2022 Toyota Highlander – Test Drive

A Frugal but Cool 7-Seater Crossover

This is the Highlander. It’s built by Toyota. That means it abides by strict rules, even safer styling. Creativity, and innovation, is nowhere to be found.

So we’ve got ourselves a bit of a dilmena here. It’s a Toyota. So on one hand it’s gotta be frugal and on the other, it’s gotta look good. So, what can we do here. Well, we can paint some nail polish on the car to give it a bit more shine, we’ll spray the rims gold like we’re back in the disco 90’s, we can also add a rear spoiler spoiling any bit of chance diversifying how a cross-over looks , and we’ve got some leftover window curtains from my grandma’s estate – let’s just throw em in there as well.

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Truth be told, fast fashion comes at a cost. Nevertheless, at a starting price of $35,85 that’s well equipped and comes with standard safety features, the cost-savings are all with good intentions. It even looks decently well with perfect proportions and an upgraded facelift with dazzling HID headlights in 2020.

Believe it or not, sometimes, older is better. You see, Toyota made a significant gamble 25 years ago on a technology they felt would pay off. That technology is the hybrid engine with the intention of making THE most fuel efficient cars on planet earth. And man, is that paying off big time because gas prices right now, are going through the roof!

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Now, technology isn’t Toyota’s forte, but they do try. Take for example this instrument cluster. There is A LOT going on here. You’ve got you’re speedometer, power meter, engine coolant temperature, ambient temperature, the time of day so you’re not late for your mistress hookup, and you’ve got these swim lanes that give you a live feed of the Olympics. This cluster is so complicated and given its name made me wonder…. does this car also fly?!??

No, the Highlander does not have wings, but what it does have, is high ground clearance, a good set of suspensions and AWD. That, makes it REALLY good at rick roll’n around the dirt road.

This car does well off the road as it does on the road. It’s smooth, it’s quiet, it’s spacious, it’s comfortable, and above all, it’s VERY fuel efficient. The 2.5L hybrid engine gets an amazing 30 mpg on a 7-seater platform. That’s incredible!

What’s also incredible is how practical the Highlander is. There’s plenty of room in the front and even more on the second row captain’s seats and the third row triple seats aren’t too bad either. Base models get you a moonroof that can be upgraded to a panoramic sunroof and the front seats are both heated And ventilated for increased comfort. There’s also dual climate controls and second row passengers even get their own temperature settings and smartphone amenities as well.

Interior tech It’s got a modern 12.3″ infotainment touchscreen with direct connectivity with both Android and Apple smartphone, a decent set of JBL 11 speakers sound system, and a built in navigation system.

When it comes to frugal practicality, you just can’t go wrong with anything Toyota has to offer. In the case of the Highlander, no, it’s not the prettiest of the bunch, neither is it the most innovative. But what it does have, is a proven track record in reliability with its hybrid engine that’s been tried and tested for over 20 years now. And with plenty of cargo space and amenities, makes the Highlander a very suitable family hauler.

Specifications

• Vehicle : 2022 Toyota Highlander
• Model : Bronze Edition
• Vehicle Type : Full-Size Crossover
• Seating Capacity :2+2+3
• Engine : 2.5L Hybrid
• Transmission : CVT
• Price as tested: $44,580

Pros

• Excellent fuel economy for 7-seater vehicle
• Practical and easy to drive
• Plenty of trims with a wide range of options
• Well equipped with standard Toyota Safety Sense

Cons

• Lacks modern design and tech innovation