![highlander hybrid highlander hybrid](https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news/gallery/a-closer-look-at-the-all-new-2021-toyota-sienna-versatile-hybrid-powertrain_3.jpg)
![highlander hybrid highlander hybrid](https://tflcar.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2018-Toyota-Highlander-3-1024x683.jpg)
I was impressed but what about the hybrid.Īvailable in 5 trim levels including a new for 2022 Bronze Edition, pricing for the Hybrid starts at $40,270 for an LE front-wheel drive and tops out here at about $53,000 with all-wheel drive, Moon Dust paint and every feature the Highlander has to offer. The Highlander was redesigned for the 2020 model year taking on an ultra-premium character and sporting a new level of off-road capability. This time I’m trying the Hybrid, taking mileage to 35mpg but there’s a catch. Toyota had taken their popular 3-row SUV and refined it to the point where it blurred company lines.īut that one had a V6 that returned a lackluster 23mpg. When I first tested this new Highlander a couple of years ago I discovered Lexus-level luxuriousness to this new Platinum trim. But if you want the more sensible choice, then go with the hybrid model.2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum AWD No matter which Highlander you choose, you’ll get a premium Toyota driving experience.
Highlander hybrid driver#
Other notable features included a 10-inch head-up display, a bird’s eye view camera system, and a Driver Easy Speak system that allows the driver to talk to the third-row passengers through the speakers. The Highlander Premium trim that I recently drove came with second-row captain’s chairs, leather seats with front and rear seat heaters, and a premium JBL sound system. Regardless of which Toyota Highlander trim you choose, the good news is that you’ll get the same features and interior layouts in either one. RELATED: The 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s Weaker Engine Is Actually a … Both Highlander trims come well equipped 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit However, the power wasn’t that impressive and I felt like the fuel mileage penalty isn’t worth getting the gas-powered model over the hybrid. Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t exactly feel sluggish when going up hills or anything too concerning. To be honest, it doesn’t feel like that much more power, especially if you’re at a high elevation like I am. In my real-world testing, I observed an average of 21 mpg in my combined driving, which is 14 mpg lower than the hybrid.Īs for the power, the V6 engine puts out 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque, which is 52 more horsepower than the hybrid. The EPA rated the normal Highlander at 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, which is a large jump in fuel economy ratings compared to its hybrid stablemate. On the flip side of the coin, the 2022 Highlander’s V6 engine isn’t as efficient.
![highlander hybrid highlander hybrid](https://www.motortrend.com/uploads/sites/5/2021/05/2021-Toyota-Highlander-Hybrid-Exterior-01.jpg)
The gas Highlander’s V6 is powerful, but not that efficient 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit I was never afraid of not having enough power. If anything I found that the hybrid powertrain’s extra torque from the electric motor helped a lot when it came to accelerating from a stop and onto the freeway. But fuel efficiency isn’t the only high point, as the Highlander Hybrids collective 243 hp is more than enough for daily driving duties, even at a mile-high elevation. That’s a considerable amount for a three-row SUV that has a super spacious and comfortable cabin and can seat up to eight passengers. During the week that I had the 2022 Highlander Hybrid, I achieved an average of 35 mpg in my real-world testing. According to the EPA, the Highlander hybrid is able to achieve up to 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The reason I recommend the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid first and foremost is for its stellar fuel efficiency. Let’s get the elephant out of the room first. The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is obviously more efficient 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit And while many buyers will likely gravitate toward the gas version and its stout V6 engine, I am here to tell you the hybrid model is the much more sensible choice in real life. Both models are the same in almost every way except for their powertrains. In the past few months, I have had the privilege of driving both the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid and its gas-powered counterpart.