2022 Toyota Highlander - 7-seater family cross with SUV makings and reliable engine

2023 Author: Charles Youmans | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-20 18:41

The 2022 Toyota Highlander has been deeply redesigned. At the same time, the car, built on the basis of the proprietary modular TNGA platform, retained the familiar 3.5-liter naturally aspirated engine. This unit has managed to establish itself in the Russian market as one of the most reliable. Prices for a 7-seater competitor Volkswagen Teramont and Honda Pilot start at 3.95 million rubles. This amount includes by default all-wheel drive with equal redistribution of torque along the axes, a lockable center differential, LED optics and multimedia. For a surcharge, customers receive power front seats with memory function, wood-like trim, head-up display and other options.

Specifications

The 2022 Toyota Highlander in a new body began to look more like the RAV4: judging by the photo, both crossovers are equipped with the same head optics and a radiator grille. But the 7-seater model offers customers richer equipment at comparatively high prices. Also, the Highlander is similar to the RAV4 in its technical characteristics, although it is large in size.

In Russia, a 7-seater crossover is presented with only one naturally aspirated 3.5-liter engine, which is combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission and variable valve timing at the inlet and outlet. The declared net power of this engine is limited at around 249 hp. (abroad - 295 hp) with a maximum torque of 356 N * m. Highlander in this version consumes an average of 9, 5 liters of gasoline. By default, the Japanese model is equipped with all-wheel drive with an intelligent system of active torque redistribution along the axes. In the event of slipping of the front wheels, up to 50% of the traction is automatically transferred to the rear. The Highlander also received a proprietary Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system. If necessary, it can redistribute the torque between the rear wheels using special couplings.

In a number of countries, the Highlander is also offered with a hybrid installation. It is based on a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine and 2 electric motors at once. The total output of such an installation reaches 240 hp, the average fuel consumption is 6, 8 liters. This fuel efficiency is partly due to the fact that this unit comes with a proprietary system that analyzes driving style to get the most out of the battery. In the hybrid version of the Highlander, the rear wheels are powered by a separate electric motor.

The base of the Japanese model is standard. In front of the crossover, there are McPherson shock absorbers, and in the rear there is an independent suspension on two wishbones. The length of the Japanese model reaches 4966 mm, width - 1930 mm, height - 1755 mm. The wheelbase is 2890 mm, the ground clearance is 204 mm.

Options and prices

The 2022 Toyota Highlander is sold in Russia in two versions. Moreover, the manufacturer has chosen for our country only top-end configurations with an extended list of security systems and comfortable options.

Prestige

The starting version of the Japanese family crossover in Russia is estimated at a minimum of 3.95 million rubles. Already in this configuration, you can find an electric power steering, a lockable center differential, aluminum wheel rims with a diameter of 18 inches and an electronically controlled parking brake. All Highlander optics come with LEDs only. The headlights are supplemented with an automatic switch-on function after dark, the windshield wipers - with a sensor that turns them on when it rains. Also, as standard, exterior mirrors are combined with electric heating, LED turn signal repeaters and a servo drive.

For comfort in Toyota Highlander are responsible:

• electrically adjustable sunroof (option);
• leather multifunctional steering wheel, adjustable in two directions;
• 7-inch information display in the instrument panel;
• keyless engine start system;
• keyless access to the salon;
• electric heating and servo drive of the first row of seats;
• 4 power windows;
• heated steering wheel and windshield;
• air conditioning unit serving 3 zones;
• a stereo system with six speakers;
• 8-inch touch screen;
• navigation system (option).

By default, all 7 seats on the Japanese model are upholstered in artificial leather. The electric drive of the driver's seat adjusts its position in eight directions, for the front passenger in four directions. Safety in the crossover is provided by:

• 2 front, 4 side and 1 knee pads;
• anti-blocking function of brakes;
• emergency braking assistant;
• rear view camera;
• electronic control of exchange rate stability;
• wheel slip warning system;
• driver's assistants, triggered when starting uphill and downhill;
• speed control system;
• tracking system for "blind" spots;
• sensors for monitoring the level of pressure in the wheels;
• parking sensors built into the front and rear bumpers.

In addition, the base Highlander comes with a self-dimming interior mirror, rear-seat sun blinds and a full-size spare wheel.

Safety Suite

Toyota Highlander 2022 in this version, estimated at 4.553 million rubles, is distinguished by an increased level of safety. In addition to the basic equipment, this configuration includes:

• lane departure prevention assistant;
• adaptive cruise control;
• high beam control system;
• adaptive headlights;
• traffic sign recognition system;
• frontal collision avoidance system with a full stop of the crossover;
• driver fatigue tracking system.

In addition to the specified equipment, along with the Suite Safety package, there are 20-inch rims, an electrically adjustable sunroof in the panoramic roof, a head-up display, heated rear seats and front seats with ventilation and a servo drive that remembers the selected settings. The standard stereo system in the top version has been replaced by a premium one, which is combined with 11 speakers. There are also side and front view cameras, navigation and LED illumination of door panels in this configuration.

Options and prices (summary table)

#	Equipment	Model years	Cost, rub.	Drive unit	Transmission	Engine, cc cm	Max. speed, km / h	Power, max., H.p. (kW) at rpm	Combined fuel consumption in l / 100 km
1	3.5 AT Safety Suite	2020 -	4464000	Full (4WD)	Automatic transmission 8	3456	180	249 (183) / 6600	9, 5
2	3.5 AT Prestige	2020 -	3861000	Full (4WD)	Automatic transmission 8	3456	180	249 (183) / 6600	9, 5

* - information on prices is for reference only. Check with your local dealer for the exact cost.

Safety

The 2022 Toyota Highlander is recognized as one of the safest cars of our time. The Japanese model provides a high level of protection for passengers and the driver, as well as pedestrians in the event of a collision with the latter. According to the results of the crash test, the crossover was awarded the maximum mark in all tested disciplines. In particular, the Highlander protects the driver and front passenger from the risk of injury in a frontal impact with a 90% probability. Such a high level of safety is largely ensured by the powerful load-bearing structure of the front end of the body. In a side impact, the vehicle has an 88% chance of protecting the rear row passengers. The experts who conducted the crash test also praised the built-in security systems. They work effectively in 82% of cases.

Handling and off-road capabilities

The updated Highlander is comparable to some Lexus models in terms of smoothness and handling. The Japanese crossover, thanks to such characteristics, fully corresponds to the title of a family car. The Highlander boasts excellent noise insulation: the engine is not heard in the cabin, even if the engine is spinning up to maximum speed. At the same time, this unit provides high traction, and the automatic transmission acts as if it tries to please the driver.

However, it must be borne in mind that the Highlander is a large car. That is, the Japanese novelty is not agile and dynamic enough. She picks up speed relatively slowly and does not always accurately enter corners. Although its all-wheel drive can partially eliminate understeer. On the other hand, the suspension easily compensates for irregularities typical of Russian roads. The steering wheel, like most Toyota models, is smooth and has good feedback.

The Highlander outperforms direct competitors such as the Honda Pilot or Hyundai Palisade in off-road capabilities. A significant role in this is played by proprietary systems that provide automatic redistribution of torque between the axles and rear wheels. Thanks to this feature, the car rarely gets stuck even when driving on a broken track. But the 204mm ground clearance gets in the way of the Highlander's constant off-road use.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the Japanese model include the following:

• extremely reliable engine and transmission, which significantly reduce the operating costs of the crossover;
• durable suspension;
• efficient all-wheel drive, providing high off-road capabilities for its class;
• spacious salon;
• efficient and fast onboard electronics.

In addition to the price, the Japanese model has a high fuel consumption. The rest of the Highlander fully corresponds to the status of a family car, which can be operated both in the city and off-road.

Design

As part of the latest restyling, Toyota has "retouched" the Highlander's appearance. In particular, the crossover has acquired a new trapezoidal grille, which gradually expands as it approaches the bumper and is complemented by a relatively narrow metal edging. On the sides of it are extended LED lights, which stop their "movement" not far from the piled up front struts. The bumper has been replenished with large cutouts, inside of which ventilation holes and fog lights are located at a fairly large depth. And below them stretched a long trapezoidal air intake. Overall, the changes to the front end gave the Highlander a sportier appearance.

The salon of the Japanese model in Russia has only a premium finish: leather is found not only on the seats, but also on the transmission tunnel, front and door panels. At the same time, the crossover is equipped with an outdated steering wheel. The Highlander retains the Toyota-branded touchscreen monitor with compact buttons and selector underneath. The transmission tunnel is still complemented by a small gearshift lever and four-wheel drive setting buttons.

Sales start

The updated Highlander entered the Russian market in mid-summer 2020. The car is imported ready-made from the USA.

Competitors

Direct competitors of the Japanese model include:

• Volkswagen Teramont;
• Honda Pilot;
• Kia Sorento;
• Hyundai Palisade;
• Nissan Pathfinder.