The all-new 2022 Toyota Highlander won’t arrive with significant changes, as previous reports suggested. Instead, this SUV will gain another mid-cycle improvement. New model will hit the roads with slightly larger dimensions and more aggressive styling. The 2022MY will borrow some things from the new RAV4 crossover. Still, the changes are far from dramatic, which isn’t a surprise.
Highlander rides on its fourth generation and it is a proven and very reliable SUV. Its interior is modern and it provides good comfort. Performances will remain, which is not a bad thing, as this SUV is a very capable performer. The sales will begin in the second half of 2021.
2022 Highlander Facelift
The forthcoming 2022 Toyota Highlander will introduce a minor facelift only. It is a disappointment after so many reports suggested some major changes. Instead, this SUV is coming with small front fascia upgrades. The styling seems to be refreshed and it looks more aggressive. The wheel arches are slightly different as well. However, recognizable bold design is mostly the same.
The rear section comes with windswept taillights and the front fascia offers similar headlights as well. We think the design is striking and some parts are looking sportier. If you want more sportiness, the XSE trim level is the answer you are looking for. New exterior paints are a possibility and even some sort of special edition is on the cards.
Interior Changes
On the inside, this SUV will gain slightly more improvements. For a start, the 2022 Toyota Highlander will continue to offer a sophisticated cabin with good comfort and plenty of modern amenities. New model will introduce more safety aids and a larger touchscreen that will be optional. The dash looks thinner but its layout is unchanged. A two-tone interior color scheme is available in the sportier XSE trim.
New color schemes will happen, according to the latest reports. Toyota will also provide more standard equipment, so even the base L trim will be richer in terms of technology. Still, the cloth upholstery remains, along with some other interior cues. The three-row layout remains and there will be room for seven passengers.
Potent V6 Engine
Nothing will change in terms of performance. The 2022 Toyota Highlander will once again introduce its 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine. This unit is capable of producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Toyota offers an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard front-wheel-drive setup.
The AWD system is optional and the manufacturer also provides a torque-vectoring system. However, torque vectoring is available in the upper trims such as Platinum and Limited. We also don’t expect any sort of improvement in terms of power so this familiar V6 is a carryover.
2022 Toyota Highlander Release Date, Price
The price will once again start at $36,000 for the base L trim level. This means the 2022 Toyota Highlander will cost like its predecessor. The sales will begin later in 2021 and if you want more luxury, the range-topping trim will cost $50,000 or slightly above that. As before, Highlander will continue to rival models such as Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer.