2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

　　

2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　The three-row Toyota Highlander Hybrid has transported families in a very fuel-efficient manner since 2006. It's the only hybrid three-row SUV to survive that long in the U.S. and it will likely soldier on for many years to come. There still aren't many hybrid SUVs of the Highlander's size in today's market. The Ford Explorer Hybrid is its main rival, along with the smaller Kia Sorento Hybrid. For the 2022 model year, Toyota adds the unique Bronze Edition trim.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) 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

　　$108/mo  for Highlander Hybrid LE

　　Highlander Hybrid LE

　　LE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $39,555 MSRPLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $41,155 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $42,555 MSRPXLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $44,155 MSRPBronze Edition 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $44,580 MSRPBronze Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $46,180 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $46,510 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $48,460 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $49,510 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $51,460 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　The Highlander Hybrid is based on the regular Highlander, one of Toyota's largest SUVs. It's bigger than the two-row RAV4 but smaller than the full-size Sequoia. Fuel economy is impressive — it offers a combined city/highway rating of 36 mpg with front-wheel drive (35 mpg with AWD). That's more than 10 mpg better than the regular non-hybrid Highlander and it's even higher than the little Corolla's combined rating of 34 mph (non-hybrid). The Highlander Hybrid's fuel economy is just one of its many positive aspects, but there are some negative ones as well. For an in-depth review of this family hauler, please check out our zzdcar' Expert Rating below.

　　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

7.5/10

　　How does the Highlander Hybrid drive? The three-row Highlander has the same hybrid powertrain as the RAV4 Hybrid, though Toyota juiced it up a bit to handle the added weight. Our test Highlander accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. That's certainly respectable considering some SUVs with V6s take as much time and are far less fuel-efficient. Emergency braking power is also on par.

　　Around turns, this hybrid is surprisingly composed. The Highlander Hybrid isn't as athletic as the hybrid version of the Ford Explorer, but handling isn't usually a strong selling point for three-row SUVs. What's more important is ease of driving, and the Highlander Hybrid nails it. Power is readily available and smoothly delivered, and the brakes are smooth and don't exhibit the grabbiness found in some other hybrids.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Highlander Hybrid? The Highlander Hybrid's ride quality is plush. It smooths over most road imperfections yet remains controlled without much float at higher speeds. The wide front seats are pretty comfortable even on long drives, and the available second-row captain's chairs deliver nearly the same level of comfort. Alas, the third-row seats remain one of the Highlander's greatest liabilities. Thin padding, a very low seat cushion and limited legroom make them a no-go for most adults.

　　We like the Highlander's excellent climate control system. It's easy to use and can quickly heat or cool the cabin. At highway speeds, the Highlander is nicely insulated from wind and road noise. The gas engine sounds unrefined when you go full throttle, but otherwise it's not intrusive.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below