Hey guys! Are you thinking about getting a new SUV? Let's dive into the 2022 Toyota Highlander L. This article will cover everything you need to know, from reviews and specifications to what makes it a great choice for families and individuals alike. We'll break it down in a way that's super easy to understand, so you can make the best decision for your needs.

Overview of the 2022 Toyota Highlander L

The 2022 Toyota Highlander L serves as the base trim in the Highlander lineup, providing a compelling mix of value, practicality, and reliability. It's designed to cater to a broad audience, offering a comfortable ride, ample space, and a suite of standard features that enhance safety and convenience. The Highlander L is powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain ensures smooth acceleration and efficient performance, making it suitable for both daily commutes and long road trips. Fuel economy is respectable for its class, with EPA ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. On the outside, the Highlander L features a sleek and modern design, characterized by its bold front grille, sculpted lines, and aerodynamic profile. Standard exterior features include LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights, enhancing visibility and adding to its contemporary appearance. Inside, the Highlander L offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin with seating for up to eight passengers. The interior is designed with comfort in mind, featuring premium cloth upholstery, adjustable seats, and ample legroom in all three rows. The infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, ensuring seamless connectivity and entertainment for all occupants. Standard safety features are comprehensive, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite, which includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road sign assist. These advanced safety technologies provide added peace of mind and help prevent accidents. The Highlander L also comes equipped with practical features such as a rearview camera, three-zone automatic climate control, and five USB ports, making it a versatile and family-friendly SUV. Overall, the 2022 Toyota Highlander L offers a well-rounded package that combines performance, comfort, and safety, making it an excellent choice for buyers looking for a reliable and capable SUV.

Performance and Engine Specs

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what makes the 2022 Toyota Highlander L tick. At the heart of this SUV is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that cranks out 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. What does that mean for you? It means you've got plenty of power for merging onto the highway, passing slower traffic, and even tackling some light off-road adventures. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and seamless shifts. This combination ensures that you get the power you need when you need it, without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Speaking of fuel efficiency, the Highlander L gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. These figures are quite competitive for a mid-size SUV, making it a practical choice for daily commutes and long road trips alike. The Highlander L also comes standard with front-wheel drive, which further enhances fuel economy. However, if you need extra traction and stability, you can opt for the available all-wheel-drive system. The AWD system distributes power to all four wheels, providing enhanced grip in slippery conditions such as rain, snow, and ice. In terms of handling, the Highlander L offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and stable driving experience. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the Highlander L delivers a confident and enjoyable driving experience. The engine's strong performance, combined with the smooth transmission and comfortable ride, makes the Highlander L a versatile and capable SUV that's well-suited for a variety of driving conditions. So, if you're looking for an SUV that can handle everything from daily errands to weekend adventures, the 2022 Toyota Highlander L is definitely worth considering.

Interior Comfort and Technology

When it comes to the interior of the 2022 Toyota Highlander L, Toyota has really focused on comfort and technology to make every ride enjoyable. First off, the seats are super comfy, perfect for long drives or just running errands around town. The base model comes with cloth upholstery that feels nice and is durable enough to handle everyday wear and tear. Plus, there's plenty of room for everyone – the Highlander L seats up to eight passengers, so it's great for families or carpooling. Now, let's talk tech. The Highlander L comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display that's easy to use and navigate. It's got Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, so you can seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and contacts. No more fumbling with cords or struggling to find your way – everything is right there on the screen. The infotainment system also includes a rearview camera, which makes parking and maneuvering in tight spots a breeze. Safety is a big deal, and the rearview camera helps you see what's behind you, so you can avoid accidents and stay safe. In addition to the touchscreen display, the Highlander L also comes with a range of other convenient features, such as three-zone automatic climate control. This means that everyone in the car can set their preferred temperature, so no more fighting over the thermostat. There are also five USB ports throughout the cabin, so everyone can keep their devices charged on the go. The interior design is clean and modern, with a focus on functionality and ease of use. The controls are well-placed and easy to reach, and the materials feel high-quality and durable. Overall, the interior of the 2022 Toyota Highlander L is a comfortable and tech-savvy space that's perfect for families and individuals alike. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, you'll appreciate the thoughtful design and convenient features that make every ride a pleasure.

Safety Features

Alright, let’s talk about safety – because that’s super important, right? The 2022 Toyota Highlander L comes packed with a bunch of advanced safety features that are designed to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. One of the standout features is the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ suite. This suite includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision. It also includes lane departure alert with steering assist, which helps you stay in your lane by providing gentle steering corrections. Adaptive cruise control is another great feature, as it automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car in front of you. And road sign assist helps you stay informed about speed limits and other important road signs. But that’s not all – the Highlander L also comes with a range of other safety features, such as blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. This system alerts you if there’s a vehicle in your blind spot, and it also warns you of approaching traffic when you’re backing out of a parking space. The Highlander L also has eight airbags, including driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags. These airbags provide additional protection in the event of a collision. And let’s not forget about the standard rearview camera, which makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces much easier and safer. Overall, the 2022 Toyota Highlander L is designed with safety in mind. The advanced safety features and comprehensive airbag system provide peace of mind for you and your family. So, if you’re looking for an SUV that prioritizes safety, the Highlander L is definitely worth considering. With its impressive array of safety features, you can feel confident and secure every time you get behind the wheel. Toyota has really gone the extra mile to make sure that the Highlander L is a safe and reliable choice for drivers and passengers alike.

Pros and Cons

Okay, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2022 Toyota Highlander L so you can get a clear picture.

Pros:

• Spacious Interior: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it great for families.
• Standard Safety Features: Comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering advanced safety tech right from the base model.
• Reliable Engine: The V6 engine provides ample power and is known for its reliability.
• User-Friendly Infotainment: The 8-inch touchscreen is easy to use and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension is tuned for a smooth and comfortable driving experience.

Cons:

• Base Trim Limitations: As the base model, it lacks some of the premium features found in higher trims.
• Cloth Upholstery: While durable, some may prefer leather or other premium materials.
• Basic Audio System: The standard audio system is adequate but may not satisfy audiophiles.
• Limited Customization: Fewer options for customization compared to higher trims.
• Fuel Economy: While decent, it's not the best in its class, especially in city driving.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2022 Toyota Highlander L? This SUV is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable, spacious, and safe vehicle without breaking the bank. It's perfect for families who need plenty of room for passengers and cargo, and the standard safety features provide peace of mind on the road. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the higher trims, the Highlander L offers a great value proposition. The V6 engine delivers ample power for daily driving and long road trips, and the comfortable ride makes it a pleasure to drive. The user-friendly infotainment system is a plus, and the overall reliability of the Toyota brand is well-known. Of course, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The base trim limitations mean you'll miss out on some of the premium features found in higher trims, such as leather upholstery and a more advanced audio system. And the fuel economy, while decent, isn't the best in its class. However, if you're looking for a practical and dependable SUV that won't let you down, the 2022 Toyota Highlander L is definitely worth a look. It's a well-rounded vehicle that offers a great combination of comfort, safety, and value. So, go ahead and give it a test drive – you might just find your next family hauler! The 2022 Toyota Highlander L stands out as a practical, reliable, and value-driven SUV in a crowded market. Its blend of spaciousness, essential safety features, and a dependable V6 engine makes it an appealing choice for families and individuals seeking a versatile vehicle. While it may lack some of the luxurious amenities of higher trims, it compensates with its affordability and the proven reputation of the Toyota brand. Ultimately, the Highlander L is a testament to Toyota's commitment to providing dependable and functional vehicles that cater to a wide range of needs and preferences.