Hello and welcome back, friends! Today, let’s dive into the wonderful world of an SUV that’s been making waves since its debut: the 2022 Toyota Highlander LE. Toyota has always been a reliable brand when it comes to designing cars that prioritize safety, comfort, and performance, and the Highlander LE is no exception. This masterpiece is a great option for families, adventurers, and those who want to go the extra mile without compromising luxury.
The Toyota Highlander has been gaining popularity over the years and for a good reason. The 2022 LE model is no different from its previous versions. It’s packed with features that are designed to make your driving and ride experience a memorable one. With the Highlander LE, expect nothing but class, bells, and whistles. Moreover, the interior and exterior of the car boast of superior craftsmanship and stellar engineering that is hard to ignore. So, if you’ve been itching to get a new car or considering an upgrade, the 2022 Toyota Highlander LE is worth giving a shot.
Overview of the 2022 Toyota Highlander LE
The 2022 Toyota Highlander LE is a mid-size SUV that offers a lot of value for its price. It comes with a powerful engine, a spacious interior, and a long list of standard features. This SUV is perfect for families, as it can comfortably seat up to eight passengers and still has plenty of room for their belongings.
Introduction to the Model
The 2022 Toyota Highlander LE is the base model of the Highlander SUV lineup. It features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces up to 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provides plenty of power for daily driving, and it can even tow up to 5,000 pounds if needed. The Highlander LE also comes with a fuel-efficient start-stop system that shuts off the engine when the SUV is at a stop, helping to save gas.
Inside, the Highlander LE offers a comfortable and spacious interior that can seat up to eight passengers. It comes with cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and tri-zone automatic climate control, ensuring that everyone can stay comfortable no matter the weather outside. It also features a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, making it easy to find the perfect driving position. For added convenience, the Highlander LE comes with a power liftgate, making loading and unloading cargo a breeze.
Exterior and Interior Design
The 2022 Toyota Highlander LE has a sleek and modern exterior design that is both stylish and functional. It measures 194.9 inches in length, 76 inches in width, and 68.1 inches in height, making it slightly larger than its competitors. It also has a wheelbase of 112.2 inches, ensuring stable and comfortable driving on the road. The Highlander LE comes in several color options, including Celestial Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and Ruby Flare Pearl, among others.
Inside, the Highlander LE has a spacious and well-designed cabin that is both comfortable and functional. It features a 60/40-split folding second-row seat and a 60/40-split folding third-row seat that can be easily adjusted to accommodate passengers and cargo. The Highlander LE also comes with an impressive infotainment system that includes an eight-inch touchscreen display, six speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It also features a suite of advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Technology and Safety Features
The 2022 Toyota Highlander LE comes with a range of technology and safety features that make it a reliable and safe SUV for families. It features a seven-inch digital instrument cluster that displays important information, such as speed, rpm, and fuel level. The infotainment system includes a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing drivers to stay connected while on the road. The Highlander LE also comes with several USB ports scattered throughout the cabin for easy charging of devices.
For added safety, the Highlander LE comes with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5, Toyota’s suite of advanced safety features. It includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also features a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert for added assistance while driving. The 2022 Toyota Highlander LE received an overall safety rating of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, ensuring that it is a reliable and safe SUV for families.
In conclusion, the 2022 Toyota Highlander LE is an impressive mid-size SUV that offers a lot of value for its price. It provides plenty of power and excellent fuel efficiency, making it perfect for daily driving. The Highlander LE has a spacious and well-designed cabin, with plenty of advanced technology and safety features to ensure a comfortable and safe driving experience for families.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The 2022 Toyota Highlander LE is a versatile midsize SUV. It boasts a spacious and comfortable interior, cutting-edge technology features, and impressive performance capabilities. The Highlander LE offers drivers a smooth and comfortable ride, whether cruising on highways or navigating winding roads.
Engine and Transmission
The Highlander LE comes with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It produces 185 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and precise shifts. The Highlander LE can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds, which is quicker than most SUVs in its class. It also has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds, making it ideal for weekend getaways and outdoor adventures.
There’s also an optional hybrid powertrain, which pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. The hybrid powertrain produces a total of 243 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid version of the Highlander LE also boasts an impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 36 mpg combined. The hybrid version comes with standard all-wheel drive, while the petrol version comes with front-wheel drive as standard.
Driving Experience
The 2022 Toyota Highlander LE delivers a comfortable and refined driving experience. Its suspension system is well-tuned, soaking up bumps and providing a smooth ride. The SUV’s steering is light yet precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The handling is composed and predictable, providing confidence to the driver. The Highlander LE’s cabin is quiet and well-insulated, keeping road and wind noise to a minimum.
The Highlander LE comes with several driving modes, including Normal, Eco, and Sport. The Eco mode prioritizes fuel efficiency, while the Sport mode offers a more responsive throttle and a firmer suspension. The Normal mode provides a balance between comfort and performance.
Fuel Efficiency and Range
The Highlander LE provides an impressive fuel economy rating of 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with the petrol engine, which is excellent considering its size. The optional hybrid powertrain model of the Highlander LE delivers an even more impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 36 mpg combined. The SUV comes with a fuel tank capacity of 17.9 gallons, providing an estimated range of up to 537 miles with the petrol engine–while the hybrid version can travel up to 643 miles on a full tank.
It’s also worth noting that Highlander LE’s driving modes can help improve fuel efficiency. The Eco mode optimizes the powertrain for maximum fuel economy, while the Sport mode might dip the fuel tank faster.
Final Thoughts
The 2022 Toyota Highlander LE is a well-rounded midsize SUV that offers a comfortable and refined driving experience. Its fuel-efficient powertrain options, spacious and upscale cabin, and impressive towing capacity make it an excellent choice for families or anyone looking for an SUV that can handle everything from daily commutes to weekend getaways.
Comfort and Convenience
Seating and Cargo Space
The 2022 Toyota Highlander LE is a three-row SUV that can comfortably seat up to eight passengers. However, opting for a second-row captain’s chair will reduce the seating capacity to seven. Even with its spacious interior, the Highlander still manages to provide an ample cargo space of 16 cubic feet behind its third row. Folding the third and second row completely will give 84.3 cubic feet, providing a huge amount of space for carrying cargo of all shapes and sizes.
Furthermore, the Highlander LE offers additional storage options to cater to any storage needs. The center console offers a massive bin that can accommodate a large purse or bag, while the shelf-style dashboard is perfect for securing smaller items like phones and wallets.
Comfort Features
The Highlander LE prides itself on its comfortable and high-quality materials that enhance the passenger experience. It has a user-friendly cabin design that creates an upscale feel to its interior. The seats are upholstered in premium-grade cloth, which looks great and feels comfortable. Buyers also have the option to upgrade to SofTex-trimmed seats, which look excellent and are more durable than the standard cloth variants.
The Highlander LE also features an adjustable driver’s seat, which provides comfort to different driving positions, and offers power lumbar support. The available eight-way power driver’s seat gives passengers a comfortable driving position, regardless of their height.
Additionally, the Highlander LE boasts a tri-zone automatic climate control system that lets rear passengers set their desired temperature. Overhead air vents ensure the air is evenly distributed throughout the cabin, keeping everyone comfortable during long trips.
Convenience Features
The Highlander LE includes features that make the driving experience more convenient and enjoyable. For instance, the advanced keyless entry system allows drivers to enter the Highlander without having to take the key fob out of their pocket. When the driver approaches the vehicle, the SUV automatically unlocks. Similarly, the push-button start feature enables drivers to start and stop the car with ease, without having to insert the key into the ignition.
Another convenience feature of the Highlander LE is the power liftgate. With a touch of a button, the liftgate opens and closes automatically, making it a helpful feature when carrying a lot of cargo and have your hands full.
The Highlander LE also includes an infotainment system, which is straightforward and easy to navigate. The system comes with a 6-speaker audio system, which delivers a clear and crisp sound quality. The system is also compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, and Amazon Alexa, making it convenient for drivers to stay connected while on the road.
Conclusion:
The 2022 Toyota Highlander LE provides excellent comfort and convenience features that make it an exceptional SUV for long drives and family trips. From its spacious seating and cargo space to its comfortable seating materials and advanced technology, the Highlander LE delivers comfort, convenience, and functionality that is appreciated by passengers and drivers alike.
Price and Value
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2022 Toyota Highlander LE is an SUV that offers impressive value for its price. The LE is the base model of the Highlander lineup, and it starts at an MSRP of $35,235. For this price, buyers will receive a spacious SUV that is equipped with advanced safety features such as the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of driver assists, as well as advanced technological features like an 8.0-inch touch screen and compatibility with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
If buyers need extra options, they can choose to upgrade to the Highlander LE Plus, which starts at $37,465. This option adds a power liftgate, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and an upgraded audio system. Those who want a vehicle with more advanced technology can choose the XLE package, which starts at $40,000 and includes features like heated front seats, wireless charging, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Buyers who want even more luxury can opt for the Limited package, which starts at $44,040 and includes a 12.3-inch touch screen, heated and cooled front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
Resale Value and Depreciation
The Toyota Highlander LE is expected to maintain a high resale value due to its reliability and popularity. According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2021 Toyota Highlander was named one of the best resale value vehicles in its class. This recognition speaks to the Highlander’s reputation for strong dependability and longevity, factors that are important when considering a long-term investment.
When it comes to depreciation, the Highlander follows the typical trend of most vehicles where it loses value over time. However, the Highlander’s strong resale value helps offset some of the depreciation costs. Additionally, Toyota’s reputation for producing reliable vehicles can provide peace of mind for those who plan to keep their vehicle for a long time.
Competitive Landscape
The 2022 Toyota Highlander LE competes in a crowded SUV market, but it brings several advantages to the table. For example, the Highlander’s third-row seating gives it an advantage over some of its competitors like the Honda Passport and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Additionally, the Highlander’s standard safety features give it an edge over other SUVs in its class like the Ford Edge and the Nissan Murano.
When it comes to pricing, the Highlander’s base price is on par with its competitors. However, the Highlander’s standard safety features and larger cargo capacity may make it a better value when compared to similarly priced vehicles like the Chevrolet Blazer or the Mazda CX-9.
Overall, the 2022 Toyota Highlander LE is a solid choice for a family SUV. Its combination of safety features, spacious interior, and solid resale value make it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable vehicle designed for the long haul.
Conclusion: Get Ready to Experience Toyota Highlander LE
Thank you for reading about the 2022 Toyota Highlander LE. We hope you’re as excited as we are about all the wonderful features it has to offer. The Highlander LE is a remarkable SUV that delivers quality performance, comfort, safety, and technology. You won’t be disappointed with this car, whether you’re driving with family or hitting the open road for adventure.
If you’re considering buying the 2022 Toyota Highlander LE, we highly recommend it. But if you’re still in doubt, head to your nearest Toyota dealership or schedule a test drive. You’ll be able to see and feel all the amazing features we’ve highlighted in person. Thank you again, and we hope to see you again soon for our next article.
FAQ
1. How many passengers can the 2022 Toyota Highlander LE seat?
The Toyota Highlander LE can seat up to 8 passengers, making it an ideal vehicle for large families.
2. What is the fuel economy of the 2022 Toyota Highlander LE?
The fuel economy of the Highlander LE is an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
3. Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander LE suitable for off-road driving?
While the Highlander LE is not designed for extreme off-roading, it does feature an all-wheel-drive system and good ground clearance that makes it capable of handling light off-road conditions.
4. Does the Highlander LE have advanced safety features?
Yes, the 2022 Toyota Highlander LE comes standard with advanced safety features like lane departure warning with steering assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
5. What is the cargo capacity of the 2022 Toyota Highlander LE?
The Highlander LE has a maximum cargo capacity of 84.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making it one of the most spacious SUVs in its class.
6. What is the price of the 2022 Toyota Highlander LE?
The starting price of the 2022 Toyota Highlander LE is $36,970.
7. What is the warranty coverage for the 2022 Toyota Highlander LE?
Toyota offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for the 2022 Highlander LE.
8. What is the towing capacity of the 2022 Toyota Highlander LE?
The 2022 Highlander LE has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
9. Does the Highlander LE have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility?
Yes, the Highlander LE comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to connect your smartphone seamlessly.
10. What is the difference between the Toyota Highlander LE and XLE?
The Toyota Highlander LE is the entry-level model while the XLE is the next level trim. The XLE features more advanced technology and safety features, including a larger infotainment system and wireless smartphone charging. It also has more luxurious interior features like leather-trimmed seats and a power moonroof.