2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

MSRP Range: $39,555 - $51,460 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition 4dr SUV Exterior

360°

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition 4dr SUV Front Badge

+132

good

7.8/10

edmunds TESTED

There are few options when it comes to midsize three-row hybrid SUVs. Luckily, Toyota just happens to make one that's really good. The Highlander Hybrid effectively starts with the solid foundation of the regular Highlander and simply adds excellent fuel economy. It's adequately quick and nimble, and it loses no passenger or cargo space compared to the regular Highlander. Its third-row seat is small by midsize SUV standards, but that's one of few drawbacks.

76 Owner Reviews

Pricing

Select year

Total MSRP^{This price includes a $1,215 destination fee charged by the manufacturer.}	$40,770
Edmunds suggests you pay	$39,584

What Should I Pay

Also Consider

2023 GMC Terrain

6 Colors
4 Trims

Build & PriceGMC.com

Also Consider

7 Offers Near Ashburn, VA

Check out current offers on the GMC Terrain SLE

View Offers

GMC.com

Toyota Highlander Hybrid for Sale

2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

byMichael Cantu^{Correspondent
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 Edmunds 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.}

Pros

High fuel economy for a three-row SUV
Sensibly priced compared to the non-hybrid Highlander
Comfortable ride
Plenty of standard and available safety features

Cons

Third-row seats are cramped
Not a whole lot of cargo space behind the third row
Engine sounds unrefined at full throttle

What's new

The Bronze Edition trim joins the lineup
Part of the fourth Highlander generation introduced for 2020

Overview

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 Drive^{Cost 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 $3.56 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$125/mo

$208/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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 Edmunds' Expert Rating below.

Edmunds Expert Rating

good

7.8/10

Edmunds Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds 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.}

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 Edmunds Expert Rating below

Save as much as $1,484 with Edmunds ^{Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.}

2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid pricing

in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Advertisement
Also Consider
2023 GMC Terrain SLE
$29,900Starting MSRP
See All Trims
GMC.com
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price. Click here to see all GMC vehicles’ destination freight charges.

Build & price

Interior

8.0/10

How’s the interior? The first and second seating rows provide ample space. Unfortunately, the Highlander's third row is one of the most confining by midsize three-row SUV standards. If you're planning on regularly using the full passenger capacity, be sure it meets your needs first.

Adjusting the driver's seat is quick and easy, and there's ample range of adjustment. Tall drivers will likely want the steering wheel to telescope out a little more. Outward visibility, especially for a vehicle this size, is great. The windshield roof pillars are thin, which help you see around turns or in tight parking situations.

The Platinum trim, which is what we tested, also comes with some very useful features such as a camera-based rearview mirror that allows you to see out of the back even if you've fully loaded up the rear cargo area. There's also an available surround-view camera system. It has sharp resolution and can be rotated to look around the vehicle.

Technology

7.5/10

How’s the tech? In recent years, Toyota has trailed other manufacturers when it comes to tech. This latest Highlander Hybrid makes big strides in the right direction, but it still has some minor drawbacks. The optional 12.3-in touchscreen is huge (an 8-inch screen is standard) and it responds quickly to inputs. But its high-gloss surface makes it prone to reflections and smudges. Our Highlander Hybrid Platinum tester had five USB charge ports for the first and second rows but none for the third row.

All Highlanders come standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids. We like the natural operation of the adaptive cruise control, but we found the lane departure warning slightly too sensitive and the lane centering ineffective at highway speeds.

Storage

8.0/10

How’s the storage? Cargo space is a bit of a mixed bag with the Highlander Hybrid. Behind the third row, there's only 16 cubic feet of space, which is a bit less than what the Ford Explorer provides. Behind the second row, it expands to a better-than-average 48.4 cubic feet. The liftover height is about average for a midsize SUV.

There's decent space for your things, with a few useful shelves across the dash. If you have a phone charging on the wireless pad in the center bin, you have to remove it to access the space beneath. We didn't find it that cumbersome, but you might.

Got small children? You can easily install a large rear-facing car seat in the second row thanks to the generous amount of fore-and-aft movement of the available captain's chairs. The car seat anchors are also easy to locate and access for all types of seats, though there are no anchors in the third row.

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The top trims for the all-wheel-drive Highlander Hybrid get an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined. Front-wheel-drive versions are a little more efficient at 36 mpg combined.

On our relatively traffic-free evaluation route, we traveled 115 miles at an efficiency of 33 mpg. That's really good for a big three-row SUV, though it's obviously slightly below the EPA estimates. It's still significantly more efficient than the AWD Ford Explorer Hybrid we tested (EPA estimate: 25 mpg combined), which returned 23.3 mpg on average.

Value

8.0/10

Is the Highlander Hybrid a good value? The Highlander's interior is solidly put together with soft, padded surfaces where they matter most. Toyota's hybrids have a track record for running long and strong, so odds are high this Highlander will serve you loyally. There's good value here, too, whether you're cross-shopping against a Ford Explorer Hybrid or even a regular gas-only Highlander.

Toyota's warranty coverage is pretty common for the class with three years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and five years/60,000 miles for the powertrain. Hybrid components are covered for eight years/100,000 miles, and the hybrid battery for a generous 10 years/150,000 miles. The first two years of scheduled maintenance are also free.

Wildcard

7.5/10

The Highlander Hybrid isn't something we'd choose for a winding road but it's no less composed than the lighter, non-hybrid version of itself. It's something you'd look forward to taking a long trip in, though, and some might consider that fun.

The Highlander's new styling gives it a more aggressive vibe overall, but we're not sold on the bold details traveling down the side of the car. To us it looks overdone, but to each their own.

Which Highlander Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?

The XLE trim sits just above the base LE trim and includes plenty of standard features. It's priced lower than the Limited trim, which includes some premium but unnecessary features, including larger wheels and ventilated front seats. Notable features on the XLE include a sunroof, wireless charging pad, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster display, second-row captain's chairs, and power-adjustable seats for both the driver and front passenger.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid models

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes in five trim levels: the base LE, the recommended XLE, Limited and the range-topping Platinum. The new Bronze Edition slots right in the middle of the XLE and Limited trims. Eight-passenger seating is standard on the LE trim (second-row bench). Second-row captain's chairs create seating for seven and are standard on the XLE (second-row bench is optional). The Bronze Edition, Limited and Platinum trims only come equipped with second-row captain's chairs.

The Highlander Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a hybrid system and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The total system output is 243 horsepower (total torque is not specified). The three-row hybrid is offered in front- and all-wheel drive on any trim level. Highlights from each trim include:

LE
Starts you off with:

18-inch wheels
LED headlights and foglights
Keyless entry and ignition
Power liftgate
Three-zone climate control
8-inch touchscreen
Six-speaker audio system
Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat
4.2-inch digital instrument cluster display
Five USB ports
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Amazon Alexa compatibility
Satellite radio

Every Highlander Hybrid also comes standard with these advanced driver aids:

Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Toyota and the car in front)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Road sign assist
Automatic high-beam assist

XLE
Adds more upscale features, including:

Sunroof
Roof rails
Heated front seats
Simulated leather upholstery
10-way power-adjustable driver's seat
Eight-way power-adjustable passenger's seat
Adjustable lumbar on driver's seat
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Wireless smartphone charging pad
7-inch digital instrument cluster display
Second-row window sunshades

Bronze Edition
The Bronze Edition trim builds off the XLE trim and adds:

18-inch bronze-colored wheels
Illuminated bronze doorsills
Interior and exterior bronze accents
Unique graphite-colored seats
Bronze interior stitching

Limited
Includes features from the XLE and adds:

20-inch wheels
Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking
Hands-free liftgate
Heated and ventilated front seats
Leather upholstery
11-speaker JBL audio system
Heated steering wheel
Interior ambient lighting
Navigation system
Two 120-volt outlets

Platinum
The range-topping Highlander Hybrid Platinum further adds:

Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Automatic wipers
Panoramic sunroof
Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see what's behind the Highlander even with a fully loaded cargo area)
12.3-inch touchscreen
Heated second-row seats
10-inch head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Highlander and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

The LE, Bronze Edition and Platinum trims don't offer any optional packages. Buyers getting the XLE trim can add a second-row bench seat and a navigation system. The Limited trim can be optioned with a package that includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a surround-view camera system.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Average user rating: 4.2 stars

76 total reviews

Write a review

See all 76 reviews

5 star reviews: 62%

4 star reviews: 18%

3 star reviews: 7%

2 star reviews: 8%

1 star reviews: 5%

Most helpful consumer reviews

5/5 stars, Only had for a few days, but WOW! Vs. Venza.

Luckyme, 05/09/2021

Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

I made a rash decision and purchased a 2021 Venza Limited, fully loaded. They, as the Highlander are in high demand, and dealers did not have either Hybrids to test drive. I chose the Venza based on a sleeker look in photos, on line review, etc. But, after just 3000 miles on the Venza, I knew I made a mistake. The Venza was too small, rides a bit stiff and road noise was irritating from …

5/5 stars, A Real Dream Boat

Sarah Audrey, 03/21/2021

Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

You should not make your first impression of the mpgs of this vehicle in the dead of winter. Hybrids are known to struggle with mpgs below freezing. I got my Highlander Hybrid in December, and have been getting around 28mpg on the coldest days, but once the outside temperatures reach 45 and up, I'm getting well over the estimated 35mpg, often 38mpg with combined suburban and highway …

5/5 stars, Great SUV So Far

John_B, 02/26/2021

XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

I ended up trading in my 2011 Toyota RAV4 (non-hybrid) for a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid because I needed more cargo space but didn't want to take a bit hit on gas mileage considering most of my driving is local/city. During the first week I had the Highlander Hybrid I will admit I was a bit disappointed I was only getting 26 - 29 mpg given that I was trying to maximize the fuel …

5/5 stars, 2021 Highlander Hybrid surprises in good ways!

R, 02/07/2021

XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

First, all the people complaining about gas mileage, cars get worst gas mileage in the winter. Also, your terrain make a huge difference in avg gas mileage with a hybrid. I live in AL and have been averaging 33+ mpg across the board. Second, it’s a hybrid…it’s going to act different from a normal ICE vehicle. Finally, yes there are some minor flaws. But I’ll take them with the Toyota …

See all 76 reviews

Write a review

Helpful shopping links

2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Features Specs

Trim:

Total MSRP	$40,770
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	36 MPG
Cost to Drive	$125/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Compare the Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Compare

Ford Explorer

Compare

Kia Sorento Hybrid

Compare

Lexus RX 450hL

Compare

Compare selected vehiclesCompare Toyota Highlander Hybrid to any vehicle

Also Consider

Build Your 2023 Terrain SLE

At a Glance:

6 Colors
4 Trims
$29,900starting MSRP

Build & PriceGMC.com

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price excludes destination freight charge, tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Dealer sets final price. Click here to see all GMC vehicles’ destination freight charges.

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Highlander Hybrid safety features:

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Warns of an approaching vehicle or pedestrian, providing additional braking force or applying the brakes automatically if necessary.
Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a driver-set distance between the Toyota and the car in front.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Alerts the driver of possible unintended lane departures and can apply small corrective steering inputs to keep the vehicle in its lane.

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	4 / 5
Driver	4 / 5
Passenger	4 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	16.4%

People who viewed this also viewed

Toyota Highlander
3.8 average Rating out of 20 reviews.
Starting at $36,620

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
4.6 average Rating out of 16 reviews.
Starting at $31,225

Kia Sportage Hybrid
4.6 average Rating out of 46 reviews.
Starting at $27,490

FAQ

Is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2022 Highlander Hybrid both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2022 Highlander Hybrid gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 76 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Highlander Hybrid has 16.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Learn more

What's new in the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid:

The Bronze Edition trim joins the lineup
Part of the fourth Highlander generation introduced for 2020

Learn more

Is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?

To determine whether the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Highlander Hybrid. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Highlander Hybrid's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2022 Highlander Hybrid and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2022 Highlander Hybrid gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 76 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2022 Highlander Hybrid is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

The least-expensive 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $39,555.

Other versions include:

LE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $39,555
LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $41,155
XLE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $42,555
XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $44,155
Bronze Edition 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $44,580
Bronze Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $46,180
Limited 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $46,510
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $48,460
Platinum 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $49,510
Platinum 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $51,460

Learn more

What are the different models of Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

If you're interested in the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the next question is, which Highlander Hybrid model is right for you? Highlander Hybrid variants include LE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), LE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), XLE 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and XLE 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). For a full list of Highlander Hybrid models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Pricing

2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Performance

Comfort

Save as much as $1,484 with Edmunds Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.

2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid pricing

Edmunds suggests you pay

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Highlander Hybrid does Edmunds recommend?

Toyota Highlander Hybrid models

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Features Specs

Compare the Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Highlander Hybrid safety features:

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

People who viewed this also viewed

FAQ

Is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid a good car?

What's new in the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

Is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid reliable?

Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

What are the different models of Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

Related 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid info

Vehicle rankings by type

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Photos

Shop used vehicles in your area

Automotive News

Research similar car reviews

Other popular Toyota reviews and ratings

More Hybrids to consider

Join Edmunds

Save as much as $1,484 with Edmunds ^{Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.}