Let's dive deep into the 2022 Highlander Hybrid Platinum, guys! This vehicle isn't just another SUV; it's a statement. We're talking about a blend of luxury, efficiency, and practicality that's hard to beat. If you're in the market for a family-friendly ride that doesn’t compromise on style or technology, the Highlander Hybrid Platinum might just be your perfect match. I’m going to walk you through everything that makes this car stand out, from its stunning design to its impressive fuel economy and all the bells and whistles that come with the Platinum trim. Trust me, by the end of this review, you’ll have a solid understanding of whether this is the right SUV for you and your loved ones. Let’s get started and explore what makes the 2022 Highlander Hybrid Platinum a top contender in its class.

Overview of the 2022 Highlander Hybrid Platinum

The 2022 Highlander Hybrid Platinum sits at the top of the Highlander Hybrid lineup, offering a luxurious and well-equipped option for families. What does this mean for you? It means you get all the benefits of a hybrid powertrain with an added layer of sophistication and advanced features.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the hood, the Highlander Hybrid Platinum features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 243 horsepower. While this might not sound like a sports car, it provides ample power for daily driving and highway cruising. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) ensures smooth and efficient power delivery, contributing to the vehicle's impressive fuel economy. Speaking of fuel economy, the Highlander Hybrid Platinum shines with an EPA-estimated 35 MPG combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. This is a significant advantage for those who want to save money at the pump while reducing their carbon footprint. The hybrid system seamlessly switches between gas and electric power, providing a quiet and refined driving experience. Whether you're navigating city streets or embarking on a long road trip, the Highlander Hybrid Platinum offers a comfortable and efficient ride.

Exterior Design

On the outside, the Platinum trim distinguishes itself with unique styling cues that set it apart from other Highlander models. You'll notice the distinctive front grille, which features a Platinum-exclusive design. The 20-inch alloy wheels add a touch of elegance and sportiness to the vehicle's overall appearance. LED headlights and taillights not only enhance visibility but also give the Highlander Hybrid Platinum a modern and sophisticated look. The panoramic sunroof allows natural light to flood the cabin, creating an airy and open feel for both front and rear passengers. Chrome accents on the door handles and side mirrors add a touch of luxury, while the hands-free power liftgate provides convenient access to the cargo area. Overall, the exterior design of the Highlander Hybrid Platinum is both stylish and functional, making it a head-turner on the road.

Interior Features and Technology

Stepping inside the 2022 Highlander Hybrid Platinum, you'll be greeted by a luxurious and well-appointed cabin. The Platinum trim comes standard with premium leather upholstery, providing a comfortable and upscale feel. The heated and ventilated front seats ensure optimal comfort in any weather conditions. Second-row captain's chairs offer individual seating for passengers, enhancing comfort and convenience. The 12.3-inch touchscreen display is the centerpiece of the infotainment system, offering intuitive controls and crisp graphics. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility allow seamless smartphone integration, while the premium JBL sound system delivers immersive audio quality. Other notable features include a head-up display, which projects important information onto the windshield, and a digital rearview mirror, which provides a clear and unobstructed view of the road behind you. The Highlander Hybrid Platinum also comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Standout Features of the Platinum Trim

The Platinum trim isn't just about adding a few extra features; it's about elevating the entire driving experience. Let's highlight some of the standout features that make the Platinum trim worth the upgrade.

Premium Leather Upholstery

The seats in the Highlander Hybrid Platinum are wrapped in high-quality leather, providing a luxurious and comfortable seating experience. The leather is soft to the touch and adds a touch of elegance to the cabin. The seats are also well-bolstered, providing ample support during long drives. The Platinum trim also includes unique stitching patterns and accents that further enhance the interior's upscale feel. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, the premium leather upholstery in the Highlander Hybrid Platinum will keep you comfortable and relaxed.

12.3-inch Touchscreen Display

The massive 12.3-inch touchscreen display is a standout feature of the Platinum trim. The display is bright, crisp, and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. The intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate through the various menus and settings. The touchscreen also supports multi-touch gestures, allowing you to pinch, zoom, and swipe just like you would on a smartphone. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the infotainment system. The display also shows important vehicle information, such as fuel economy, tire pressure, and maintenance alerts. Overall, the 12.3-inch touchscreen display is a valuable addition to the Highlander Hybrid Platinum, enhancing both convenience and functionality.

Head-Up Display

The head-up display projects important information onto the windshield, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road while staying informed. The display shows your speed, navigation directions, and safety alerts. You can also customize the information that is displayed to suit your preferences. The head-up display is a valuable safety feature that can help you avoid distractions and stay focused on driving. It's also a convenient feature that allows you to quickly glance at important information without having to take your eyes off the road. The head-up display is just one of the many advanced technology features that make the Highlander Hybrid Platinum a standout in its class.

Digital Rearview Mirror

The digital rearview mirror uses a camera to project a live video feed onto the rearview mirror, providing a clear and unobstructed view of the road behind you. This is especially helpful when the cargo area is full or when rear passengers are blocking your view. The digital rearview mirror also offers a wider field of view than a traditional rearview mirror, allowing you to see more of your surroundings. You can easily switch between the digital rearview mirror and the traditional rearview mirror with the flip of a switch. The digital rearview mirror is a valuable safety feature that can help you avoid accidents and stay aware of your surroundings.

Fuel Efficiency and Hybrid Performance

One of the biggest draws of the 2022 Highlander Hybrid Platinum is its exceptional fuel efficiency. The hybrid powertrain combines a gasoline engine with electric motors to deliver impressive MPG figures. The EPA estimates the Highlander Hybrid Platinum at 35 MPG combined, which is significantly better than the non-hybrid Highlander. This means you'll save money at the pump and reduce your carbon footprint. The hybrid system seamlessly switches between gas and electric power, providing a smooth and efficient driving experience. In electric-only mode, the Highlander Hybrid Platinum can travel short distances at low speeds, further improving fuel efficiency. The regenerative braking system captures energy during deceleration and stores it in the battery, helping to extend the vehicle's range. Overall, the Highlander Hybrid Platinum offers a winning combination of fuel efficiency and performance.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) is standard on the 2022 Highlander Hybrid Platinum, providing a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. These features include:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Automatic High Beams
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Road Sign Assist

These safety features work together to help prevent accidents and protect you and your passengers. The Pre-Collision System can detect pedestrians and vehicles in your path and automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent. Lane Departure Alert warns you if you start to drift out of your lane and can even provide steering assistance to help you stay in your lane. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead of you, automatically adjusting your speed to maintain a safe following distance. Overall, the Highlander Hybrid Platinum offers a high level of safety and driver assistance, giving you peace of mind on the road.

Comfort and Interior Space

The 2022 Highlander Hybrid Platinum excels in providing a comfortable and spacious interior for both passengers and cargo. The three-row seating configuration can accommodate up to seven or eight passengers, depending on whether you choose the second-row bench seat or captain's chairs. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, providing ample comfort for long drives. The second-row seats slide and recline, allowing passengers to adjust their seating position for optimal comfort. The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, but they still provide adequate space for shorter trips. The Highlander Hybrid Platinum also offers plenty of cargo space, with 16 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats, 48.4 cubic feet of space with the third-row seats folded down, and 84.3 cubic feet of space with both the second and third-row seats folded down. This provides ample room for luggage, groceries, and other gear.

Final Thoughts: Is the 2022 Highlander Hybrid Platinum Worth It?

So, is the 2022 Highlander Hybrid Platinum worth the investment? Absolutely! If you're looking for a fuel-efficient, family-friendly SUV with a touch of luxury, the Highlander Hybrid Platinum is hard to beat. Its combination of hybrid performance, advanced technology, and premium features make it a top contender in its class. While the price tag may be higher than other Highlander models, the added features and luxurious amenities are well worth the upgrade. The Highlander Hybrid Platinum is a great choice for families who want a comfortable, safe, and stylish SUV that won't break the bank at the gas pump. I hope this review has helped you make an informed decision about whether the 2022 Highlander Hybrid Platinum is the right SUV for you. Happy driving, guys!