There’s a brand new trim package for the 2022 Toyota Highlander. It’s called the Bronze Edition, and it makes the trustworthy SUV more, well, bronze. Like many automakers, Toyota is simply drawing attention to a classic, dull, family SUV. Although we have to say, the bronze details look better than expected. Everything bronze can stay on the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE Bronze Edition.

Toyota Highlander Bronze Edition: Price

In short, it’s a Highlander SUV with some bronze stuff, but what’s the price? Available only on the XLE model, the Bronze Edition starts at $45,295 with front-wheel drive. Adding all-wheel drive boosts the price a bit up to $46,895. According to Car and Driver, that’s $2,025 more than the standard Toyota Highlander XLE, without all the bronze extras. The Bronze Edition is the perfect choice for someone who wants to spend an extra $2,025 to look fancy.

Everything bronze on the 2022 Toyota Highlander

If you opt to purchase the Bronze Edition trim package for your Highlander, many things will be bronze. These are all purely cosmetic upgrades and don’t change the functionality of the Highlander XLE. Surprisingly, it isn’t just a few small areas of seat stitching or logos that are bronze. Toyota’s SUV brings the noise and ensures everyone will know you’re driving a Bronze Edition. Here’s everything that turns bronze with the trim package:

• Wheels
• Seat stripes
• Contrast interior stitching
• Floor mats have a bronze Highlander logo
• Doorsills

You’ll notice, interestingly enough, that the SUV itself didn’t make the list. That’s true, and there’s no bronze exterior color option for the 2022 Toyota Highlander. While it seems a bit strange, it might be overkill to have a bronze SUV with bronze wheels and interior trimmings.

Is anything else different from the Highlander XLE?

There are a few non-cosmetic changes the Bronze Edition adds to the XLE trim level. With the Toyota Highlander Bronze Edition, owners will gain equipment over the XLE model. Things like a digital rearview mirror, hands-free power liftgate, and rain-sensing windshield wipers all come with the Bronze Edition package. Moreover, it’s more than just a bronze-clad package for shiny looks.

This special edition Highlander slots in between the XLE and Limited trim levels. For just over $45,000, it’s well-equipped and overall an excellent option. Although, we’d understand if you didn’t like all the bronze as it’s not for everyone. Thankfully, the 2022 Toyota Highlander lineup is filled with options.

I want a Highlander with Bronze Edition equipment without the bronze

Car and Driver recommend going with the more affordable XLE trim level. It has heated front seats, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a power sunroof, etc. However, adding the hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive adds around $1,400 and $1,600 to the price, respectively. That’s enough to boost the Highlander XLE price above the XSE model and come close to the bronzed model.

We’d recommend going the other direction. If you’re already considering paying $45,295 for the Bronze Edition, what’s another $500? For $45,775, customers can own the Limited trim level with all the equipment an XLE has, plus more. Of course, leveling up to the hybrid powertrain or all-wheel drive will raise the price again. Furthermore, customers who are OK with front-wheel drive and the non-hybrid powertrain will get more value from the Limited trim.

Stand out with the 2022 Toyota Highlander Bronze Edition SUV

If you like to stand out from the crowd, this trim package is perfect for you. Are you tired of the look of boring family SUVs? The 2022 Toyota Highlander comes well-equipped and is trimmed out in bronze. Bronze doesn’t always mean third place; that’s why it’s an excellent way to get serious, unique value from your next SUV. That’s the 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE Bronze Edition.