2022 Toyota Highlander SL — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2022 Toyota Highlander SL

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $47,638–$59,663
Fuel Economy 22 MPG
Seating 7 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,386/yr

Key Specifications — 2022 Toyota Highlander SL

Seating Capacity7 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$47,638–$59,663

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2022 Toyota Highlander SL

Our scoring places the 2022 Toyota Highlander SL at 7.9/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.8/10, while Performance at 6.9/10 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. At 8.8/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The 8.6/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.

Performance at 6.9/10 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. Tech rates a reasonable 7.6/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.

Priced from $47,638–$59,663, 22 MPG, seating 7, the Toyota Highlander SL sits in the premium tier of the suv category. The 7.5/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. 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.

Our take: The 2022 Toyota Highlander SL is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

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 →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2022 Toyota Highlander SL ranks #293 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 88% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $47,638 starting price is about 32% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Highlander SL Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2019 Toyota Highlander SL scores 7.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2022's 7.9 — and starts roughly $4,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 8.1/10$52,200 Read review →
2024 8.1/10$50,680 Read review →
2023 8.0/10$49,159 Read review →
2022 (this review) 7.9/10$47,638
2021 7.9/10$46,118 Read review →
2020 7.9/10$44,597 Read review →
2019 7.8/10$43,078 Read review →
2018 7.8/10$41,557 Read review →
2017 7.6/10$40,037 Read review →
2016 7.7/10$38,516 Read review →
2015 7.6/10$36,996 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2022 Toyota Highlander SL

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

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