 cu. ft. The versatile cargo area makes the most of its additional length with side surfaces and pockets shaped for maximum space usage.
The 2022 Highlander offers a choice between two advanced powertrains, a gas V6 or the Toyota Hybrid System.
The 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 is the epitome of smoothness. Its Toyota-innovated D-4S Injection system combines direct fuel injection with port fuel injectors to help optimize efficiency, power and emissions in all conditions. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i), likewise, helps ensure ideal response and efficiency at all engine speeds.
That translates into 295 horsepower and 263 lb.-ft. of torque, which further translates into exemplary everyday performance and competitive towing capability. The Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission maximizes Highlander’s acceleration and highway merging capability while operating seamlessly and transparently.
All V6 models are equipped to tow 5,000-pounds and include Trailer Sway Control (TSC) which uses the Vehicle Stability Control to help control unwanted trailer movement.
