2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.5L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S6) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 36 / 35 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 36 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,650 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 245 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
| Body Style | Hybrid |
| Base Price | $40,020–$48,458 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 8.0/10, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid earns a Recommended rating among the hybrids we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.8/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Toyota Highlander Hybrid's reliability at 8.8/10 — among the strongest in our hybrid database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. Safety is a strength too — 8.6/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology comes in at 7.5/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $40,020–$48,458, 34 MPG, seating 7, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid sits in the mid-market bracket of the hybrid segment. The 8.0/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this hybrid delivers more than most of the class. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid ranks #94 of 135 hybrids in the Carivo database — better than 31% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 8.2/10. Its $40,020 starting price is about 27% above the segment's median of $31,584.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hybrid ranking → · Best Hybrids under $50k →
| Fuel (75,000 miles) | ~$7,720 ($1,544/year at $3.50/gal) |
|---|---|
| Recall repairs | $0 — 4 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers |
| Insurance | Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying |
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Smart-money pick: the 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid scores 7.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2022's 8.0 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.3/10 | $43,852 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.3/10 | $43,852 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.2/10 | $42,575 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.1/10 | $41,297 | Read review → |
| 2022 (this review) | 8.0/10 | $40,020 | |
| 2021 | 8.0/10 | $38,743 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 8.0/10 | $37,466 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.9/10 | $36,188 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 8.0/10 | $34,911 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.9/10 | $33,634 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
| Electronic stability control (esc) / Control module / Software 13/04/2022 · 22V239000 | Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The… |
|---|---|
| Equipment / Other / Labels 06/05/2022 · 22V310000 | Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022 4Runner, Tacoma, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification labels may not be permanent and can fade, becoming illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to… |
| Structure / Body / Bumpers 26/10/2023 · 23V720000 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching. |
| Seats / Mid/rear assembly / Recliner 05/03/2026 · 26V128000 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
We rate the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's reliability 8.8/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
4 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 8.0/10 overall, ranking #94 of 135 hybrids in our database (better than 31% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid starts at $40,020 and ranges up to $48,458 across trims (MSRP when new). At 34 MPG, expect roughly $1,544/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
No standout weak years: across the 10 Highlander Hybrid model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (8.3/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
The documented issues for the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Electronic stability control (esc), Equipment, Structure, Seats (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
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Other hybrids at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.