Toyota Highlander XLE V6
The 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE V6 gets 295 horsepower, 29 highway mpg, and a lot of style in a surprisingly sleek build.
Written by Meaghan Branham
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Practical with a stylish twist, the
Toyota
Highlander XLE V6 takes the family-focused mid-size SUV to the next level, with a 293 hp engine, luxurious interior details like heated leather seats, and an all-wheel-drive option. The Toyota Highlander XLE trim ups the ante in the highly competitive mid-size SUV market, somehow staying compact and sleek even while boasting room for seven inside its cabin. Like the other trims, the Highlander XLE comes with a standard V6 engine, making it poised for power even when at its maximum capacity.
From how it stacks up to other models, to fuel economy and safety features, here’s what you need to know about the Highlander XLE V6.
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Reviewed on 5/28/2023
2022 Toyota Highlander XLE V6
Starting price: $40,605
Engine: DOHC 24-valve 3.5L V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Horsepower: 295 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque: 263 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
0 to 60: 6.8 seconds
The Toyota Highlander XLE V6 sits comfortably in the middle of the Highlander line, right between the
LE
and XSE
. That means it comes with a few more options than the basic trim, while the price remains on the slightly more affordable end. It’s perfect for families who want a little flare with their frugality. There are 10 colors available, including Celestial Silver Metallic and Ruby Flare Pearl, each of which compliment the sophisticated design. The XLE features 18-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, and each comes with a 3.5L V6 engine available with either front or all-wheel drive, bumping its horsepower up to 295.
The Toyota Highlander XLE also includes:
- Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+: Toyota's most comprehensive suite of safety technologies and advanced driver assistance systems offers a pre-collision system, lane departure alerts, and automatic high beams to help it live up to its five-star NHTSA safety rating.
- Three-zone automatic climate control: The climate control system allows temperature control in the driver, passenger, and rear zones. Heated front seats add an extra element of comfort.
- Best-in-class infotainment: An 8-inch touchscreen makes it easy to access integrations like SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa.
The XLE also includes a power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade, five USB ports, and Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging to keep everyone connected.
MORE: How to find vehicle safety ratings
How’s the fuel economy?
The Toyota Highlander XLE V6 gets about 29 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city with front-wheel drive. Those with all-wheel drive will take a bit of a hit on fuel economy, knocking it down to 27 mpg on the highway. That’s pretty comparable to the other Highlander trims.
If you prefer the hybrid powertrain and its four-cylinder engine, a Highlander hybrid XLE with front-wheel-drive can earn up to 35 mpg on the highway and 36 mpg in the city. You’ll sacrifice a bit of horsepower, though: the 2.5L hybrid powertrain engine in the Hybrid XLE model gets a 243 combined net hp.
Which Toyota Highlander models have the V6?
The 3.5L V6 engine is standard in all the Toyota Highlander models, with the exception of their hybrids. Those come equipped with the 2.5L four-cylinder hybrid engine.
The Highlander L is the most affordable option with the V6 engine, starting at $35,405. On the other end of the spectrum, the Platinum model holds the title of most expensive Highlander at around $47,560 to start.
How fast is the Toyota Highlander XLE V6?
The Highlander XLE might have the power of a V6 engine, but it’s still not a model known for speed. The XLE with standard V6 engine can go from zero to 60 in around 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 114 mph.
That puts the Highlander XLE about on par with its competition. Here are some zero to 60 times for a few other mid-size SUVs that are often compared to the XLE:
With the Highlander XLE, Toyota appears to have focused more on what their intended audience would probably value more in an SUV: Fuel economy over warp speeds.
Key Takeaway The V6 engine in the Toyota Highlander XLE helps it keep up with its competitors in terms of speed, but the stylish interior and top-of-the-line safety features take it to the next level.
MORE: What is the Toyota Highlander's towing capacity?
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Which is better: Toyota Highlander XLE or XSE?
The XLE and XSE are pretty comparable models. They both come with the 3.5L V6 engine paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission, and both are equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of safety features. So which should you go with?
The XSE sits just above the XLE in the product line. The XSE has a few sporty and stylish upgrades, like a mesh front grille and leather heated front and second-row seats. Unlike the SLE, it also comes with the available option of dynamic torque vectoring all-wheel drive and a sport-tuned suspension with a stabilizer bar that may make for a smoother ride.
However, all of that comes at a price increase of about $1,595 dollars, setting the starting price of the XSE at $42,200.
For those looking to save money, the XLE still offers plenty of style for a lower price, and Car and Driver cited the model as the best bang for your buck in the Highlander line.
Key Takeaway The Toyota Highlander XLE is the best pick for those looking to save a little money while still enjoying the comforts of a higher trim in the Highlander line.
MORE: 2021 Toyota Highlander: Consumer Reports struggled to find drawbacks
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Does the Toyota Highlander XLE come in V6?
Yes—all Toyota Highlander trims, except for the hybrid models, come with a standard 3.5L V6 engine that gets 295 hp.
Are V6 Toyota Highlanders reliable?
The 2022 Toyota Highlander has a predicted reliability score of 82 out of 100 from JD Power. The 2022 Toyota Highlander comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Does the 2022 Highlander have AWD?
Both the V6 and hybrid engine options can be either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, although all-wheel drive may lower your miles per gallon average by a bit.
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