2022 Toyota Highlander Base V6

The 2022 Toyota Highlander has a V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb/ft of torque. Read more here!
Written by Amber Reed
Reviewed by Brittni Brinn
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If you want a brand new Toyota Highlander with a V6 engine, you’re unfortunately a little too late. But the good news is that the 2022 Toyota Highlander Base has a V6 engine, lots of features, and probably a little bit of that new car smell left over as well. 
Toyota discontinued the V6 engine in the Highlander with the 2023 model year, but the 2022 Toyota Highlander base L trim still boasts a stout V6 engine, plenty of features, and seating for up to eight passengers. Another perk of getting last year’s model is that you’ll save a little extra on your
car insurance
!
Want to take a look at this comfy family hauler and see what it has to offer? Read on for a guide to the 2022 Toyota Highlander Base V6 and a few other six-cylinder options as well!

2022 Toyota Highlander L V6

Starting price when new: $37,190
Engine: 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 
Horsepower: 295 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque: 263 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
0 to 60: Around 7 seconds
Just because we’re talking about the base trim level doesn’t mean it’s basic!
Toyota
has a reputation for providing buyers with a generous amount of features at any price point, and the 2022
Highlander L
doesn’t disappoint. 
With available all-wheel drive and a ground clearance of eight inches, the Highlander is definitely up to some light off-road action with a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs for taking all your stuff along for the ride. And let’s not forget the family—with three rows of seating that can accommodate up to eight passengers, you can take the whole crew with you. Unless you want some time to yourself, that is. 
Some other highlights of the 2022 Toyota Highlander L include: 
  • Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+: Standard safety and driver assistance features include a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure alerts. 
  • Triple-zone automatic climate control: No need to argue over settings for the A/C here—with three zones, everyone can be comfy.
  • Infotainment: An 8-inch touchscreen is standard, as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
On top of all that, the 2022 Toyota Highlander earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and was named a Top Safety Pick Plus by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
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How’s the fuel economy?

The 2022 Toyota Highlander L gets an EPA rating of 20/27/23 mpg in city/highway/combined driving for the all-wheel-drive version. Sticking with front-wheel drive gives you a slightly better 21/29/24 mpg
While these numbers pale in comparison to a sensible sedan, they’re actually pretty competitive for the Highlander’s class. Unlike the higher trim levels, there’s no option for a hybrid powertrain with the L trim—so this is as good as it’s going to get.

What new Toyotas have a V6? 

If your heart is set on having a Toyota that’s both new and has six cylinders, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several options available in a range of body styles. Here are just a few:
Key Takeaway The 2022 Toyota Highlander L’s last year with a V6 engine was 2022, but there are several vehicles in Toyota’s current lineup with six cylinders under the hood. 

Which is better: The 2022 Toyota Highlander L or the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE?

If you’ve decided that you really want a Highlander with a V6, you’re probably wondering what’s available on the used market. There were six gasoline-only trim levels available in 2022, and all of them had the same V6 engine. Which trim level should you look for? 
Most reviewers recommended the mid-range XLE trim. Let’s make a quick comparison and see how it measures up against the base L trim. 
With an MSRP of $42,390, the
Toyota Highlander XLE
is about $5,000 more that the L trim level.  You get a full suite of safety and driver assistance features no matter what trim you choose, which is nice. The XLE definitely brings more creature comforts like heated front seats, second row sunshades, a power sunroof, and simulated leather upholstery. 
Tech upgrades include a wireless changing pad and a larger digital driver’s information display. Options that you could get on the XLE that weren’t available on the L trim included a premium audio system with integrated navigation. The XLE also brought the addition of roof rails and a power-adjustable passenger seat. 
So is it worth the extra $5,000 to seek out an XLE? While the L trim is perfectly serviceable, the XLE trim brings a slew of niceties, which makes it very tempting—and a good value. If you plan on putting things on top of your Highlander, then the roof rails are a must.  
No matter which 2022 Toyota Highlander you choose, you can rest assured that it’ll always have a V6. 
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FAQs

Not anymore—2022 was the last model year that the Highlander came with a V6 engine. 2023 Highlanders have a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.
The cheapest new Highlander is the 2023 Highlander L trim. This is the base-level model and starts at around $37,755.
Yes! All trim levels of the Toyota Highlander come with the choice of front or all-wheel drive.
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