Get More for Your Money With the 2022 Toyota Highlander

August 13th, 2025 by

A blue 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum parked in a driveway

There’s real value to be found on the used market, with depreciation driving down prices and opening up a world of possibilities when you set out to find your next car, truck, or SUV. That said, not all pre-owned vehicles are created equal. Opting for an older vehicle means you might miss out on some important advancements in automotive technology, including newer safety, comfort, and convenience features. There’s also the issue of reliability. The longer a vehicle has been on the road, the more likely it is to end up in the shop. That’s why it’s so important to do your research before taking the plunge. Certain brands are known for their reliability, while other companies have a shakier reputation that could leave you high, dry and facing a hefty repair bill.

Enter the 2022 Toyota Highlander. The brand’s beloved three-row SUV provides a seamless blend of modern tech, plenty of cargo space, and room for the whole family with seating for up to eight passengers. The 2022 model might have been on the market for a few years, but it shares many of the features and performance stats you’ll find on the 2025 version while trading for a significantly lower price. In fact, the 2022 Highlander even outpaces the 2025 model in a few key areas. While Toyota has shuffled a few trims, expanded the color palette, and added a few features like power-folding exterior mirrors and a hands-free power-operated rear liftgate, the 2022 Highlander is actually more powerful than the current offering, thanks to its standard V6 engine. If you’re looking to get more bang for your buck and need a reliable vehicle that can withstand the rigors of family life, it’s time to check out a 2022 Toyota Highlander for sale. Let’s explore some of the highlights of the 2022 model and learn how the Highlander can elevate your daily drive.

Room and Comfort for All

The fourth-generation Highlander saw some notable interior improvements that went a long way towards increasing its appeal among those seeking a reliable ride. Toyota went back to the drawing board when crafting the fourth-generation Highlander, increasing the SUV’s cargo room to meet the needs of today’s busy families. Before 2020, the Highlander was equipped with a spacious interior that allowed it to easily haul groceries, sports equipment, and all the gear you’d need for a weekend adventure, but the current model really kicks it up a notch with some of the best cargo capacity in its class.

The 2022 Highlander allows drivers to enjoy up to 16 cu.ft. of cargo space when all three rows are in use, or up to 84.3 cu.ft. when the second and third rows are folded away. Stashing just the rear seat provides a satisfying blend of cargo and passenger capacity, allowing the Highlander to transport five passengers while still offering 48.4 cu.ft. of cargo space. That last number is particularly notable, representing more than a 6.0 cu.ft. improvement over the third-generation Highlander.

The Highlander is also a standout in terms of passenger room, with the 2022 model providing seating for up to eight passengers. The front row delivers more than 40 inches of headroom and legroom, while the second row follows suit with 39.4 inches of headroom and 41.0 inches of legroom. The third row might be a little tight for full-size riders with 27.7 inches of legroom, but it trends a little above average with 36.1 inches of headroom. Those seeking an even more comfortable cabin can swap out the Highlander’s second-row bench seat for a set of captain’s chairs that reduces the total capacity down to seven passengers.

No matter where you end up sitting, you’ll be riding in comfort with standard features like an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a sliding and reclining second-row bench seat. Optional add-ons include a ten-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and second-row sunshades that’ll protect the kids from the sun’s rays while also helping to accommodate a little mid-journey nap.

Infotainment and digital gauge cluster on a 2022 Toyota Highlander XSE for sale

Technology Ahead of Its Time

Drivers won’t miss out on much when choosing the 2022 Highlander over a newer model. A commitment to comfort and convenience-enhancing technology has seen Toyota integrate plenty of modern features into its vehicles, and the Highlander is no exception. The SUV gets off to a strong start with a long list of standard features that include a proximity keyless entry system that’ll keep you from having to fish for your keys every time you approach your ride and a tri-zone automatic climate control system that allows each row to set its desired temperature.

The standard 8.0-inch infotainment screen provides plenty of functionality, but the optional 12.3-inch version goes a long way towards improving the Highlander’s ergonomic appeal. No matter which display you choose, you’ll gain access to a full suite of contemporary tech and apps like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Five USB ports ensure every rider is all juiced up and ready to go, while an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot will keep your family from running through your data plan when you’re on the move. The Highlander’s most unique feature might be the Driver Easy Speak, which serves as a sort of in-car intercom that makes it easy for the driver to be heard by distant third-row passengers.

Available upgrades sweeten the pot, allowing drivers to access turn-by-turn navigation, wirelessly charge their compatible smartphone, or use two 120-volt outlets to power laptops, tablets, and other essential road trip gear. The Highlander’s 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster makes it easy to track all the vehicle’s vital metrics, but the 10-inch color Head-Up Display (HUD) offers a more cutting-edge approach, projecting relevant data right onto the lower section of the windshield to improve both safety and convenience. The 2022 Highlander can even be equipped with some true premium features, ranging from an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo to a moonroof, ambient interior light system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror that’ll prevent the temporary blindness that can come from being tailgated by an inconsiderate driver.

Reliability Comes Standard

Toyota’s reputation for reliability has long been one of the brand’s biggest selling points. The automaker leads the market in terms of dependability, consistently ranking second only to its own luxury subsidiary in Lexus. This record of reliability is summed up in a recent study by the leading nonprofit consumer organization, Consumer Reports, which gave Toyota an impressive 74/100 in its list of reliable used car brands. This figure sees Toyota boast a significant advantage over third-place finisher Mazda, which earned a 63. The numbers are even more compelling as you read down the list, with every other major brand failing to post a score above 56.

While other brands tend to eagerly jump on every new automotive development and innovation, Toyota has taken a more measured approach, which has proven successful. By biding its time and sticking to a steady development process, Toyota can avoid many of the pitfalls plaguing other brands. “Brands like Lexus and Toyota have a history of conservative redesigns, incrementally improving their entire product line rather than introducing many all-new systems,” says Consumer Reports’ senior automotive data analyst Steven Elek. “Our data consistently shows over time that cars from those brands are reliable when new, and they continue to be reliable as they age.”

The 2022 Highlander lives up to the high bar set by the rest of the Toyota lineup with an 81/100 reliability rating from J.D. Power and a 4/5 score from RepairPal.com that sees it place seventh out of the 26 midsize SUVs currently on the market. Toyota’s renowned engineering and consistent production practices mean that 2022 Highlander drivers can enjoy ample peace of mind as they go about their daily commute. RepairPal estimates the likelihood of a visit to the repair shop at a below-average 0.3 times per year, and the Highlander is also particularly affordable to fix should something go wrong. While the average vehicle will cost owners around $652 in annual repair costs, the Highlander clocks in 25 percent lower at $489 per year. Many 2022 models are still covered by Toyota’s generous warranty program, which offers comprehensive powertrain protection for the first five years or 60,000 miles. If you’re searching for a vehicle that will provide consistent performance with limited downtime, the 2022 Highlander is here to serve.

A silver 2022 Toyota Highlander XSE driving in a tunnel

Take the High Ground at Online.cars

While we’ve touched on a few highlights of the 2022 Toyota Highlander, there’s a lot more to explore. A three-row SUV needs plenty of power to push it down the road, and the Highlander doesn’t disappoint, with a muscular V6 engine that pumps out nearly 300 hp. The best part is that the power doesn’t come at the cost of efficiency, with the midsize crossover providing an EPA-estimated 29 MPG highway.

From an ample interior that features some of the best cargo and passenger capacity you could hope to find to an advanced arsenal of technology, convenience, and comfort features designed to elevate the everyday driving experience, the 2022 Toyota Highlander is a solid investment when you’re in the market for your next family vehicle. Add in Toyota’s rock-solid reputation for reliability and its below-average repair and maintenance costs, and it’s easy to see why so many drivers are flocking to Online.cars to snag their very own 2022 Highlander.