Bust out your microscope, it’s time to take a closer look at the Toyota Highlander. We spent a week taking the Highlander from the cities to the mountaintops to learn every single thing about it. Now we have a potential list of 2022 Toyota Highlander pros and cons you need to consider. 

Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander worth buying? 

Yes, the 2022 Toyota Highlander is an excellent family SUV to consider. It’s reliable, comfortable, and includes a long list of standard features. It provides more space than the Toyota RAV4 but isn’t as cumbersome as the Toyota Sequoia. 

However, there are a few 2022 Highlander drawbacks to compare against rivals. Consider what we discovered if you need a three-row family SUV. A few features could seal the deal or make competitors like the Kia Telluride seem more attractive. 

What are the Toyota Highlander Pros? 

1. The 2022 Toyota Highlander is comfortable.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has an impressively smooth ride over most surfaces. It absorbs impacts and excels on dirt and gravel trails without making the interior rattle. 

Plus, the cabin is pretty quiet. You can hear a little road and wind noise at highway speeds, but you don’t have to raise your voice to carry a conversation. However, the engine emits loud droning wheezes at times. 

2. The 2022 Highlander is relaxing 

The Highlander provides a relaxing low-effort experience for daily commutes. While the rear visibility is limited, the front windshield is wide, and the side mirrors provide plenty of views. The blind-spot warning system is helpful too. 

The Highlander has an 18.7-foot turning radius, and it’s pretty agile. You can easily maneuver around crowded areas. However, we recommend adding the 360-degree camera and parking sensors, because short drivers may want more visibility over the hood. 

3. The Highlander has tons of personal item storage 

The 2022 Highlander features an incredible amount of cubbies and trays for personal storage. There are two trays in front of the center console and one above the glove box. Plus, the center console is deep and wide. 

Each row has an abundance of cup holders within reach, and the door pockets can hold larger-sized water bottles. The door pockets are a little lacking, but there are so many places to throw your keys, wallet, phone, chapstick, or other items. 

4. The 2022 Highlander has great tech 

The 2022 Toyota Highlander has advanced tech that’s simple and intuitive. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard, and it has vibrant graphics. The system is speedy, and everything is clearly labeled. 

Plus, the basics are covered. You can opt for the wireless phone charging pad, a larger digital gauge cluster that scores your hybrid driving performance, ambient lighting, ventilated seats, and heated seats in the second row. 

You can access a mirror that views the second and third rows, and the intercom system amplifies your voice throughout the entire vehicle. You can access a household-style outlet, but there are plenty of USB ports in each row. 

What are the 2022 Highlander cons? 

1. The Toyota Highlander has an odd layout 

A few things in the 2022 Toyota Highlander could be updated. For example, the wireless phone charger is in the way. It’s under the center console lid, so you have to lift it up to access the bin. It also keeps your phone under the lid, so you have to open it to answer a call. 

If you opt for captain’s chairs, then a tiny center console is placed on the floor in between the chairs. It blocks access to the third row unless you step over it. However, you can slide the chairs forward and climb in from the sides. 

The third-row seats sit at a raised position, making them higher up than the rest of the seats. Having them on the same level could provide more passenger space. 

2. The third row is shockingly tiny 

We climb all over every vehicle we test, and the 2022 Toyota Highlander has the smallest third row we’ve ever accessed. It’s pretty much only for tiny children or pets. Also, it’s hard to imagine a child seat fitting back there. 

While the third row of the Mazda CX-9 is cramped and uncomfortable for adults, at least the average-sized child can fit. Also, we were able to sit in the third row of the Ford Explorer. 

The best use of the third row is to fold it down to provide more cargo space. You can access up to 16.0 cubic feet behind the third row, but folding the seats down gives you 48.4 cubes. Also, there are 84.3 cubes overall. 

3. The Highlander could be a little sportier 

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 243 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. It just needs a little extra muscle to be more enticing. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.2 seconds. 

This is respectable, and it’s plenty of power for merging into traffic and passing others on the highway. It’s just a little lacking in excitement. Sport mode helps turn up the fun with faster response times, at least. 

The steering is pretty light and could be more responsive around sharp bends. Also, sometimes the suspension can feel a bit floaty, and we would appreciate more tire grip. But the Highlander doesn’t feel hefty or exhibit body roll. 

The Highlander is a well-rounded option that’s comfortable, practical, and efficient. There are a few layout quirks to consider, and the third row is pretty tight, but it’s cable and value-packed for families.