Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE, a popular SUV that's been making waves. If you're in the market for a reliable, spacious, and feature-packed vehicle, the Highlander XLE might just be the perfect fit. In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know, from its performance and interior to its tech and safety features. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE

The 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE is a sweet spot in the Highlander lineup, balancing affordability with a healthy dose of premium features. As a mid-trim level, it builds upon the base model with added comforts and conveniences that make daily driving a pleasure. It's designed for families and individuals who need the extra space of an SUV without sacrificing fuel efficiency or modern tech. The Highlander, in general, has a strong reputation for reliability, and the XLE trim enhances this with thoughtful upgrades.

Think of the XLE as the Goldilocks option: not too basic, not overly extravagant, but just right. It includes features like heated front seats, a power liftgate, and Toyota's SofTex synthetic leather upholstery, which are all significant upgrades over the base L trim. Plus, you get practical additions like roof rails for extra cargo-carrying capacity and blind-spot monitoring for enhanced safety. The exterior also gets a little more flair with features like LED fog lights and a unique grille design.

One of the standout features of the Highlander XLE is its spaciousness. With three rows of seating, it can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers. This makes it an excellent choice for larger families or those who frequently carpool. The second-row seats are easy to adjust, providing convenient access to the third row. Even with all three rows in use, there's still a decent amount of cargo space in the rear, making it practical for grocery runs or weekend getaways. The interior design is well-thought-out, with plenty of storage compartments and cupholders to keep everyone organized on the go.

Under the hood, the 2022 Highlander XLE typically features a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a smooth and responsive driving experience. This engine provides ample power for both city driving and highway cruising, making it versatile for various driving conditions. It's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which further enhances the vehicle's efficiency and performance. For those looking to save on fuel, the Highlander XLE is also available as a hybrid, combining the V6 engine with electric motors for improved gas mileage. The hybrid version doesn't compromise on power, offering a combined output that's comparable to the standard V6.

Performance and Handling

When we talk about the performance of the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE, we're really talking about a blend of power, efficiency, and comfort. The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine churns out around 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough to get you moving. Whether you're merging onto the highway or climbing a steep hill, the Highlander XLE has the muscle to handle it with ease. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly, ensuring that you're always in the right gear for optimal performance.

But it's not just about raw power; the Highlander XLE also offers a refined driving experience. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and potholes with ease. This makes it a great choice for long road trips, where comfort is a top priority. The steering is precise and responsive, giving you confidence behind the wheel. Whether you're navigating city streets or winding country roads, the Highlander XLE feels planted and stable.

For those who prioritize fuel efficiency, the hybrid version of the Highlander XLE is an excellent option. It combines the V6 engine with electric motors, resulting in significantly improved gas mileage. The hybrid system seamlessly switches between gasoline and electric power, depending on the driving conditions. This not only saves you money at the pump but also reduces your carbon footprint. The hybrid Highlander XLE is particularly efficient in city driving, where it can often run on electric power alone at lower speeds.

In terms of handling, the 2022 Highlander XLE is surprisingly nimble for its size. The available all-wheel-drive system provides enhanced traction in slippery conditions, making it a great choice for those who live in areas with snow or rain. The all-wheel-drive system automatically distributes power to the wheels that need it most, improving stability and control. This gives you added confidence when driving in challenging conditions. The Highlander XLE also comes with a variety of driver-assist features, such as lane departure alert and adaptive cruise control, which further enhance safety and convenience.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE, you'll immediately notice the attention to detail and focus on comfort. The SofTex synthetic leather upholstery feels premium to the touch and is easy to clean, making it a practical choice for families with kids or pets. The heated front seats are a welcome feature on cold mornings, providing added warmth and comfort. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The passenger seat is also adjustable, ensuring that everyone can ride in comfort.

The Highlander XLE offers plenty of space for both passengers and cargo. The second-row seats are comfortable and supportive, with ample legroom and headroom. They also recline, allowing passengers to relax and stretch out on long trips. The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, but they're still a valuable asset when you need to carry extra passengers. The third-row seats are easy to access, thanks to the sliding second-row seats. With all three rows in use, there's still a decent amount of cargo space in the rear, enough for groceries or luggage.

The interior design of the Highlander XLE is both stylish and functional. The dashboard is well-organized and easy to read, with all the essential controls within reach. The center console offers plenty of storage space, including cupholders and a small storage bin. The door panels also have storage pockets, perfect for holding water bottles or other small items. The Highlander XLE also comes with a variety of convenient features, such as a power liftgate, which makes it easy to load and unload cargo. The liftgate can be operated with the touch of a button, or with a wave of your foot under the rear bumper.

The 2022 Highlander XLE also offers a range of tech features that enhance the driving experience. The infotainment system is easy to use and features a large touchscreen display. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. The Highlander XLE also comes with a premium audio system, which delivers clear and crisp sound. The cabin is well-insulated, minimizing road noise and creating a quiet and relaxing environment. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip, the Highlander XLE provides a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

Technology and Features

The tech inside the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE is seriously impressive. The centerpiece is the 8-inch touchscreen display, which is super responsive and easy to navigate. It comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The infotainment system also includes Amazon Alexa compatibility, allowing you to control various vehicle functions with voice commands.

One of the standout features is the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite, which comes standard on all Highlander models. This includes a range of advanced safety technologies, such as pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features work together to help you stay safe on the road and avoid accidents. The Highlander XLE also comes with blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, which provides an extra layer of safety when changing lanes or backing out of parking spaces.

For added convenience, the Highlander XLE includes a power liftgate, which makes it easy to load and unload cargo. The liftgate can be operated with the touch of a button, or with a wave of your foot under the rear bumper. The Highlander XLE also comes with a smart key system, which allows you to unlock and start the vehicle without using a key. The smart key system also includes a push-button start, which is a convenient feature to have.

The 2022 Highlander XLE also offers a range of optional tech features, such as a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display, a premium JBL audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. These features can further enhance the driving experience and make the Highlander XLE even more enjoyable. The larger touchscreen display is easier to see and use, while the premium audio system delivers exceptional sound quality. The panoramic sunroof allows you to let in more natural light and fresh air, creating a more open and airy cabin.

Safety and Driver-Assistance

Safety is a top priority for Toyota, and the 2022 Highlander XLE is packed with features to keep you and your passengers safe. As mentioned earlier, it comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes a range of advanced safety technologies. The pre-collision system with pedestrian detection can help you avoid accidents by detecting vehicles and pedestrians in your path and automatically applying the brakes if necessary. The lane departure alert with steering assist can help you stay in your lane by providing visual and audible warnings if you start to drift out of your lane. The adaptive cruise control can help you maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you by automatically adjusting your speed.

In addition to Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, the Highlander XLE also comes with a variety of other safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. This feature can help you avoid accidents by alerting you to vehicles in your blind spots when changing lanes or backing out of parking spaces. The Highlander XLE also comes with a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what's behind you when backing up. The rearview camera also includes dynamic guidelines, which help you steer the vehicle when backing up.

The 2022 Highlander XLE has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA gave the Highlander XLE a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+. These ratings demonstrate Toyota's commitment to safety and the effectiveness of the Highlander XLE's safety features.

For added peace of mind, the Highlander XLE also comes with a comprehensive warranty. The basic warranty covers the vehicle for three years or 36,000 miles, while the powertrain warranty covers the engine and transmission for five years or 60,000 miles. The hybrid components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles, and the hybrid battery is covered for ten years or 150,000 miles. This comprehensive warranty provides added protection against unexpected repairs and gives you confidence in the reliability of the Highlander XLE.

Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE? It's a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable, spacious, and well-equipped SUV. With its comfortable interior, powerful engine, and advanced safety features, the Highlander XLE offers a winning combination of practicality and luxury. 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. Plus, with Toyota's reputation for reliability, you can count on it to last for years to come. If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV, be sure to give the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE a close look. You won't be disappointed!