2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but boring, standing out among the sea of midsize SUVs with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille gave it a commanding presence. The character line along the side, reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and Lexus-like taillights added to its unique appeal. The introduction of the XSE trim brought a sportier look with a restyled front end, 20-inch wheels, and a more aggressive appearance package. Inside, the Limited trim offered a luxurious experience with near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and elegant wood details, making it a comfortable choice for families.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window. The XSE trim stood out with its bold red leather interior, ambient lighting, and sport-tuned suspension. The trim lineup included L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum, each offering a range of features from basic amenities to upscale options like heated and ventilated seats, a hands-free power liftgate, and a JBL premium audio system. The 2022 model provided a spacious cabin with clever storage solutions, making it a practical choice for families.

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

The 2022 Toyota Highlander shared the same 3.5-liter V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. It featured a tap-shift function and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters on certain trims, along with drive modes like Sport, Normal, and Eco. The XSE trim's sport-tuned suspension improved handling, reducing body roll while maintaining a comfortable ride. The Highlander could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile option for families with towing needs.

The 2021 Highlander offered a practical interior with ample storage, including shelves ahead of the front seats and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed generous legroom, with seats that could slide to optimize space for the third row. However, the third row was best suited for short trips due to limited space. Cargo capacity was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rows down.

The 2022 Highlander provided similar cargo space, with easy-to-use quick-release latches and pull-straps for seat adjustments. The base L trim featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and deep cargo pockets in the front doors. The XSE trim offered second-row captain's chairs, creating a convenient aisle to the third row. While the second row was spacious, the third row remained tight for adults. The power liftgate was standard on trims above the base, with hands-free operation on Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2021 Highlander came with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch option available on the Limited and standard on the Platinum trim. The infotainment system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though navigation required an additional purchase. The 12.3-inch screen was visually impressive but limited in functionality for certain apps.

In 2022, the Highlander continued with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was user-friendly, with hard buttons complementing the touchscreen interface. A wireless charging pad and USB ports were available, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen was optional. The XSE trim featured a digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system.

The 2021 Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and intersection support. Additional safety features included road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The NHTSA awarded it five stars, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+.

The 2022 Highlander also came with Toyota Safety Sense, offering forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The lane-departure warning system was notably active, sometimes overly so, but provided comprehensive safety coverage.