2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
This Toyota Highlander Hybrid is one of the hardest cars to find right now so I’m excited to share this unicorn with you. The Toyota Highlander in general is a very popular car but because of gas prices right now these hybrids are even more challenging to find. On average it gets around 35 miles per gallon. That’s compared to about 25 miles per gallon in the gas version. Toyota has been making hybrids since 1999 with the Prius and have definitely proved their reliability.
I love the look of the exterior of the Highlander, but one thing I have to point out is that from the outside it looks like a larger mid-size SUV, but on the inside it’s actually one of the smaller mid-size SUVs on the market. This isn’t necessarily a good or bad thing, just something to note.
Front Row
I’m loving the interior of this 2022 Toyota Highlander. The camel brown leather seats and dash look amazing and are so comfortable. As far as driver’s amenities we have everything in this Platinum trim level: heads-up display, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, 2 USBCs and 1 USB outlet, 2 good-sized cup holders, and seatbelt status so I know who is and isn’t buckled. We also have a beautiful, large, full color, touch screen display, and the climate control is pulled out of the screen, which you know I appreciate. The wireless charger is in the center console, which I don't love because it takes storage room from my center console. But overall, it feels luxurious.
Second Row
Jumping into the second row, I’m feeling very comfortable and have plenty of knee and head clearance. Amenities back here are almost as good as the front row. There are sun shades, which I think are a must for kids, heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, USB outlets, door cubbies, and ceiling vents so kids in car seats still get great ventilation. We also have two cup holders between the two captains chairs, which is great for the people in the back seat but not great for third row access.
Third Row
To access the third row the second row slides forward on tracks and then the seat tilts forward. The floorboard in the third row is elevated so it’s not going to be comfortable for adult passengers and to be honest, I don’t think the third row is flexible enough to be used every day. It’s better for one-off circumstances. Even though I have head clearance, I don’t have nearly enough knee clearance and getting a car seat back here would be tough. I think this is only a car for two kids in car seats. If you are looking for a larger mid-size SUV with a more usable third row check out the VW Atlas, the Chevy Traverse or the Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
Car Seat Set Up
Another reason I only recommend the Toyota Highlander for families with no more than two car seats is we only have two sets of lower anchors and three tether anchors in this Platinum trim level with captain seats. Compared to other cars in its class, this is not great. It doesn’t allow for a lot of car seat flexibility. The captain’s chairs each have a set of lower anchors and a tether anchor. And in the third row we only have one tether anchor and, Toyota loves to do this to us, it’s in the middle seat. That causes some issues. Our visibility out the back window is basically gone and the seat is so narrow that not all car seats will work back there.
Trunk
The trunk is not a bad size for a mid-size SUV. With the third row up, I was able to fit my double Zoe stroller, but it was tight. With the third row down it fits easily with plenty of room for groceries and other kid gear. There is also a small storage compartment under the floor for blankets, diapers, and other small things that you might want to keep handy. The tailgate is automatic and in the Platinum trim level I have the kick option where I can kick my foot under the car if my arms are full and the tailgate will open.
Trim
The Toyota Highlander comes in six trim levels with Platinum being the highest and it has everything. If you’re looking for a trim that has most of the bells and whistles and offers a bench seat check out the XLE trim level.
I like the technology, the hybrid option, and how comfortable the Toyota Highlander is. It’s just not a family hauler. But if you have less than two car seats and don’t plan on using the third row every day I think the Highlander is a great option.
