Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE. If you're in the market for a reliable, family-friendly SUV that doesn't skimp on features, then the Highlander XLE should definitely be on your radar. We’ll cover everything from its performance and interior comforts to its tech features and overall value. Let’s get started!

Overview of the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE

The 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE is a fantastic option in the mid-size SUV segment, blending comfort, technology, and Toyota's renowned reliability. The XLE trim sits in the sweet spot of the Highlander lineup, offering more features than the base L and LE trims without reaching the higher price points of the Limited and Platinum models. This makes it an attractive choice for families and individuals looking for a well-rounded vehicle. The Highlander's reputation for longevity and strong resale value adds to its appeal, ensuring that it remains a practical and smart investment over the long term. The XLE distinguishes itself with upgrades like a power liftgate, heated front seats, and a larger infotainment screen, enhancing both convenience and comfort for daily use.

One of the standout features of the 2022 Highlander XLE is its spacious interior. With three rows of seating, it can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers, making it ideal for larger families or those who frequently carpool. The second-row seats are easily adjustable, allowing for convenient access to the third row, which is often a point of concern in many mid-size SUVs. Toyota has paid close attention to the interior design, using quality materials and providing ample storage spaces throughout the cabin. The XLE trim adds SofTex-trimmed seats, which offer a leather-like feel and are easy to clean, a definite plus for families with young children. Furthermore, the quietness of the cabin ensures a pleasant ride, even on long journeys, thanks to effective sound insulation. The overall design of the Highlander XLE focuses on creating a comfortable and functional environment, making it a great choice for both city driving and longer road trips.

In terms of technology, the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE comes packed with features designed to keep you connected and entertained. The centerpiece is an 8-inch touchscreen display (upgradeable to a 12.3-inch screen), which provides intuitive access to navigation, audio controls, and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These systems allow you to seamlessly connect your smartphone, enabling you to use your favorite apps, make calls, and send messages via voice commands. The XLE also includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic emergency braking, providing peace of mind on every drive. Additional tech features include a wireless charging pad, which eliminates the need for messy cables, and multiple USB ports throughout the cabin, ensuring that all passengers can keep their devices charged. The integration of these technologies enhances the overall driving experience, making the Highlander XLE a modern and convenient choice.

Key Specs and Features

Let's break down what makes the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE tick. Under the hood, you'll typically find a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering around 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This provides ample power for daily driving and the occasional road trip. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth and efficient gear changes. Fuel economy is respectable for its class, usually hovering around 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Here’s a quick rundown of the key features:

• Engine: 3.5-liter V6
• Horsepower: 295 hp
• Torque: 263 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Fuel Economy: 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway (FWD)
• Seating: 8 passengers
• Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen (upgradeable to 12.3-inch), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Safety: Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, etc.)

The 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE also boasts a comfortable and well-appointed interior. The seats are typically covered in SofTex, a synthetic leather that's both durable and easy to clean. Heated front seats come standard, which is a nice touch for those chilly mornings. You'll also appreciate the power liftgate, making loading and unloading cargo a breeze. Tri-zone automatic climate control ensures everyone stays comfortable, no matter where they're sitting. For entertainment, the XLE includes a six-speaker audio system, which provides decent sound quality for most listeners. Optional upgrades include a premium JBL sound system for audiophiles.

When it comes to safety, the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE excels. It comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of advanced safety features designed to help prevent accidents. This includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also standard on the XLE, providing added peace of mind. In government crash tests, the Highlander typically earns high marks, further solidifying its reputation as a safe and reliable family vehicle. These safety features not only protect the occupants but also enhance the overall driving experience by providing added confidence and awareness on the road.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE, you'll immediately notice the spacious and well-designed cabin. The SofTex seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives more enjoyable. The second-row seats slide and recline, allowing passengers to customize their seating position. Access to the third row is relatively easy, thanks to the second-row seats that can be moved forward with a simple lever. While the third row isn't the most spacious in its class, it's adequate for children or smaller adults on shorter trips. The XLE also includes a power-adjustable driver's seat, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with all controls within easy reach. Visibility is good, thanks to the large windows and well-placed mirrors.

Storage is another strong point of the Highlander XLE. There are plenty of cubbies and compartments throughout the cabin for stashing your belongings. The center console is generously sized, and there are cupholders for all three rows of seats. The cargo area behind the third row offers decent space for groceries or luggage, and the rear seats can be folded down to create even more room. The power liftgate makes loading and unloading cargo a breeze, especially when your hands are full. Overall, the interior of the Highlander XLE is designed with both comfort and practicality in mind, making it a great choice for families on the go. The attention to detail in the interior design, such as the placement of controls and the quality of materials, enhances the overall user experience.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE also pays close attention to the small details that can make a big difference in overall comfort. The tri-zone automatic climate control ensures that everyone can set their preferred temperature, regardless of where they're sitting. The rear climate controls are conveniently located, allowing passengers in the second and third rows to adjust the temperature to their liking. Noise levels are well-managed, thanks to the Highlander's sound insulation, which minimizes road and wind noise. This creates a quiet and relaxing environment inside the cabin, even on long highway drives. The ride quality is also smooth and composed, further enhancing the overall comfort of the vehicle. These small details contribute to making the Highlander XLE a comfortable and enjoyable place to spend time, whether you're running errands around town or embarking on a cross-country road trip.

Technology and Connectivity

The tech features in the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE are designed to keep you connected, entertained, and safe on the road. The centerpiece is the 8-inch touchscreen display, which provides access to a wide range of functions, including navigation, audio controls, and smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and use your favorite apps, make calls, and send messages via voice commands. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to use, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. The XLE also includes a six-speaker audio system, which provides decent sound quality for most listeners. Optional upgrades include a premium JBL sound system for those who want a more immersive audio experience. The wireless charging pad is a convenient feature that allows you to charge your smartphone without the need for messy cables.

In addition to the infotainment system, the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE also includes a range of advanced safety technologies. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard, providing a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. This includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. These features work together to help prevent accidents and make driving safer and more enjoyable. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also standard on the XLE, providing added awareness of your surroundings. These safety technologies not only protect the occupants but also enhance the overall driving experience by providing added confidence and peace of mind.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE also offers a variety of connectivity features to keep you in touch with the outside world. The Toyota app allows you to remotely start your engine, lock or unlock your doors, and check your vehicle's status from your smartphone. A Wi-Fi hotspot is also available, allowing you to connect multiple devices to the internet while on the go. This is especially useful for families with children who want to stay entertained during long road trips. The Highlander XLE also includes multiple USB ports throughout the cabin, ensuring that all passengers can keep their devices charged. These connectivity features make the Highlander XLE a modern and convenient choice for today's connected world.

Driving Experience

Behind the wheel of the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE, you'll find a smooth and comfortable ride. The 3.5-liter V6 engine provides ample power for daily driving and the occasional road trip. Acceleration is brisk, and the 8-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently. The Highlander handles well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll. The ride quality is comfortable, even on rough roads, thanks to the well-tuned suspension. Noise levels are well-managed, creating a quiet and relaxing environment inside the cabin. The Highlander is easy to maneuver in tight spaces, thanks to its relatively compact size and good visibility. Overall, the driving experience is pleasant and uneventful, making the Highlander a great choice for both city driving and long highway trips.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE also offers a variety of driving modes to suit different conditions. The Eco mode optimizes fuel economy by adjusting the engine and transmission settings. The Sport mode provides quicker acceleration and more responsive handling. The Snow mode enhances traction on slippery surfaces. These driving modes allow you to customize the driving experience to your liking. The Highlander also includes hill start assist, which prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on a hill. This is a useful feature for driving in hilly areas. The Highlander's all-wheel-drive system provides added traction and stability in inclement weather conditions. The all-wheel-drive system automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels as needed, ensuring optimal grip and control.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE is also equipped with a range of driver-assistance features that enhance the driving experience. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed as needed. Lane departure alert with steering assist helps keep you in your lane by providing gentle steering inputs. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you to the presence of vehicles in your blind spots. Rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space. These driver-assistance features make driving safer and more enjoyable by providing added confidence and awareness on the road. They help reduce driver fatigue and make long drives less stressful.

Final Thoughts

The 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE is a well-rounded SUV that offers a compelling combination of comfort, technology, and reliability. It's a great choice for families looking for a spacious and versatile vehicle that can handle daily commutes and long road trips. The XLE trim offers a good balance of features and value, making it an attractive option for buyers who want more than the base model but don't want to break the bank. With its comfortable interior, advanced safety features, and smooth driving experience, the Highlander XLE is sure to impress. If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV, be sure to check out the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE. You won't be disappointed!