2022 Toyota Highlander: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2022 Toyota Highlander is the addition of the hybrid-only Bronze Edition. This is otherwise a light update, with revised USB ports and a few equipment changes rather than a redesign.

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About the 2022 Toyota Highlander

4th generation (2020-2026), third model year; light update year with the new Hybrid Bronze Edition.

Toyota positions the Highlander as a three-row family SUV that mixes comfort, safety, and flexibility with a choice of gas or hybrid power. The messaging centers on bold styling, room for seven or eight, standard driver-assistance tech, and an easy-to-live-with cabin for daily family use. Compared with many rivals, Highlander leans on Toyota’s reputation for durability and hybrid efficiency while still offering a trim ladder that runs from basic family transport to near-luxury.

For 2022, the Highlander range spans the straightforward eight-seat L, the sport-styled V6-powered XSE, and upscale gas or hybrid versions. The Platinum stands out with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 360-degree camera view, and panoramic moonroof, while the new Bronze Edition pairs hybrid power with bronze accents, special upholstery, and a hands-free liftgate.

What changed, by category

Styling

A new hybrid-only Bronze Edition joins the lineup above the Hybrid XLE. It adds bronze-themed exterior details, special upholstery with bronze stitching, and convenience features including a hands-free liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, and a digital rearview mirror.

Tech

The cabin adopts a more USB-C-focused port layout for front- and rear-seat passengers. XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum receive a more adjustable power front-passenger seat, while the XSE’s premium audio changes from standard to optional.

2022 Toyota Highlander specs and features by trim

Feature	2022 Toyota HighlanderL1 in stock	2022 Toyota HighlanderLE9 in stock	2022 Toyota HighlanderXLE32 in stock	2022 Toyota HighlanderXSE4 in stock	2022 Toyota HighlanderLimited4 in stock	2022 Toyota HighlanderPlatinum3 in stock	2022 Toyota HighlanderBronze Edition1 in stock
Engine	V6, 3.5 Liter	V6, 3.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter	V6, 3.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter	V6, 3.5 Liter	V6, 3.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter	V6, 3.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter	4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 8-Spd	Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode	Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode	Automatic, 8-Spd	Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode	Automatic, 8-Spd / Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode	Automatic, ECVT w/Sequential Mode
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas / Hybrid	Gas / Hybrid	Gas	Gas / Hybrid	Gas / Hybrid	Hybrid
MPG City	21 mpg	21–36 mpg	21–36 mpg	21 mpg	21–36 mpg	21–36 mpg	36 mpg
MPG Highway	29 mpg	29–35 mpg	29–35 mpg	29 mpg	29–35 mpg	29–35 mpg	35 mpg
Horsepower	295 hp	243–295 hp	243–295 hp	295 hp	243–295 hp	243–295 hp	243 hp
Torque	263 lb-ft	175–263 lb-ft	175–263 lb-ft	263 lb-ft	175–263 lb-ft	175–263 lb-ft	175 lb-ft
Max Towing	5000 lb	3500–5000 lb	3500–5000 lb	5000 lb	3500–5000 lb	3500–5000 lb	3500 lb
Trunk/Cargo		84.3 cu-ft	84.3 cu-ft		84.3 cu-ft	84.3 cu-ft	84.3 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	27.7 in	27.7 in	27.7 in	27.7 in	27.7 in	27.7 in	27.7 in
Seats	8	8	8	7	7–8	7	7
Doors	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Headlights
Alarm System
Automatic High Beams
Automatic Leveling Headlights
Blindspot Sensors
Hill Descent Control
Lane Departure Warning
Park Assist
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Rear View Camera
360 Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
LED Headlights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Liftgate/Trunk Release
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Side Steps
Entertainment & Electronics
Head-Up Display
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Subwoofer
Touch Screen Monitor
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual Power Front Seats
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Interior Ambient Lighting
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Memory Front Seats
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Rear Window Shades
Third Row Seat
Ventilated Front Seats

How the 2023 Toyota Highlander compares

The biggest change for the 2023 Toyota Highlander is the gas lineup’s switch from a V6 to a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This is a meaningful mid-cycle powertrain and technology update, not a full redesign.

See the full 2023 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2022 Toyota Highlander?

The biggest change is the new hybrid-only Bronze Edition. Based on the Hybrid XLE, it adds bronze-themed styling, distinctive upholstery, a hands-free liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, and a digital rearview mirror.

Was the 2022 Toyota Highlander redesigned?

No, the 2022 Highlander was not redesigned. It continues the fourth-generation design introduced for 2020 and receives only a light trim-and-equipment update.

What changed inside the 2022 Highlander compared with the 2021 model?

The 2022 Highlander switches to a more USB-C-focused port layout throughout the cabin. XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum models also gain a more adjustable power front-passenger seat.

Did the 2022 Toyota Highlander get a new engine?

No, the 2022 Highlander keeps the previous year’s gas V6 and hybrid powertrains. The new Bronze Edition uses the existing 2.5-liter hybrid system rather than introducing a new engine.

2022 Toyota Highlander Reviews

What owners are saying about the 2022 Toyota Highlander.

4.2

2022 Toyota Highlander

(790 reviews)

5 stars (355)

4 stars (310)

3 stars (100)

2 stars (16)

1 star (9)

“The driver assist and active cruise is way cooler than expected. I use it a lot!”

JBJoseph B.
2022 Toyota Highlander AWD (4-Cyl)

“It handles nice, gas mileage is pretty good and very comfortable in the first two rows”

JMJulie M.
2022 Toyota Highlander AWD (4-Cyl)

“Excellent handling and maneuverability. I don't care for the vinyl seat covering. Also think that the controls on the flat console between driver and passenger seats is a poor design.”

MHMary H.
2022 Toyota Highlander AWD