Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Worth Buying?
The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the hybrid version of Toyota’s midsize SUV. One of the Highlander’s biggest issues is fuel economy, so the Highlander Hybrid’s hybrid powertrain is a welcome addition to Toyota’s lineup for many drivers. Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander hybrid midsize SUV worth buying, or should drivers stick to the gas-only version?
What are the differences between the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid?
The Toyota Highlander uses a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine to make 264 horsepower. The hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to make 243 horsepower.
The Highlander achieves 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. The Highlander Hybrid gets a whopping 36 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.
The Toyota Highlander starts at $35,855. The Highlander Hybrid starts at $39,555. There’s a $3,700 price difference between the gas and hybrid Highlander. So, the gas version is more powerful, but its fuel economy is poor compared to the hybrid. The Highlander Hybrid is more expensive, but it’s starting price is still normal for a new vehicle.
What’s the best Toyota Highlander Hybrid trim?
Toyota offers five different Highlander Hybrid trim levels. It ranges from $39,555-$49,510. The base model comes with a blind-spot monitor, smart key system, and heated outside mirrors. It also includes a leather-trimmed steering wheel, push-button start, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.
The Highlander Hybrid XLE starts at $42,555. It adds SofTex-trimmed front and second-row seats, a wireless smartphone charger, and a power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade.
The Bronze Edition, Hybrid Limited, and Hybrid Platinum offer plenty of value, but the Hybrid XLE is the best option for drivers that want a good balance of standard features and affordability.
The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE offers plenty of creature comforts for under $43K. According to Kelley Blue Book, average new vehicle prices have topped $47,000 in 2022. The Highlander Hybrid XLE has great fuel economy for a midisze SUV. The Highlander is also known to be reliable over time. If you’re looking for a family SUV that won’t cost an arm and a leg at the pump, the Highlander Hybrid XLE is the way to go.
What’s the best midsize SUV on the market?
The best midsize SUV on the market today is the popular Kia Telluride. While the term “best” is often subjective, several critics and automotive piublications have agreed that the Telluride offers the most value for the money in its vehicle segment.
The 2022 Kia Telluride starts at $33,390. It comes standard with SynTex seating materials, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and navigation-based smart cruise control with stop and go. The Highlander Hybrid has better fuel economy than the Kia Telluride, but the Telluride is much more affordable.
The Kia Telluride is a better midsize SUV than the Toyota Highlander. Edmunds praises its comfy interior, styling, and features. That being said, the Highlander Hybrid is still a great choice as a family hauler.
Read more about the Kia Telluride in the next article below.
