2022 Toyota Highlander

　　

2022 Toyota Highlander Review

byNick YekikianNews Editor

　　Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the News Editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.

　　After a full redesign for the 2020 model year, the Toyota Highlander will head into the 2022 model year mostly unchanged. This is Toyota's three-row crossover SUV that's bigger than the RAV4 but not as cumbersome to drive as the brand's truck-based Sequoia SUV. The Highlander's easygoing road manners should easily suit most buyers' needs.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Toyota Highlander L 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$155/mo  for Highlander L

　　Highlander L

　　L 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $35,855 MSRPL 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $37,455 MSRPLE 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $38,055 MSRPLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $39,655 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $41,055 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $42,655 MSRPXSE 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $42,650 MSRPXSE 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $44,600 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $45,010 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $46,960 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $48,010 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 8A) - $49,960 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　We also like the Highlander's comfortable seats, smooth ride quality and strong V6 engine. But this Toyota is held back by its cramped third-row seating and smaller cargo space behind those seats. If cargo space is a priority, it's worth checking out the impressive Kia Telluride (and related Hyundai Palisade) as well as the Honda Pilot or Volkswagen Atlas. Still interested? Check out our Expert Rating below to get our in-depth take on the ups and downs of the Highlander.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Highlander drive? Unlike some SUVs that can be slow to respond when you first step on the accelerator, the Toyota Highlander delivers near immediate response. At the zzdcar test track we measured 0-60 mph at 7.5 seconds, which is slightly better than average and a dead heat with the top-rated Kia Telluride — though the Highlander feels a little quicker from the driver's seat.

　　The Highlander's ability to negotiate a twisty road has improved. Body roll is controlled as you go around turns, and the available torque-vectoring AWD system can also help by applying engine power to individual rear wheels to subtly enhance the SUV's handling balance (in addition to the usual benefit of extra traction in wet weather).

　　Despite all this advanced technology, the Highlander still feels like a bigger SUV. A number of competitors move with more purpose and lightness, and many are able to stop quicker in an emergency braking scenario. Ultimate performance aside, the Highlander makes daily driving a low-effort activity, which is most important.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Highlander? The Highlander's ride quality is pleasantly plush. Large and small road imperfections are smoothed over thanks to the compliant suspension, yet it avoids feeling floaty or disconnected at higher speeds. The front seats are quite comfortable even on long drives, and the available second-row captain's chairs deliver nearly the same amount of comfort. Alas, the third-row seats are one of the Highlander's greatest liabilities. Thin padding, a very low seat cushion and narrow space make them ill-suited for adults.

　　Wind noise is well silenced on the highway, and road noise is minimal. Our test Highlander did have a minor creak developing at the top of the driver's door.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below