Hey guys! Are you in the market for a reliable, family-friendly SUV that doesn't skimp on style and features? Well, buckle up because we're diving deep into the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE. This isn't just another SUV; it's a sweet spot in the Highlander lineup, offering a blend of comfort, tech, and practicality that's hard to beat. So, let's get into all the details that make the 2022 Highlander XLE a worthy contender for your garage.

What Makes the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE Stand Out?

The 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE isn't the base model, but it also isn't the top-of-the-line trim, and that’s exactly where its appeal lies. It takes the essential features of the Highlander and adds a generous helping of upgrades that make everyday driving a pleasure. We're talking about things like SofTex-trimmed seats, which offer a leather-like feel without the premium price tag. Plus, heated front seats are a godsend on those chilly mornings, and the power-adjustable driver's seat ensures you find the perfect driving position. One of the most significant enhancements is the larger infotainment screen – an 8-inch display that makes navigating menus and using apps a breeze. It also brings added convenience with features like wireless smartphone charging, so you can say goodbye to fumbling with cables. The XLE also boasts a power liftgate, making loading and unloading cargo much easier, especially when your hands are full. And let's not forget the upgraded safety tech – you get blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, adding an extra layer of confidence on the road. All these features combine to create a vehicle that feels premium without breaking the bank, making the 2022 Highlander XLE a smart choice for families and individuals alike. It's this blend of comfort, convenience, and enhanced safety that truly sets it apart in the crowded SUV market.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

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 churns out 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides plenty of power for daily commutes, weekend getaways, and everything in between. Whether you're merging onto the highway or tackling hilly terrain, the Highlander XLE delivers smooth and responsive acceleration. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which offers seamless gear changes and contributes to the vehicle's overall efficiency. Speaking of efficiency, the Highlander XLE achieves respectable fuel economy for its class. The front-wheel-drive model gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive version gets slightly lower figures at 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. These numbers make the Highlander XLE a practical choice for drivers who want both power and efficiency. The Highlander XLE also offers different drive modes, including Sport, Eco, and Normal, allowing you to tailor the vehicle's performance to your driving style and conditions. In Sport mode, the throttle response is sharpened for a more engaging driving experience, while Eco mode prioritizes fuel efficiency. The Highlander XLE's suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a smooth and composed ride even on rough roads. Overall, the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE strikes a good balance between power, efficiency, and ride quality, making it a versatile SUV 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 SofTex-trimmed seats not only look great but also provide a comfortable and supportive seating experience for both front and rear passengers. The heated front seats are a welcome addition, especially during colder months, and the power-adjustable driver's seat allows you to find the perfect driving position with ease. One of the standout features of the XLE trim is the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is a significant upgrade over the base model's smaller screen. The larger display makes it easier to navigate menus, use apps, and view information while on the road. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and contacts. Another convenient feature is the wireless smartphone charging pad, which eliminates the need for messy cables and keeps your device powered up on the go. The Highlander XLE also comes with a six-speaker audio system that delivers clear and balanced sound quality. For those who want an even more immersive audio experience, there's an available JBL premium sound system upgrade. In terms of technology, the Highlander XLE offers a range of advanced features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to enhance safety and provide added peace of mind while driving. Overall, the interior of the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE is designed with comfort, convenience, and technology in mind, making it a pleasant and enjoyable place to spend time on the road.

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, which includes a range of advanced safety technologies. One of the key features is the pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, which can help to prevent or mitigate frontal collisions. It uses a combination of radar and cameras to detect vehicles and pedestrians in front of the vehicle and can automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent. Another important safety feature is lane departure alert with steering assist, which can help to prevent unintentional lane departures. If the system detects that the vehicle is drifting out of its lane, it will provide a visual and audible warning and can even gently steer the vehicle back into its lane. Adaptive cruise control is also included, which allows you to maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle in front of you. It can automatically adjust your speed to maintain a safe following distance, making long drives more comfortable and less stressful. In addition to these features, the Highlander XLE also comes with blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, which can help you to avoid collisions when changing lanes or backing out of parking spaces. The blind-spot monitoring system uses sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots and will alert you if a vehicle is present. Rear cross-traffic alert can detect vehicles approaching from the side when you're backing up and will warn you if a collision is possible. The 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), further solidifying its reputation as a safe and reliable SUV.

Pricing and Value

The 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE offers excellent value for its price, especially when you consider the features and amenities you get compared to the base model. The XLE trim typically starts at around $40,000, which is a reasonable step up from the base L trim but still more affordable than the higher-end Limited and Platinum trims. For the money, you get a significant upgrade in terms of comfort, convenience, and technology. The SofTex-trimmed seats, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver's seat, and larger infotainment screen all contribute to a more premium driving experience. The power liftgate and wireless smartphone charging add extra convenience to your daily routine. And the upgraded safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, provide added peace of mind on the road. When you compare the Highlander XLE to its competitors, such as the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Chevrolet Traverse, it holds its own in terms of price and features. The Highlander has a reputation for reliability and durability, which can save you money on maintenance and repairs in the long run. It also has strong resale value, which means you can expect to get a good return on your investment when you eventually decide to sell or trade it in. Overall, the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE is a smart choice for buyers who want a well-equipped SUV that offers a good balance of price, features, and reliability. It's a vehicle that can handle the demands of daily life while still providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE? Simply put, it's a fantastic choice for anyone in the market for a mid-size SUV. It perfectly balances comfort, technology, safety, and value. You get a powerful V6 engine, a spacious and well-appointed interior, and a host of advanced safety features. While it may not be the flashiest or most luxurious SUV on the market, it offers a winning combination of practicality and features that are hard to ignore. If you're looking for a reliable and family-friendly SUV that won't break the bank, the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE should definitely be on your shortlist. Go test drive one, and see for yourself what all the hype is about! You won't regret it.