2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | Are the Trade-offs Worth It?

When I first tested this new Highlander a couple of years ago I discovered Lexus-level luxuriousness to this new Platinum trim. Toyota had taken their popular 3-row SUV and refined it to the point where it blurred company lines. But that one had a V6 that returned a lackluster 23mpg. This time I’m trying the Hybrid, taking mileage to 35mpg but there’s a catch.

MSRP as-tested: $52,918

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2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum AWD

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[bg]

This is one of my most frequently recommended cars to friends and family nowadays. There's a trim for just about everyone, it's massive inside, will be reliable as anything, and of course that stellar fuel economy. I also agree that unless you're really in need of a V6, the hybrid powertrain on the Lexus ES and this is the smart choice. Actually, come to think of it, is there any car anymore that's offered as a hybrid for which you'd recommend the gasoline powertrain over the hybrid for someone who really couldn't care less about their powertrain? I'm thinking of the population that isn't sure if their car is RWD or FWD...

[billlyl]

Still don’t understand how you don’t have five times as many subscribers! Great review

[rightlanehog]

Steve, Unless the V6's additional 1, 500 lbs tow capacity is a critical factor, the 35 mpg, AWD Hybrid seems like the obvious choice.

[DavidTYoung]

Great video, they launched these last year in Scotland. However, I think I’ve only seen 1 highlander since it’s launch on the road, could be due to its circa £50, 000 starting price

[La-ytwr]

Nice suv but I miss the V6 Hybrid of the previous generation Toyota/Lexus models current Lexus RX.

[limpunsing]

It's a great family car, but nothing is cheap anymore with more shortages & higher prices are elected sooner Ace video review

[Andrew]

I think I joked the last time you reviewed one of these that it was a Lexus with the “Delete Ugliness” option. I stand by that. I bought a Sorento PHEV because we like to buy the smallest 3-row we can. If I was more flexible re size, it would be this car all day long (until a Highlander Prime comes along, anyway).

Thanks again for packing everything into such a succinct and crisp review!

[dant-rex]

Someone I know has had a XLE hybrid for two years now, so it's a 2020. And I can't complain, it feels peppy. Good features for the price. And it came out to be what she wanted. But I sort of agree also that the last gen facelift had a little bit of a better look. Great video also.

[adamn]

Can the 2022 Highlander Hybrid push through in deeper snow?

[colechapman]

This car is definitely better than that GX Lexus tries to pass as a luxury 7-seater SUV, which is pretty incredible considering this car costs half as much as the GX but I think it's far more modern and pretty

[bjsimon]

600 a tank is impressive for what it weights

[JK-yfvl]

The front passenger seat had no lumbar support control button

[williamdrijver]

Fuel prices are high and will remain high in the future. Either through taxes, high oil prices, or both. So gas guzzler buyers should not complain. Think and calculate before you buy!

[jackchn]

Was that Thatcher Park? I used ride my motorcycle up there when I lived there 25 years ago!

[mastermouaable]

Why isn’t the V6 Hybrid that’s in the Lexus RX450h isn’t available for the Highlander?

[joeelliott]

what third-row SUV would you recommend in a hybrid and V6?

[buddha]

53K is ridiculous... price of a home(yeah I know, fixer upper or starter). You know how to get these prices back to reasonable figures, STOP BUYING THE SHIT for 1yr. Drive your old backup.. make them realize that OVER PRICED PLASTIC is a joke. I have own 3 new vehicles, last one in Oct '95... NEVER AGAIN

[vitusbering]

The truth is you have to change your driving technique to lower the gas consumption. With standard driving, it won't be better then 29-30 mpg. Also, anyone needs to make some basic calculation before switching to Highlander hybrid.. Consider mileage, consumption and prospective gas prices. If you lease, the hybrid will pay its price difference only after 4 years.

[steaksandwiches]

Should be a plug-in. They dropped the ball on that

[styner]

After owning a vehicle with wireless Carplay, I can't go back to wired ever again.