2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Expert Review
Reviewed by Kelly Lin
Want a three-row hybrid SUV? The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is among the few options in this category, competing squarely against the Ford Explorer Hybrid. The Toyota SUV provides seating for seven or eight, depending on the configuration. For the 2022 model year, the Highlander Hybrid adds a new Bronze Edition.
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a 2022 IntelliChoice Best Overall Value award winner.
What's New
- Bronze Edition features unique exterior and interior trim
- New Wind Chill Pearl exterior paint color
- Height-tilt power passenger seat adjustments standard on XLE and above
What We Think
Hybrid SUVs often suffer from two problems: poor brake feel and less interior space than their pure-gas counterparts. Fortunately, the Highlander Hybrid has neither. Its top strengths? Great fuel economy and an EPA-estimated driving range of more than 600 miles on a tank. But the SUV is not without its imperfections. While the hybrid powertrain is responsive around town, it feels like it runs out of motivation near the end of merging onto the highway. Engine noise is also an unpleasant companion.
In past reviews, we've praised the high-quality interior of top trim models. The Highlander benefits from plenty of cargo space, too. As is typical among three-row SUVs, passengers will find the very back row a tight squeeze. Toyota has improved the infotainment system in recent years, as it's now more responsive and sharper-looking than before.
Toyota is wise to offer a fuel-efficient hybrid option in its popular Highlander line, and many buyers will find there are enough reasons to buy this SUV over the non-hybrid. That said, there are better three-row SUVs on the market.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Highlander Hybrid employs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. Total system output is 243 hp. Power is routed through a continuously variable transmission, and buyers can choose between FWD and AWD configurations. A Highlander Hybrid Platinum we tested ran from 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds, coming in a whole second slower than the standard Highlander Platinum.
Fuel economy on the 2022 Highlander Hybrid tops out at 36/35 mpg city/highway with FWD and 35/35 mpg with AWD.
What Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition?
Bronze accents grace the exterior and interior of this special edition Highlander Hybrid. The treatment applies to the 18-inch wheels, illuminated door sills, and interior stitching. Positioned right above the XLE trim, the Bronze Edition comes standard with a hands-free power liftgate, 10-way power driver seat with memory, ambient interior lighting, a digital rearview mirror, puddle lamps, a 1500-watt power outlet, LED daytime running lights, and rain-sensing wipers. It's our pick among 2022 Toyota Highlander trim levels.
Safety Ratings and Features
The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid earned an overall five-star rating from NHTSA. This rating includes a four-star rating in front and rollover crashes, and a five-star score in side crashes. IIHS named the Highlander a 2022 Top Safety Pick+.
The 2022 Highlander to features automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, full-speed adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane departure alert with steering assist, and other advanced driver assist features.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
While the Highlander Hybrid offers more cargo space behind the second row than the Explorer Hybrid, as well as more second-row legroom, it falls short in other areas.
Cargo space (behind first/second/third rows):
2021 Highlander Hybrid: 84.3/48.4/16.0 cubic feet
2021 Explorer Hybrid: 87.8/47.9/18.2 cubic feet
Legroom (first/second/third rows):
2021 Highlander Hybrid: 40.4/41.0/27.7 inches
2021 Explorer Hybrid: 43.0/39.0/32.2 inches
Technology
Standard features on the Highlander Hybrid include an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker sound system, a USB media port, and four USB charge ports. Buyers can upgrade to a 12.3-inch touchscreen and 11-speaker JBL sound system.
