The Highlander Hybrid has the lowest annual maintenance expenditures in the midsize SUV market, coming in at just $489 on average.
Midsize SUVs have an average yearly repair cost of $573, whereas all other cars in RepairPal’s database have an average annual repair cost of $652.
In This Article...
How Long Do the Brakes Last?
Brake pads for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid should last up to 100,000 miles under typical driving conditions. The brake rotors can endure approximately 150-200 thousand kilometers before needing replacement.
When you let up on the gas, the Highlander Hybrid uses regenerative braking to recharge the battery.
This technique also significantly slows down the car, reducing the amount of braking necessary and extending the life of the brake pads and rotors.
There have been instances of ABS failures in early Highlander Hybrid vehicles after a number of years, notably early 2nd gen cars.
If the Toyota extended warranty hasn’t already covered it, this can cost between $3,000 and $4,000 to fix.
How Long Do the Tires Last?
The factory-installed tires on the Toyota Highlander Hybrid can last 30,00040,000 miles, or roughly 24 years.
Depending on the road, the driver, the environment, and upkeep, they may wear out significantly more quickly.
Here are a few recommendations to prolong the life of your tires:
- To guarantee even wear, rotate your tires every 5,000 miles.
- Your tires will sustain more damage if you frequently fling your vehicle off the road or slam on the brakes.
- Every few weeks, ensure sure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure.
- Every six months, check your wheels’ alignment.
How Long Do the Transmissions Last?
Electronic continuously variable transmissions, or eCVTs, are used in Toyota Highlander Hybrid models of the third and fourth generations.
The eCVTs made by Toyota are far more durable and last a lot longer than conventional CVTs or even conventional automatic transmissions.
A minimum of 500,000 miles should be attainable from the Highlander Hybrid’s transmission.
The first and second generation Highlander Hybrids employ conventional automatic transmissions, which, with careful care, may still run for far over 200,000 miles.
How Long Will the Toyota Highlander Hybrid’s Electric Motors Last?
The Camry Hybrid, which has a reputation for lasting hundreds of thousands of kilometers in taxi fleets and delivery vehicles, shares a hybrid powertrain with the Highlander.
Toyota’s electric hybrid motor failures are quite uncommon and shouldn’t cause too much anxiety.
How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?
Spark plugs for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid should be changed every 12 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Iridium spark plugs, which have a significantly longer lifespan than conventional spark plugs, are used in the Highlander Hybrid.
How Long Do Toyota Highlander Hybrid Batteries Last?
The high-voltage batteries in the Toyota Highlander Hybrid have an easy lifespan of between 200,000 and 300,000 kilometres.
You shouldn’t be concerned about difficulties or premature breakdowns because several Toyota hybrids have even exceeded the 300,000-mile milestone with their original batteries.
There are several aftermarket replacements available for the hybrid batteries that only cost about $2,000 if you do need to replace them after their warranty expires.
When compared to the price of EV batteries, which are at least 5 to 10 times more expensive, this is a relatively minor fee to pay to increase the life of the car.
How long do the batteries last on a Toyota Highlander?
Depending on the type of battery, weather conditions, battery size, and driving habits, your 2018 Toyota Highlander battery will normally last between three and five years. However, this can vary greatly.
Does changing the hybrid battery make sense?
As far as we can tell, hybrid batteries start to pose a problem when they are between 10 and 15 years old and between 120,000 and 150,000 kilometers old. Yes, some business entrepreneurs will succeed far more than that. Batteries have reportedly been known to endure well over 200,000 miles.
What are the drawbacks of the hybrid Toyota Highlander?
The 2022 Toyota Highlander is one of the more well-liked options for a third-row SUV, even if it is only a few model years into its current generation. Although the Highlander was already extremely proficient at handling, even for a big bulky SUV, the sporty new XSE trim level from the previous year added a sport-tuned suspension. Having a powerful V6 engine and comfortable seats as standard equipment is a major plus.
The Highlander’s main issue, though, is the third row of seats. The crowded third row persisted in being crowded despite the revamp in 2020. Additionally, for a third-row SUV, the cargo space feels really limited behind that. Some of the Highlander’s main competitors offer significantly more room for both freight and passengers.
In spite of this, the Highlander is a peaceful and cozy vehicle (provided you’re not crammed into the third row, that is). The V6 engine produces a respectable amount of power while exhibiting respectable fuel efficiency for this market. Although there are many driver aids to aid with outward vision, this SUV is very easy to see out of.
Will the Highlander, however, suffice for your needs? We’ll discuss what’s new for 2022, what we like and want to alter about the Highlander, and how it compares to some of its primary competitors.
The Toyota Highlander for 2022 hasn’t undergone any revisions from Toyota. A complete makeover that took place in 2020 added increased cargo room and smartphone app connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new XSE trim level, which is sporty, debuted in 2021.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Toyota HighlanderThe Pros
1. The V6 Responds With Power
The strong yet strangely fuel-efficient V6 engine of the 2022 Toyota Highlander is the one feature that really sticks out about the vehicle. This 3.5-liter V6 engine produces a respectable 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque when mated to an 8-speed automated transmission that sends power to the front wheels. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which is faster than the majority of third-row SUVs. In fact, that puts the Highlander and the quick Kia Telluride neck and neck.
2. Above average Handling
The Highlander’s handling exceeds what you might anticipate from a third-row SUV. Toyota made an effort to make sure that this new generation could better manage winding roads and had superior body roll control. Choosing the torque-vectoring AWD system gives power to certain rear wheels to increase grip and improve handling balance. Although choosing the adaptive suspension improves handling significantly, it is still enough without it.
3. Comfortable Ride Features
The Highlander provides a fairly comfortable ride quality that is compliant and smooth. On the highway, the suspension avoids feeling floaty and promptly absorbs both big and little bumps. Overall, the ride is comfortable and pleasurable enough for long distances.
4. A Peaceful Cabin
The Highlander’s cabin maintains its calmness even when you accelerate it down the highway. The engine runs softly, and very little road or wind noise enters the vehicle. You won’t have to stress about turning the music up loud or having trouble hearing your children in the third row.
5. Unobscured Outside Visibility
There is a wide field of view from the cockpit. The narrow roof pillars and large windows of the Highlander provide you a good view of everything around it. While cornering, you can see pretty clearly, which is something not all large SUVs allow you to accomplish. You have an excellent view of what is behind and to the side of the Highlander thanks to the rear-view camera and optional blind-spot monitoring system, if you need it. Even though you get a clear vision from every angle thanks to the top-down 360-degree surround-view camera, you probably won’t need it.
6. A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is available.
The conventional 8-inch touchscreen system functions flawlessly and has less glare, but the 12.3-inch infotainment display offers large, bright readouts with crisp graphics. The user interface is straightforward, and you can easily navigate the menus. Those who aren’t very tech-savvy should find the short learning curve appealing.
7. Many Driver Aids Are Included as Standard
Toyota includes a ton of common driver assistance features. Every trim level of their vehicle comes standard with their Safety Sense suite, which includes automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, a traffic sign reader, and front collision mitigation. Blind-spot monitoring is added by moving up one trim to the LE, while front and rear parking sensors are added by moving up to the Limited. Adaptive headlights, a digital rearview, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, and a head-up display are included with the Platinum trim, which is the top of the line.
8. Generous Spaces for Storing Small Items
There are many suitable locations for storing small items throughout the cabin. Large drinks may fit in the cupholders, and one of the two dash-mounted shelves has a phone wire holder built into it. You may store your iPads, iPhones, and books in the pockets, which are also quite roomy.
9. A user-friendly LATCH system
It’s easy to install child safety seats in the second row using the LATCH system. There is ample space for even rear-facing seats to fit back there. It’s simple to go to the anchors. Getting the second row captain’s seats available streamlines the procedure even further.
10. Outstanding Fuel Economy
The Highlander’s V6 engine achieves an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 23 mpg for all-wheel drive models and 24 mpg for front-wheel drive vehicles. Even while this offers around 1-2 more miles per gallon than the competition, in this market, that is a significant difference. Real-world testing confirms The Higlander’s EPA projections.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Toyota HighlanderThe Cons
1. Navigates Like a Heavy Vehicle
The 2022 Toyota Highlander moves like a big vehicle because it is one. Driving the Highlander through congested parking lots will make you aware of it. If you’ve never operated a third-row SUV before, you might feel more like the captain of a boat than the driver of a car for the road.
2. A Squeezing Third Row
The third row of the Highlander is constrained, and even the 2020 makeover couldn’t provide it much more room. Small children might fit back there, but older kids or adults are very clearly not its intended audience. Since you will require more cargo room, it is usually advisable to remove the seats from the third row if you don’t use it frequently.
3. Limited Cargo Room
Behind the third row, there is only 16 cubic feet of cargo room. This is really small for the segment and gives you very little room to maneuver. The third row can be removed to provide a better-than-average space with 48.4 cubes, though. If you need the cargo capacity, just don’t anticipate using the third row much.
4. Less economical than other third-row SUVs
Comparing the Highlander to its competitors, it is generally lacking in value. It is a little more expensive and has fewer basic amenities than other third-row SUVs. When compared to comparable vehicles in its segment, the interior materials and general design are also only mediocre. Some models’ build quality may also be in doubt because buyers or those who have tested the car have mentioned hearing little creaks on the driver’s side.
buying advice
Compare prices online before buying a new car to avoid paying too much. Find out the price in advance before entering a dealership. The following free services are suggested by us: Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect, and Motortrend.
These free sites will provide you the best deals and provide you with numerous price quotations from rival businesses. Before visiting the dealer, you will be aware of the best pricing.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition:
The 2022 Kia Telluride is a formidable vehicle, offering owners a smooth ride and seats that are designed for all-day enjoyment. You get a ton of standard entertainment features and driving aids for the price you pay. It’s perfect for families who want a roomy third row because the interior space feels far larger than that of many third-row SUVs. There aren’t many places you can utilize to store little items, which is its one flaw.
Another formidable contender in the third-row SUV market is the 2022 Honda Pilot. The Pilot provides a lot of value despite having a few extra-sensitive driver aids (particularly adaptive cruise control and the collision warning) and a tight third-row entrance. It boasts roomy seats in both rows of the backseat and is quite versatile both within the cabin and in the cargo area. You still have a compliant and smooth ride, and this car gets respectable fuel efficiency.
The third-row SUV market is fiercely competitive in 2022 thanks to the Toyota Highlander. It rules with a strong V6 engine that also provides exceptional fuel efficiency. This is a significant benefit in a market where fuel efficiency is a concern. The Highlander is designed for the daily driver who has a family to transport. It is padded for comfort and provides a smooth ride. Just don’t expect the children to be too comfortable on the third row of seats. Additionally, even with all of the seats upright, the cargo room might not be big enough. In some ways, The Highlander is a mixed bag. But a lot of buyers are drawn to the mixed bag.
Is buying a hybrid Highlander worthwhile?
The Highlander Hybrid is an excellent SUV, yes. Its comfortable ride, spirited motor, and excellent fuel efficiency for a midsize SUV all contribute to its suitability as a daily commuter. Additionally, it has a luxurious cabin with an easy-to-use infotainment system.
Can a hybrid be used without its battery?
Hybrid cars combine standard automobile technology with that of electric cars. In addition to using fuel and a 12-volt lead-acid battery, a hybrid car also draws power from an electric battery. The transition between power sources can be made by the vehicle without the driver even being aware of it.
Regenerative braking is a technique for recharging an electric battery. When the driver applies the brakes, energy is generated that is used to recharge the electric battery. The remarkable energy efficiency of a hybrid car is achieved by seamless transitions between electric and gas power. Hybrid automobiles are 20 to 35 percent more fuel-efficient than conventional vehicles since they use petrol only occasionally. Additionally, by lowering emissions, a hybrid car is less harmful to the environment.
The short lifespan of a hybrid battery is one of its flaws. According to Bumblebee Batteries, the majority of hybrid batteries come with an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty, while some do not last that long. Because the hybrid battery is essential to the operation of a hybrid car, owners must regularly make costly investments in new hybrid batteries.
Thankfully, hybrid technology is constantly developing. Compared to older batteries, modern batteries are more durable. As more independent producers enter the market, drivers will have more choices when it comes time to replace their batteries. These third-party hybrid batteries are frequently less expensive than those offered by a dealership.
According to HybridGeek, hybrid batteries have two electrodes submerged in an electrolyte solution. According to Hybrid Cars, a polymer coating separates these electrodes and avoids short-circuiting. When the equipment, in this case a hybrid car, is turned on, the electrodes are bridged. It’s important to remember that the battery in a hybrid automobile is actually a battery pack made up of numerous cells that combine to produce the significant charge required to power the vehicle.
A positive electrode and a negative electrode are located in each battery cell. The positively charged electrode releases ions that travel to the negatively charged electrode. The positive ions there accept the electrons that the negative electrode has surrendered. An electrical charge is produced by this intricate process.
The hybrid vehicle’s electric range is determined by the energy it produces in its battery. The battery’s available power at any given time controls the vehicle’s acceleration.