Written by Marco Carvajal
2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition
The new 2022 Highlander fourth-generation is better and more modern than its previous generations and is also more competitive than other similar SUVs.
Highlander Remake
The highlander has been on the market for a long time through different generations with successful sales and offering a very attractive product, but a few years ago the highlander started to be forgotten by many car buyers. With the rise of so many new SUVs, the market share of the highlander started to become smaller and lost a lot of its innovation, however, Toyota was able to steer the wheel recently and create a more modern and attractive Highlander that now can perform better in the huge SUV market.
The new highlander looks like a completely redesigned car, the new Hybrid is younger, modern, and more attractive, and it has all the tools and good pricing starting at 40K to increase its market share and become more successful again.
One of the highlights of the 2022 Highlander Hybrid is a unique designed trim model with the new “Bronze Edition” that I am test driving, the Bronze trim is only available on the Highlander Hybrid model, no other Toyota has this version so far.
The Highlander Hybrid is smart, efficient, fun to drive, and powerful enough for most difficult off-roads.
Highlander Hybrid
Using the popular Highlander Hybrid system, the 2022 Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition combines a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. The gas engine employs a Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system with an Electric motor (VVT-iE) on the intake camshaft and VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft. A variable cooling system (electric water pump, electric thermostat) and a fully variable oil pump help to further enhance engine efficiency.
The new 2022 Highlander Hybrid is better and well priced from $40K to $50K depending on the trim model you select.
The new Highlander Hybrid is efficiency maximized with an estimated 36 combined miles per gallon fuel economy.
The Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition I am driving is available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) for more power.
The Highlander Hybrid comes standard with a 265-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 175 lb.-ft torque power, working together with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Saving space, the hybrid battery pack on the highlander is small enough to be installed under the rear seats so it does not take away much of the cargo or passenger space. Highlander Hybrid drivers can get all the benefits of a hybrid powertrain without sacrificing cargo room and space.
Front-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive
The new 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is available in two powertrains front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Highlander Bronze Edition I am test driving is versatile and powerful with a choice of FWD or a special AWD system for Highlander Hybrid cars.
The Highlander Bronze Edition’s AWD system includes a smart separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed, this AWD is designed to work seamlessly and transparently saving energy without losing power.
The AWD rear electric motor operates independently with no mechanical connection between the transmission and the rear wheels, this is a more efficient way to distribute driving force power to the rear wheels when accelerating.
This efficient AWD system helps control front wheel slip and enhances cornering by reducing understeer. When required, the increased rear-wheel torque pushes the Highlander Hybrid to drive successfully over rough or slippery surfaces. When the highlander system detects that AWD is needed, it instantly re-engages the rear axle automatically.
AWD is not needed sometimes and this smart on demand rear wheel electric power keeps the highlander as efficient as possible.
While driving on a highway cruising torque is not distributed to the rear axle as the Highlander doesn’t need the extra power from the rear wheels, this reduces the energy needed and reduces fuel consumption.
2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Trims and Pricing
The new Highlander is better and more premium and it is a great choice when comparing value and purchase pricing. You can purchase the base trim model LE for less than $40K MSRP, this is a reasonable price for a hybrid premium SUV like the new Highlander.
The special edition Bronze model that I am test driving has tons of premium features and is a great choice on the top of the trim levels with a similar price to the Limited version. The Platinum model is the test model in the Highlander family, priced around 50K and gives you all the best features.
- 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE MSRP $39,555
- 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE MSRP $42,555
- 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition MSRP $44,580
- 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited MSRP $46,510
- 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum MSRP $49,510
The new trim model Bronze Edition offers unique styling and premium features with good pricing between the Hybrid XLE and Hybrid Limited, I think it is a great choice between price, features, and value.
If I think of value versus price, the Bronze edition is the winner with a convenient middle price around $45K, just 5K more than the base LE model, but you get a premium version.
Designed with sophistication in mind, the new Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition, available in a few colors, like Cement (exclusive to Bronze Edition) or Wind Chill Pearl (new for 2022 Highlander) exterior colors, includes bronze-colored accents on the exterior and interior, including 18-inch bronze wheels, bronze interior stitching, illuminated bronze door sills, and mid-century modern-inspired SofTex-trimmed seats with fabric insert and bronze stitching.
Among many nice details, the Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition has a unique floor and special cargo mats embroidered with the bronze logo, to give you a personalized unique style.
The Bronze Highlander has a great premium ambiance with several premium details including padded surfaces and tailored stitching from the door trim all the way to the dashboard of the highlander.
The highlander looks modern and young with a multimedia and HVAC dashboard ready to impress.
2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition Highlights
- 243 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- 175 lb.-ft. torque
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Digital rearview mirror
- 1500W power outlet
- Puddle lamps with Highlander logo
- In-dash ambient lighting
- Driver seat memory with 10-way power seat
- 18-in. bronze-colored alloy wheels
- Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
- Android Auto & Apple CarPlay & Amazon
- Alexa compatibility
- Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging with charge indicator light
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+)
- 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat including power lumbar support
- 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Illuminated front doorsill metal scuff plate with bronze finish
- 7-in. color LCD Multi-Information Display (MID)
- Five total USB ports
- LED headlights
- Smart Key System with Push Button Start
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- SofTex trimmed front- and second-row seats with fabric inserts and bronze-colored stitching
- Bronze-colored interior stitching
- Floor and cargo mats with bronze-colored stitching
- LED-strip Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
The Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition doesn’t have all the features of the Platinum trim model, but it is a more unique trim and it is a limited version that so far you can only get on the Highlander family.
If you want your car to be unique and more original the Bronze Edition is a great way to go with a medium price range and tons of features and a unique design and style only available for the 2022 Hybrid Highlander.
