2022 Toyota Highlander

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.

Toyota Highlander
Pictured: Toyota Highlander Hybrid (XU70) 1X7A6356. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV L FWD, 4dr SUV Le/Xle AWD, 4dr SUV Le/Xle Hybrid AWD, 4dr SUV Limited AWD
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
Horsepower
186–295 hp
Transmission
8-speed automatic, e-CVT
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
7
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
36 combined · 36 city / 35 hwy
Length
194.9 in
Curb weight
4,123–4,553 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 36% better than the average 2022 small SUV (26.5 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2022 Toyota Highlander is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 195 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,123 lb (4dr SUV L FWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 36 MPG combined (36 city / 35 highway), 36% better than the 2022 small SUV average of 26.5 MPG, for an estimated $1,850 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 272 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2022

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2021 Highlander — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 Highlander →

Trims, performance & features

Engine295 hp3.5L 6-cyl
Engine186 hp2.5L 4-cyl hybrid
Transmission8-speed automatic · e-CVT
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

XLEPlatinumLimited

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Princeton, Indiana

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2022 Highlander configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV L FWD194.9 in76 in68.1 in112.2 in65.4 / 65.4 in4,123 lb54/46
4dr SUV Le/Xle AWD194.9 in76 in68.1 in112.2 in65.4 / 65.4 in4,299 lb54/46
4dr SUV Le/Xle Hybrid AWD194.9 in76 in68.1 in112.2 in65.4 / 65.4 in4,442 lb54/46
4dr SUV Limited AWD194.9 in76 in68.1 in112.2 in65.4 / 65.4 in4,431 lb54/46
4dr SUV Limited Hybrid AWD194.9 in76 in68.1 in112.2 in65.4 / 65.4 in4,553 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Highlander Hybrid Hybrid2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive36 / 35 / 36+36%$1,850245
Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT Hybrid2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)All-Wheel Drive35 / 34 / 35+85%$1,900253
Highlander Hybrid AWD Hybrid2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)All-Wheel Drive35 / 35 / 35+85%$1,900254
Highlander3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24-9%$2,800372
Highlander3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23-13%$2,900389
Highlander AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23-6%$2,900387
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $2,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.5 MPG2022 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.4%
2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD
Frontal crash test — 2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD
Side crash test — 2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2022 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2022 Toyota Highlander (this car)36 MPG★★★★★6
2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime38 MPGNot rated3
2022 Toyota 4Runner17 MPG★★★★★3
2022 Ford Explorer27 MPGNot rated25
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee23 MPGNot rated24
2022 Kia Telluride23 MPG★★★★★7
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan26 MPGNot rated5

Recalls (6)

Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly › Recliner · Mar 5, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V128000 · 686,588 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
Risk
A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
Tires · Jun 18, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V452000 · 4,763 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.
Tires · Jun 6, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V419000 · 4,869 vehicles

Problem
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R1.
Structure › Body › Bumpers · Oct 26, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V720000 · 750,795 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
Risk
A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.
Equipment › Other › Labels · May 6, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V310000 · 661 vehicles

Problem
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022 4Runner, Tacoma, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification labels may not be permanent and can fade, becoming illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
An illegible label may allow the vehicle to be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GST will notify owners by mail, including a replacement load carrying capacity modification label for their vehicle and detailed replacement instructions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 22R1.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) › Control Module › Software · Apr 13, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V239000 · 458,110 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk
Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2022 Toyota Highlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

272Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
20Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
16Injuries reported
30,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train55
Service Brakes40
Unknown Or Other39
Air Bags32
Electrical System25
Structure › Body19
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings15
Seats14
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 124/12: 225/01: 225/02: 125/03: 225/04: 225/05: 525/06: 225/07: 125/08: 725/09: 625/10: 625/11: 525/12: 826/01: 1026/02: 526/03: 726/04: 1126/05: 526/06: 1226/07: 1126/08: 626/09: 2526/10: 724/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 25

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2022 Toyota Highlander buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 55 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Service Brakes — 40 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  4. Air Bags — 32 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 Toyota Highlander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Highlander years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Highlander35194.9 inNot rated04
2025 Highlander35194.9 in★★★★★410
2024 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★743
2023 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★9198
2021 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★5548
2020 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★5330
2019 Highlander29192.5 in★★★★★3512
2018 Highlander29192.5 in★★★★★4276
2017 Highlander29192.5 in★★★★★3274
2016 Highlander28191.3 in★★★★★2117
2015 Highlander28191.3 in★★★★★1195
2014 Highlander28191.3 in★★★★★4125

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →