Hey guys! If you're in the market for a new SUV, chances are the Toyota Highlander has crossed your mind. It's a solid choice, known for its reliability and family-friendly features. But if you're looking at the 2021 and 2022 models, you might be wondering what the real differences are. Let's dive in and break down the Toyota Highlander 2021 vs 2022 to help you make the best decision for your ride.

A Familiar Face: Design and Dimensions

When you put the Toyota Highlander 2021 and 2022 side-by-side, you'll notice they look pretty darn similar. And that's because, for the most part, they are! Toyota decided to keep the styling pretty consistent between these two model years. This means you're getting that same sleek, modern exterior design that's been a hit. The dimensions remain unchanged too, so you'll have the same comfortable interior space and cargo capacity whether you opt for the 2021 or the 2022. This is great news if you've already fallen in love with the Highlander's looks and practical layout. Both years offer three rows of seating, making them perfect for larger families or anyone who needs a bit more room for gear. The familiar design language means that if you're upgrading from an older Highlander, you'll feel right at home. The front fascia features Toyota's signature grille, flanked by sharp LED headlights. The side profile is characterized by clean lines and an athletic stance, while the rear boasts stylish taillights and an available hands-free power liftgate. Inside, the cabin is designed with both comfort and functionality in mind. High-quality materials are used throughout, and the layout is intuitive and user-friendly. The dashboard is centered around a touchscreen infotainment system, and physical controls are still present for essential functions, which many drivers appreciate. Even in the base models, you'll find a well-appointed interior that doesn't feel stripped down. Higher trims offer premium touches like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic moonroof, all of which are carried over from the 2021 to the 2022 model. So, if a consistent and appealing design is high on your priority list, neither the 2021 nor the 2022 Highlander will disappoint. They both offer that same sophisticated and practical aesthetic that has made the Highlander a segment favorite. The identical dimensions also mean that parking and maneuvering in tight city streets will be just as easy with either model year.

Under the Hood: Powertrain Options

Now, let's talk about what makes these SUVs go. The good news for fans of the Toyota Highlander 2021 vs 2022 is that the powertrain options are largely the same. Both model years come standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out a healthy 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to either the front wheels or an available all-wheel-drive system. This combination provides a confident and capable driving experience, whether you're cruising on the highway or tackling less-than-ideal road conditions. It's a robust powerplant that offers plenty of muscle for merging onto the freeway or overtaking slower vehicles. The transmission is well-tuned, ensuring that shifts are hardly noticeable, contributing to a comfortable ride. The AWD system is particularly noteworthy, offering enhanced traction and stability, especially during inclement weather or when driving on unpaved surfaces. It intelligently distributes power to the wheels that need it most, providing peace of mind for drivers in varied climates. Fuel economy is also a strong point for this V6 engine. For the 2021 and 2022 models, you can expect EPA-estimated ratings of around 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway for front-wheel-drive models, and slightly less for all-wheel-drive variants. These figures are competitive within the midsize SUV segment, making the Highlander a cost-effective choice for daily commuting and longer road trips. For those seeking even greater efficiency, both the 2021 and 2022 Highlanders also offer a hybrid powertrain. The Highlander Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors to deliver a combined output of 243 horsepower. While it produces less horsepower than the V6, it offers significantly better fuel economy, with EPA estimates reaching as high as 36 mpg combined. The hybrid model also comes standard with all-wheel drive. So, whether you prioritize V6 power or hybrid fuel savings, the Toyota Highlander 2021 and 2022 lineups have you covered with essentially identical and proven mechanicals. The availability of both a potent V6 and an efficient hybrid ensures that there's a Highlander to suit a wide range of driving needs and preferences. The decision between the two model years doesn't hinge on major powertrain differences, but rather on specific feature availability or pricing.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Inside the cabin, the Toyota Highlander 2021 and 2022 models continue to impress with their focus on comfort, convenience, and technology. Toyota has always done a good job of creating an inviting and functional interior, and these Highlanders are no exception. The materials used throughout the cabin are generally of high quality, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas. The seats are comfortable and supportive, especially for longer journeys, and the available upgrades like leather upholstery, heated front and second-row seats, and ventilated front seats really elevate the premium feel. The 2021 model established a strong foundation for interior features, and the 2022 model largely maintains that. Standard across both model years is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is responsive and easy to navigate. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility are standard, meaning you can seamlessly integrate your smartphone for access to navigation, music, and communication apps. Higher trims, such as the Limited and Platinum, often feature a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display, which provides an even more expansive and immersive interface. This larger screen is a significant upgrade for those who want the best visual experience. USB ports are plentiful, allowing passengers in all rows to keep their devices charged. The standard audio system is adequate, but audiophiles might want to consider the available premium JBL sound system, which delivers rich and powerful sound. In terms of convenience features, both model years offer a power-adjustable driver's seat, push-button start, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. Available features include a panoramic moonroof, a digital rearview mirror, a household-style power outlet, and a wireless smartphone charger. The driver's area is ergonomically designed, with clear instrumentation and controls placed within easy reach. The second-row seating offers good legroom and headroom, and the sliding and reclining second-row captain's chairs (available on certain trims) provide added comfort and flexibility. The third row is best suited for children or occasional use by adults, which is typical for this segment. The overall impression of the interior is one of thoughtful design and practical execution. Toyota's commitment to user-friendly technology is evident, with features that enhance connectivity and entertainment. For the Toyota Highlander 2021 vs 2022, the interior experience is virtually identical, focusing on delivering a comfortable, quiet, and technologically advanced cabin for families. You won't find major overhauls here, but rather a continuation of a well-executed and highly functional interior design that caters to the needs of modern drivers and passengers. The emphasis on quality materials and intuitive tech ensures that both model years offer a pleasant and premium environment.

Safety First: Toyota Safety Sense

When it comes to keeping your loved ones safe, the Toyota Highlander 2021 and 2022 models are equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Toyota's commitment to safety is evident through its standard inclusion of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) across the Highlander lineup. For both the 2021 and 2022 model years, you're getting TSS 2.5+, which is a robust package of active safety and driver-assist technologies designed to help prevent accidents or mitigate their severity. This advanced system includes features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is also standard, allowing you to maintain a set speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic. Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane by providing audible and visual alerts and even gentle steering inputs if unintended lane departure is detected. Lane Tracing Assist works in conjunction with DRCC to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane, even on curved roads. Automatic High Beams enhance visibility at night by automatically switching between high and low beams as needed. Road Sign Assist can recognize certain road signs, such as speed limits, and display them on the instrument cluster. In addition to TSS 2.5+, both model years also come standard with a rearview camera and a suite of airbags. Higher trim levels often add additional safety features, such as Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which warns you of vehicles in your blind spots and alerts you when backing out of a parking space. Front and Rear Parking Assist Sonar is also available to help you maneuver in tight spaces. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) consistently give the Toyota Highlander high marks for safety, and this holds true for both the 2021 and 2022 models. While specific ratings might vary slightly year to year based on testing criteria, the underlying safety structure and technology remain consistent. The Toyota Highlander 2021 vs 2022 comparison in terms of safety reveals that Toyota has made a strong commitment to equipping its vehicles with advanced safety technologies as standard. This means that whether you choose the 2021 or the 2022 model, you can be confident that you're getting a vehicle designed with your safety and the safety of your passengers as a top priority. The consistent application of TSS 2.5+ across both years ensures a high level of active safety features without requiring you to pay extra for them on most trims. This focus on standard safety equipment makes the Highlander a very appealing option for families concerned about accident prevention and overall vehicle security.

Trim Levels and Features

When comparing the Toyota Highlander 2021 and 2022 models, the trim levels and the features offered within them are quite consistent. Toyota typically offers the Highlander in several well-defined trim levels, usually starting with the L or LE, moving up to the XLE, and culminating in the luxurious Limited and top-tier Platinum trims. For the 2021 model year, this structure was well-established, and the 2022 model largely follows suit. The LE trim typically serves as the entry point, offering a good balance of essential features and value. It includes the standard V6 engine, Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights, and seating for up to eight passengers. Moving up to the XLE trim adds more comfort and convenience features. You'll often find upgrades like a power-adjustable liftgate, a hands-free power liftgate, SofTex®-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a moonroof, and additional USB ports. The XLE is a popular choice for families seeking a more premium feel without the highest price tag. The Limited trim takes luxury up a notch. Here, you'll likely see premium leather-trimmed seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory settings, a 7-inch color Multi-Information Display (MID) in the instrument cluster, LED accent lighting, and an upgraded audio system. The Limited also typically comes standard with the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. For those who want the absolute best that the Highlander has to offer, the Platinum trim is the pinnacle. It builds upon the Limited trim by adding features like a panoramic moonroof, a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera system, 20-inch alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, and second-row captain's chairs for a more upscale second-row experience. The availability of the hybrid powertrain usually spans across multiple trim levels, offering an eco-friendly alternative. While specific package options and minor feature shuffling might occur between model years, the core offerings for each trim level remain very similar between the Toyota Highlander 2021 and 2022. The key difference often lies in the packaging of optional features or slight adjustments to pricing and availability. For instance, a feature that might have been optional on a certain trim in 2021 could become standard in 2022, or vice versa, but these are usually minor tweaks rather than significant changes. Therefore, when comparing the two, it's best to look at the specific features included in the trim level that interests you and compare them directly. Don't expect a revolutionary shift in the feature set from one year to the next; Toyota's strategy is typically to refine and build upon successful packages rather than overhaul them annually. This consistency makes it easier for shoppers to compare models and understand what they're getting at each price point.

The Verdict: 2021 vs 2022 Highlander

So, guys, after breaking down the Toyota Highlander 2021 vs 2022, what's the verdict? The reality is, these two model years are incredibly similar. Toyota didn't make any major changes to the Highlander between 2021 and 2022. You're getting the same stylish design, the same capable powertrains (both V6 and hybrid), the same comfortable and tech-filled interior, and the same impressive suite of standard safety features thanks to Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. So, if you're looking at these two model years, your decision will likely come down to availability and price. If you can find a well-maintained 2021 Highlander with the exact features you want at a lower price point, it's probably a fantastic deal. On the other hand, if you find a 2022 model that has a slight edge in features or simply has lower mileage and is more readily available, that could be the way to go. In essence, the 2021 and 2022 Toyota Highlanders are virtually identical. The best strategy is to compare specific vehicles you're considering, looking at their mileage, condition, features, and, of course, their price tags. You really can't go wrong with either year, as they both represent the excellent value and reliability that the Toyota Highlander is known for. Happy hunting!