2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but mundane, standing out among midsize SUVs with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille gave it a commanding presence. The side profile featured a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, while the rear boasted taillights akin to those on a Lexus. The introduction of the XSE trim added a sportier front end, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a unique appearance package, though it didn't transform the Highlander into a performance vehicle. The Limited trim, with its chrome accents, exuded an upscale vibe, complemented by a luxurious interior with tan leather seats and wood details.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design. The flared fender arches and the third-row window's upward kick gave it a compact appearance, despite its spacious interior. The XSE trim stood out with its bold red leather interior, ambient lighting, and sport-tuned suspension. The trim lineup included LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum, each offering a range of features. The base LE came with standard AWD, 18-inch alloy wheels, and an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims added amenities like a panoramic moonroof, JBL audio system, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not a powerhouse, it provided smooth and reliable performance, comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The XSE trim featured a sportier suspension setup, enhancing driving excitement without compromising comfort.

The 2022 Highlander retained the same 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing identical power figures. It came standard with AWD in Canada, offering a tap-shift function and drive modes for varied conditions. The engine excelled at highway speeds, providing ample pickup for overtaking. The XSE trim's sport-tuned suspension reduced body roll while maintaining a comfortable ride. With a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and a max payload of 775 kilograms, it was well-suited for family adventures.

The 2021 Highlander offered a practical interior with ample storage solutions, including shelves for large cell phones and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed generous legroom, with available captain's chairs for added comfort. The third row was best suited for short trips, and cargo space varied from 453 litres behind the third row to 2,245 litres with all seats folded.

The 2022 Highlander improved on cargo space, offering up to 2,387 litres with the second and third rows folded. The interior featured deep cargo pockets, versatile storage trays, and a spacious centre console. Second-row captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, which remained tight for adults. A power liftgate was standard on higher trims, enhancing convenience.

The 2021 Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch option on the Platinum trim. Both systems supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though navigation was limited to higher trims. The JBL audio system offered decent sound quality, and the infotainment interface was user-friendly.

In 2022, the Highlander continued with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports. A 12.3-inch touchscreen was available, though it lacked the intuitive feel of the base system. The JBL premium stereo system and digital instrument panel screen were optional features.

The 2021 Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, featuring automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and intersection support. It also included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The NHTSA awarded it five stars, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+.

The 2022 Highlander maintained a strong safety suite with forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and dynamic radar cruise control. It added standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags. Optional features included parking sensors and a surround-view monitor. The IIHS rated it a Top Safety Pick+.