2022 Toyota Highlander XLE: Review, Specs, And More
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE. If you're in the market for a reliable, spacious, and tech-savvy SUV, the Highlander XLE should definitely be on your radar. This mid-size SUV has been a favorite for families and adventure-seekers alike, and the 2022 model brings some awesome updates and features that make it even more appealing. Let's break down everything you need to know about the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE, from its performance and interior to its technology and safety features.
Performance and Handling
When it comes to performance, the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE doesn't disappoint. Under the hood, you'll find a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers a smooth and confident ride. This engine churns out 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, providing plenty of power for daily commutes, long road trips, and everything in between. The Highlander XLE also boasts an eight-speed automatic transmission, which ensures seamless gear shifts and contributes to its overall fuel efficiency. Speaking of fuel efficiency, the front-wheel-drive version of the Highlander XLE gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, making it a practical choice for those who want to save on gas. If you opt for the all-wheel-drive version, you'll still get respectable numbers, with an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
But it's not just about power and fuel economy; the Highlander XLE also offers impressive handling. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable and controlled ride, even on bumpy roads. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising down the interstate, the Highlander XLE feels stable and composed. Plus, with available features like dynamic torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, you can confidently tackle various road conditions and weather situations. The all-wheel-drive system intelligently distributes power between the front and rear wheels to optimize traction and stability. Overall, the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE strikes a great balance between performance, efficiency, and handling, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of drivers.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Stepping inside the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE, you'll immediately notice the spacious and well-appointed cabin. The XLE trim comes standard with comfortable and supportive seats, upholstered in SofTex synthetic leather. This material not only looks and feels great but is also easy to clean and maintain, which is a huge plus for families with kids or pets. The front seats are heated, providing extra comfort during those chilly mornings. With seating for up to eight passengers, the Highlander XLE offers plenty of room for everyone to stretch out and relax. The second-row seats can slide and recline, allowing passengers to customize their seating position for maximum comfort. And the third-row seats, while best suited for kids or smaller adults, are still reasonably comfortable for shorter trips.
In terms of technology, the 2022 Highlander XLE is packed with features that enhance both convenience and entertainment. The centerpiece of the dashboard is an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. This means you can easily connect your smartphone to access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The Highlander XLE also comes with a six-speaker audio system, which delivers clear and crisp sound quality. Other standard tech features include five USB ports, a rearview camera, and a power liftgate. And for those who want even more bells and whistles, there are optional upgrades like a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, a premium JBL audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. With its combination of comfort and technology, the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE offers a truly enjoyable driving experience for both the driver and passengers.
Safety Features
When it comes to safety, the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE is equipped with a comprehensive suite of features designed to protect you and your passengers. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ comes standard on all Highlander models, including the XLE. This advanced safety system includes a range of driver-assistance technologies, such as pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The pre-collision system uses a combination of radar and camera sensors to detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians. If a collision is imminent, the system can automatically apply the brakes to help mitigate or avoid the impact. Lane departure alert warns you if you start to drift out of your lane and can even provide gentle steering inputs to help you stay on course. Automatic high beams automatically switch between high and low beams depending on the presence of other vehicles. And adaptive cruise control maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, making highway driving safer and more convenient.
In addition to these advanced safety features, the 2022 Highlander XLE also comes standard with a variety of traditional safety features, such as anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a full complement of airbags. The Highlander has also earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), further attesting to its safety credentials. With its combination of advanced safety technologies and solid safety ratings, the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE provides peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Trim Levels and Options
The 2022 Toyota Highlander is available in a variety of trim levels, each offering a different combination of features and options. The XLE trim sits in the middle of the lineup, offering a great balance of value and features. Above the XLE, you'll find the Limited and Platinum trims, which add even more luxury and convenience features, such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system. Below the XLE, there are the L and LE trims, which offer a more affordable entry point into the Highlander lineup.
Within the XLE trim, there are also several optional packages and features that allow you to customize your Highlander to your specific needs and preferences. For example, you can add a premium audio system, a larger touchscreen display, or a panoramic sunroof. You can also opt for all-wheel drive, which provides enhanced traction and stability in various road conditions. And for those who plan to tow a trailer, there's a towing package that increases the Highlander's towing capacity to 5,000 pounds. With its wide range of trim levels and options, the 2022 Toyota Highlander makes it easy to find the perfect SUV for your needs and budget.
Fuel Efficiency and MPG
Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many SUV buyers, and the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE delivers respectable numbers in this area. The front-wheel-drive version of the Highlander XLE gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. These numbers are competitive for the mid-size SUV class and make the Highlander XLE a practical choice for those who want to save on gas. If you opt for the all-wheel-drive version, you'll still get decent fuel economy, with an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
In real-world driving, your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits, road conditions, and other factors. However, the Highlander XLE's efficient engine and transmission, combined with its aerodynamic design, help it achieve impressive fuel economy numbers. And for those who want even better fuel efficiency, there's also the Highlander Hybrid, which combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to deliver significantly improved fuel economy. The Highlander Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. Whether you choose the gasoline-powered Highlander XLE or the Highlander Hybrid, you can be sure that you're getting an SUV that's both practical and efficient.
Pricing and Value
The 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and value. With a starting price of around $40,000, the Highlander XLE is competitively priced within the mid-size SUV segment. While it may not be the cheapest SUV on the market, it offers a lot of bang for your buck, with its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and long list of standard features. And with Toyota's reputation for reliability and durability, you can be confident that your Highlander XLE will provide years of trouble-free service.
Compared to its competitors, the Highlander XLE stands out for its well-rounded package. It offers more passenger and cargo space than some of its rivals, and its standard safety features are among the best in the class. Plus, with its available all-wheel drive and towing package, the Highlander XLE is a versatile choice for those who need to tackle various road conditions and hauling tasks. Overall, the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE represents a great value for those who are looking for a reliable, spacious, and well-equipped mid-size SUV.
Conclusion
So, what's the final verdict on the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE? Well, guys, it's a winner! This SUV offers a fantastic blend of performance, comfort, technology, and safety. Whether you're hauling kids to school, embarking on a road trip, or simply running errands around town, the Highlander XLE is up to the task. Its spacious interior, smooth ride, and long list of standard features make it a joy to drive and ride in. And with its excellent safety ratings and reputation for reliability, you can have peace of mind knowing that you and your passengers are well-protected.
If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV, the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE should definitely be on your short list. It's a well-rounded vehicle that offers something for everyone. So, go ahead and check it out at your local Toyota dealer. You won't be disappointed!
