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The 2022 Toyota Highlander received a new Bronze Edition Hybrid trim that isn’t available in the 2021 model. Aside from some minor differences in pricing and features, not much else has changed between the two model years.
A very well-rounded SUV, the Toyota Highlander boasts one of the best fuel economies for a midsize three-row hybrid and maintains quick and nimble handling despite its boxier nature. While its third row is notoriously small compared to competitors like the
Kia Telluride
or Volkswagen Atlas
, there is plenty to love in this three-row crossover—and two decades of best-selling Highlanders on the market prove it. As part of the fourth generation introduced in 2020, the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2022 Toyota Highlander naturally have a lot in common. But if you had to choose between the two models, which is better?
2021 Toyota Highlander vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander: what’s the difference?
Fresh from 2020’s fourth-generation redesign, both the 2021 and 2022 Toyota Highlanders feature the same increased cargo room as previous models, along with better tech, and new trim levels. Its hybrid iteration is one of the longest surviving of its size, rivaled mainly by the
Ford Explorer Hybrid
, which the Highlander easily outshines for fuel efficiency. Aside from a new Bronze Edition Hybrid trim in the 2022 Highlander and new height-adjustable power seats in higher trims, most of the 2021 Highlander’s features carry over to its newer sibling. To get a better idea of how the two models compare, though, let’s take a closer look at some finer details.
Pricing
As expected, starting prices for the 2022 Toyota Highlander are higher than they were for the 2021 model. Most trims cost about $1,045 more in the newer model than they did in the previous year. Here are some side-by-side comparisons:
Model | 2021 MSRP | 2022 MSRP |
|---|---|---|
Toyota Highlander L | $34,810 | $35,855 |
$37,010 | $38,055 | |
Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE | $38,410 | $39,555 |
Toyota Highlander XLE | $39,810 | $41,055 |
$41,210 | $42,555 | |
$41,405 | $42,650 | |
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition (2022) | N/A | $44,580 |
$43,765 | $45,010 | |
$45,165 | $46,510 | |
Toyota Highlander Platinum | $46,965 | $48,010 |
$48,365 | $49,510 |
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Of course, while you can still buy a 2022 Toyota Highlander new at your local dealership, the 2021 Toyota Highlander can mostly be found on the used car market. According to Kelley Blue Book, the fair market value for the base LE trim ranges between $32,500 and $39,000 depending on your location.
Why would a used car cost more than its MSRP? As chip shortages have limited supply in the new car market, buyers are turning to the used car market more, which increases used car demand (and prices) and lowers supply. You may therefore have better luck negotiating lower prices for 2022 Highlanders at the dealer as 2023 models are phased in.
Pro Tip: Most dealers try to clear out last year’s model by the end of December, so your chances of getting a great price for a 2022 Toyota Highlander are very good at this time.
General specs
Here’s where the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2022 Toyota Highlander are almost identical. Each Highlander features the same eight-speed CVT transmission and standard FWD (optional AWD) drivetrains.
How is the off-roading capability? Both models have an 8-inch ground clearance, so you won’t be going too far off the beaten trail even with the dynamic torque-vectoring AWD system equipped. The engines for both standard and hybrid trims are identical in each model, too, giving both vehicles 263 lb-ft @ 4,700 RPM (186 lb-ft in the hybrid).
2021 Toyota Highlander | 2022 Toyota Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
Standard engine | 3.5-liter V6 engine (295 horsepower) | 3.5-liter V6 engine (295 horsepower) |
Hybrid engine | 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine w/ two electric motors (243 horsepower) | 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine w/ two electric motors (243 horsepower) |
Transmission | 8-speed CVT | 8-speed CVT |
Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive (standard) or all-wheel drive (optional) | Front-wheel drive (standard) or all-wheel drive (optional) |
Maximum towing capacity | 5,000 lbs (V6), 3,500 lbs (hybrid) | 5,000 lbs (V6), 3,500 lbs (hybrid) |
MORE: 2022 Highlander V6
Fuel economy
Alongside their identical powertrain systems, both the 2021 and 2022 Toyota Highlanders share the same 4,145 lb curb weight. Since nothing else has changed to affect the SUV’s aerodynamics or fuel usage, it should come as no surprise that the 2021 and 2022 Highlanders have the same fuel economy ratings, too.
Here are their EPA-estimate mileage ratings based on engine and drivetrain:
- Standard engine (V6) w/ FWD: 21 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined
- Standard engine (V6) w/ AWD: 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined
- Hybrid engine (I4) w/ FWD: 36 mpg city / 35 mpg highway / 36 mpg combined
- Hybrid engine (I4) w/ AWD: 35 mpg city / 35 mpg highway / 35 mpg combined
As intended, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid saves you the most at the pump. In fact, of the few midsize three-row SUV hybrids out there, it is only bested by the
Kia Sorento
, which gets an EPA-estimated 37 mpg combined. Opting for front-wheel drive may improve your fuel efficiency slightly, but if you drive in a snowy climate, it’s likely not worth sacrificing AWD for one extra mpg. Find out if you can reduce your monthly car payments in minutes
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Safety ratings
The Toyota Highlander has long been one of the most trusted models in its segment, and both the 2021 and 2022 Toyota Highlander deliver on that. Each model earned the highest Top Safety Pick Plus designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and also received top five-star overall safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
These excellent safety scores are thanks in part to the Highlander’s reliable construction. Consumer Reports ranked both 2021 and 2022 models as the second most reliable SUV for their year. The 2021 Highlander came just behind the
Hyundai Palisade
, while the 2022 Mazda CX-9
took first place by a larger margin. J.D. Power also gave both Highlanders “Great” scores for quality and reliability, with the 2021 model coming one point ahead at an 82/100 vs the 2022 model’s 81/100 score. The 2022 Highlander does have an official recall, whereas the 2021 model does not. But this is only due to an illegible load-carrying capacity label—which certainly won’t affect your drive quality.
Both Toyota models get the added protection of Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ standard in every trim, too. These advanced driver assistance features include frontal collision mitigation, traffic sign reader, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The higher up in trims you go, the more safety features you accrue—with a head-up display and digital rearview mirror available in the top-tier
Platinum trim
.MORE: How to find vehicle safety ratings
Styling and interior changes
The 2022 Toyota Highlander gains a little more than an inch in front headroom and legroom but keeps all the same other dimensions as its 2021 predecessor—from its 141.3 cubic feet of passenger volume to its 84.3 cubic feet of total cargo volume.
The
2022 Toyota Highlander XLE
also throws in a new height-adjustable power seat for the front passenger that wasn’t available in 2021. Minus these small changes, you’re pretty much looking at the same interior and styling between models with the following highlights:- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility
- Amazon Alexa compatibility
- Three-zone climate control
- Keyless entry and ignition
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system (w/ 5 USB ports)
- Three rows of seating (w/ 60/40 split-folds in the second and third row)
- Heated mirrors
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob (LE trim and up)
- Wireless charging (XLE trim and up)
- Second-row captain’s chairs and sunshades (XLE trim and up)
- Ventilated front seats (Limited and Platinum trims)
- Intercom system (Limited and Platinum trims)
- Leather upholstery (Limited and Platinum trims)
- Adaptive headlights and automatic wipers (Platinum trim)
Frankly, even the base
Toyota Highlander L
comes very well-appointed for a non-luxury SUV. Upgrading to just the LE or XLE trims can grant you plenty of high-tech conveniences, making either the 2021 or 2022 Highlander a great SUV to consider for its accessible amenities. Of course, you will find the most luxurious comfort in the top-tier Platinum trim—but unless you can't live without those heated second-row seats, any of the lower trims are solid choices. Hybrid Bronze Edition
The most major difference between the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2022 Toyota Highlander is the addition of the Hybrid Bronze Edition configuration to the lineup.
Essentially, the Bronze Edition hybridizes the XSE trim while also offering a few new interior and exterior appearance upgrades. Namely, this comes down to Cement or Wind Chill Pearl exterior paint color options, and a unique interior outfitted in geometric-patterned upholstery, bronze trims, and illuminated doorsill protectors.
2021 Toyota Highlander vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander: which should you buy?
Truly, the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the 2022 Toyota Highlander are nearly identical vehicles. So if you aren’t specifically interested in the Hybrid Bronze Edition trim, your best bet is to opt for whichever model year has the better price for its condition—whether that’s a 2021 Highlander at a used car lot or a 2022 model a local Toyota dealer is trying to clear out.
Remember, you’ll want to factor in a vehicle’s mileage, accident history, and maintenance records when deciding to buy a used car. Cheaper doesn’t always mean better, so try to base your decision on value instead.
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