This is one of my most frequently recommended cars to friends and family nowadays. There's a trim for just about everyone, it's massive inside, will be reliable as anything, and of course that stellar fuel economy. I also agree that unless you're really in need of a V6, the hybrid powertrain on the Lexus ES and this is the smart choice. Actually, come to think of it, is there any car anymore that's offered as a hybrid for which you'd recommend the gasoline powertrain over the hybrid for someone who really couldn't care less about their powertrain? I'm thinking of the population that isn't sure if their car is RWD or FWD...
@@jkc1160 Yes, that is true but there are plenty of smaller boats and campers that would easily be towed by this class of CUV. The Alex on Autos UA-cam channel did a couple of highly detailed videos which illustrated the towing ability of the RAV4 Hybrid and it is only rated for half of what the Highlander Hybrid can handle. 👍
@@jkc1160 No, it is legitimate to understand the hybrid towing capacity. I have an everyday need for good fuel economy and an infrequent need to tow a small open bed trailer or tiny camper.
No V-6 for 2023. Problem with V6 is its a good engine but a torqueless bastard for towing. I towed a tandem Yamaha jet ski setup and it wasn't ideal. Buy a real truck for towing or get a friends. Even when u have a towing package its not great. The new turbo may be better for towing despite lower HP much higher torque
Great video, they launched these last year in Scotland. However, I think I’ve only seen 1 highlander since it’s launch on the road, could be due to its circa £50,000 starting price
Someone I know has had a XLE hybrid for two years now, so it's a 2020. And I can't complain, it feels peppy. Good features for the price. And it came out to be what she wanted. But I sort of agree also that the last gen facelift had a little bit of a better look. Great video also.
@@adamn3606 I mean we get snow around here in Upstate, but she has. It handles pretty well. It mostly though depends on the drivetrain you get. AWD will do it best but with good control, every other drivetrain can too.
I think I joked the last time you reviewed one of these that it was a Lexus with the “Delete Ugliness” option. I stand by that. I bought a Sorento PHEV because we like to buy the smallest 3-row we can. If I was more flexible re size, it would be this car all day long (until a Highlander Prime comes along, anyway). Thanks again for packing everything into such a succinct and crisp review!
@@02hreblue30It’s a big world. You and I clearly illustrate the reason why they make different cars. Your algorithm avoids Kias altogether. Mine requires three rows but avoids cars that are too big for me to circumnavigate while they’re parked in my garage, or too big for me to open the hatch while parked in the garage with the garage door closed. That rules out every three row except the Sorento, the Outlander, and the Mercedes GLB. Highlanders, and Toyotas in general, didn’t make the list, regardless of their inherent excellence in other areas.
Fuel prices are high and will remain high in the future. Either through taxes, high oil prices, or both. So gas guzzler buyers should not complain. Think and calculate before you buy!
This car is definitely better than that GX Lexus tries to pass as a luxury 7-seater SUV, which is pretty incredible considering this car costs half as much as the GX but I think it's far more modern and pretty
@@robertmacabagdal9585 but the highlander is a mid sized SUV based on a unibody frame and is perfect for families who want a comfortable ride during long road trips or go camping etc and is cheaper than the GX itself.
53K is ridiculous... price of a home(yeah I know, fixer upper or starter). You know how to get these prices back to reasonable figures, STOP BUYING THE SHIT for 1yr. Drive your old backup.. make them realize that OVER PRICED PLASTIC is a joke. I have own 3 new vehicles, last one in Oct '95... NEVER AGAIN
Amen I agree. Idc they were 28k for a 11/2 year old Highlander w 28k miles before Covid. Just like grocery store price gouging. I’d like to have a damn savings for when I retire! Not spend it all bc everyone is allowing all this stuff to put it nicely! I agree and can not believe more people do not. Which is why prices are not going down period
I guess everyone else has enough money to throw away on a stupid car. I’m honestly mind blown by all prices everywhere and won’t hardly buy anything. I refuse to pay 10x the amount for cars and food and everything else. This should not be ok to price gouge! why are people ok w this???? I’m going broke. No I’m not spending my money in my savings account. I’ll go w out on a whole lot of stuff before paying the prices they are asking now. Im makes me so mad I can’t see straight if they wanted to go up some FINE I GET THAT. But no one should be able to go up every time you walk in the store. I know the people that were barely making it at all are 100% starving now. Not bc they won’t pay the price but bc THEY CANT pay the price. Plus most people are working w less employees to pay. I’m glad they are getting rich off the ones they are ripping off. I normally do not get on social media and act this way. Even if something bothers me. But this REALLY TAKES THE CAKE. THAT one guy that replied…. I guess he is good getting screwed over and instead of saving he pays extra for everything. Cars only went up 10k plus dollars. I mean …… well, I’ll just stop her bc it’s not going to change anything anyway. Is what it is. I finally got a raise a couple weeks ago. But inflation already had it in its back pocket. And I’m not referring to people that are pure lazy and won’t work. Those people coming in saying I just can’t find a job. 😂😂 maybe not the exact one you want but you can absolutely find a job! Everyone is too good to work fast food now…… I was referring to the ones that really are only making enough to pay the bills or people that are in bad health or old. That’s who is starving and shouldn’t be.
I have a 2008 also and mine is still working HOWEVER I paid 8k dollars for it when it was 8 years old and had 68 or 88k miles on it. I’ve had it for 8 years. I may drive it till the wheels fall off lol. I had plenty of money saved to get a new car. But now I don’t want to spend it and still have a car payment. Lol.
The truth is you have to change your driving technique to lower the gas consumption. With standard driving, it won't be better then 29-30 mpg. Also, anyone needs to make some basic calculation before switching to Highlander hybrid.. Consider mileage, consumption and prospective gas prices. If you lease, the hybrid will pay its price difference only after 4 years.
It lasts forever. My mother is driving my 2008 and it still drives like nearly new. Just take care of it and its actually a cheap ride. Never in the shop
@@stevehammes The software interface hasn’t even been updated. The iPhone 3g had pretty much the same interface. The resolution is low and it uses a capacitive touch screen. It reminds me of the original iPad. Wireless charging is ok but it ain’t MagSafe, low-key misplaced. Other than that, the engine tech is nice.
This is the worst SUV I've ever had!!! It's underpowered, slips all the time in rainy weather, it's too loud from engine and road noise, AWD is only active under 2mph and completely useless! YOU WILL NEVER GET ANYWHERE NEAR 35 MPG!!! My previous SUVS including a 18' V6 XLE Highlander were phenomenal! but this 2022 Hybrid Platinum Highlander that I have now is total junk!!! I totally regret buying it...
@@stevehammes It is, and this is not my first hybrid car. I've been driving a Gen3 Prius and I know how to drive a hybrid and what to expect from it, but comparing my brand new 22 highlander hybrid platinum with my previous 18 V6 highlander and other new SUVs, I'm totally disappointed. I drove my 2018 highlander AWD in heavy snow and rain with factory tires and never slipped and felt safer in a car, but this new hybrid e-AWD is a total rip-off! It slips even in slightly wet roads, let alone heavy rain or snow. It's basically a FWD and the so called AWD is only good for a few second when you just start to drive from 0 mph to 2-3mph or in EV mode and then turns off. You'd definitely need to use winter tires all the time in PNW and forget about driving in snow without snow chains. Also, compared to the Gas only model, cabin noise level on the hybrid model is noticeably higher to the point you'd think there's no sound deadening material used in this car... Also, 30-35 MPG is only achievable when driving less than 50 mph in all flat roads in 60-70f temperatures. Any faster or more stops will take it down to 20-24 mpg. I used to get 18-20 mpg out of my V6 highlander driving really fast in cold or hot weather, so no huge improvement in that part. I'm probably gonna trade it for a gas model, unfortunately.
@@MyExRebirth that’s good to know. I have a 2018 highlander limited right now and getting 18-20mpg. Was considering the hybrid highlander for better mpg but not being able to achieve 35mpg without perfect conditions is pretty sad. Considering a rav4 hybrid or Venza since they actually do get great mpg but losing the space in the highlander will disappointing.
This is one of my most frequently recommended cars to friends and family nowadays. There's a trim for just about everyone, it's massive inside, will be reliable as anything, and of course that stellar fuel economy. I also agree that unless you're really in need of a V6, the hybrid powertrain on the Lexus ES and this is the smart choice. Actually, come to think of it, is there any car anymore that's offered as a hybrid for which you'd recommend the gasoline powertrain over the hybrid for someone who really couldn't care less about their powertrain? I'm thinking of the population that isn't sure if their car is RWD or FWD...
٥٥٥٥٥٥٥٥
I have a 2018 hybrid highlander and love it…bought it new!
Steve, Unless the V6's additional 1,500 lbs tow capacity is a critical factor, the 35 mpg, AWD Hybrid seems like the obvious choice.
I would add that if you're looking for maximum towing capacity you probably shouldn't be looking at one of these anyway.
@@jkc1160 Yes, that is true but there are plenty of smaller boats and campers that would easily be towed by this class of CUV. The Alex on Autos UA-cam channel did a couple of highly detailed videos which illustrated the towing ability of the RAV4 Hybrid and it is only rated for half of what the Highlander Hybrid can handle. 👍
@@jkc1160 No, it is legitimate to understand the hybrid towing capacity. I have an everyday need for good fuel economy and an infrequent need to tow a small open bed trailer or tiny camper.
Most people buying these aren’t towing 5k lbs.
No V-6 for 2023. Problem with V6 is its a good engine but a torqueless bastard for towing. I towed a tandem Yamaha jet ski setup and it wasn't ideal. Buy a real truck for towing or get a friends. Even when u have a towing package its not great. The new turbo may be better for towing despite lower HP much higher torque
Still don’t understand how you don’t have five times as many subscribers! Great review
Thank you!
Very straightforward review!
Thanks, Carlos!
It's a great family car, but nothing is cheap anymore with more shortages & higher prices are elected sooner Ace video review
Thanks, buddy!
Can the 2022 Highlander Hybrid push through in deeper snow?
Steve keep up the great content
Thanks, Darius! I’ll try.
Great video, they launched these last year in Scotland. However, I think I’ve only seen 1 highlander since it’s launch on the road, could be due to its circa £50,000 starting price
Nice suv but I miss the V6 Hybrid of the previous generation Toyota/Lexus models current Lexus RX.
Great review Steve!
Thanks!
Someone I know has had a XLE hybrid for two years now, so it's a 2020. And I can't complain, it feels peppy. Good features for the price. And it came out to be what she wanted. But I sort of agree also that the last gen facelift had a little bit of a better look. Great video also.
Does the person you know drive in snow? I'm wondering how it handles because I live in Western NY where we get SNOW. ha ha
@@adamn3606 I mean we get snow around here in Upstate, but she has. It handles pretty well. It mostly though depends on the drivetrain you get. AWD will do it best but with good control, every other drivetrain can too.
I think I joked the last time you reviewed one of these that it was a Lexus with the “Delete Ugliness” option. I stand by that. I bought a Sorento PHEV because we like to buy the smallest 3-row we can. If I was more flexible re size, it would be this car all day long (until a Highlander Prime comes along, anyway).
Thanks again for packing everything into such a succinct and crisp review!
but its a Kia. No comparison
@@02hreblue30It’s a big world. You and I clearly illustrate the reason why they make different cars. Your algorithm avoids Kias altogether. Mine requires three rows but avoids cars that are too big for me to circumnavigate while they’re parked in my garage, or too big for me to open the hatch while parked in the garage with the garage door closed. That rules out every three row except the Sorento, the Outlander, and the Mercedes GLB. Highlanders, and Toyotas in general, didn’t make the list, regardless of their inherent excellence in other areas.
Fuel prices are high and will remain high in the future. Either through taxes, high oil prices, or both. So gas guzzler buyers should not complain. Think and calculate before you buy!
This car is definitely better than that GX Lexus tries to pass as a luxury 7-seater SUV, which is pretty incredible considering this car costs half as much as the GX but I think it's far more modern and pretty
GX is a truck based and totally different platform
@@robertmacabagdal9585 but effing archaic
@@robertmacabagdal9585 but the highlander is a mid sized SUV based on a unibody frame and is perfect for families who want a comfortable ride during long road trips or go camping etc and is cheaper than the GX itself.
@@everydayfun9531 that’s what my reply said. Two different platforms.
600 a tank is impressive for what it weights
what third-row SUV would you recommend in a hybrid and V6?
Sienna. No V6 but that’s the answer.
@@stevehammes that’s a fucking minivan Steve. He said SUV
The front passenger seat had no lumbar support control button
Why isn’t the V6 Hybrid that’s in the Lexus RX450h isn’t available for the Highlander?
efficiency. You get 35 mpg combined on highlander hybrid, but only 30 mpg combined in rx450l.
They changed all 23 models to 4 cyl. HUGE MISTAKE. LOL
53K is ridiculous... price of a home(yeah I know, fixer upper or starter). You know how to get these prices back to reasonable figures, STOP BUYING THE SHIT for 1yr. Drive your old backup.. make them realize that OVER PRICED PLASTIC is a joke. I have own 3 new vehicles, last one in Oct '95... NEVER AGAIN
dude they last forever. I have a 2008 drives like new. really actually very good buy for a long term car unbeatable
Amen I agree. Idc they were 28k for a 11/2 year old Highlander w 28k miles before Covid. Just like grocery store price gouging. I’d like to have a damn savings for when I retire! Not spend it all bc everyone is allowing all this stuff to put it nicely! I agree and can not believe more people do not. Which is why prices are not going down period
I guess everyone else has enough money to throw away on a stupid car. I’m honestly mind blown by all prices everywhere and won’t hardly buy anything. I refuse to pay 10x the amount for cars and food and everything else. This should not be ok to price gouge! why are people ok w this???? I’m going broke. No I’m not spending my money in my savings account. I’ll go w out on a whole lot of stuff before paying the prices they are asking now. Im makes me so mad I can’t see straight if they wanted to go up some FINE I GET THAT. But no one should be able to go up every time you walk in the store. I know the people that were barely making it at all are 100% starving now. Not bc they won’t pay the price but bc THEY CANT pay the price. Plus most people are working w less employees to pay. I’m glad they are getting rich off the ones they are ripping off. I normally do not get on social media and act this way. Even if something bothers me. But this REALLY TAKES THE CAKE. THAT one guy that replied…. I guess he is good getting screwed over and instead of saving he pays extra for everything. Cars only went up 10k plus dollars. I mean …… well, I’ll just stop her bc it’s not going to change anything anyway. Is what it is. I finally got a raise a couple weeks ago. But inflation already had it in its back pocket.
And I’m not referring to people that are pure lazy and won’t work. Those people coming in saying I just can’t find a job. 😂😂 maybe not the exact one you want but you can absolutely find a job! Everyone is too good to work fast food now…… I was referring to the ones that really are only making enough to pay the bills or people that are in bad health or old. That’s who is starving and shouldn’t be.
I have a 2008 also and mine is still working HOWEVER I paid 8k dollars for it when it was 8 years old and had 68 or 88k miles on it. I’ve had it for 8 years. I may drive it till the wheels fall off lol. I had plenty of money saved to get a new car. But now I don’t want to spend it and still have a car payment. Lol.
Was that Thatcher Park? I used ride my motorcycle up there when I lived there 25 years ago!
It wasn’t but that’s funny you would ask. A lot of my videos are shot there.
The truth is you have to change your driving technique to lower the gas consumption. With standard driving, it won't be better then 29-30 mpg. Also, anyone needs to make some basic calculation before switching to Highlander hybrid.. Consider mileage, consumption and prospective gas prices. If you lease, the hybrid will pay its price difference only after 4 years.
mpg based on 55mph. Always has been. Most people don't know this
After owning a vehicle with wireless Carplay, I can't go back to wired ever again.
Amen!!
Should be a plug-in. They dropped the ball on that
I got 37mpg sweet
I'm getting this cat
Nope. A four-banger is just crap compared to their venerable 3.5 V6. Won't last for years like the V6. Dumb move.
3:30 There should be Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in 2020 Highlander and above-
Wireless
I will keep my 2020 v6 😂
Why?
1x(9/25/22)….1….done thank you
I just can’t stomach 53k for a vehicle. Yikes. 😩😖
I hear you. It’s a tough market.
It lasts forever. My mother is driving my 2008 and it still drives like nearly new. Just take care of it and its actually a cheap ride. Never in the shop
I like how he said modern tech, the car's tech looks like it's from 2013
He wack.
@@stevehammes The software interface hasn’t even been updated. The iPhone 3g had pretty much the same interface. The resolution is low and it uses a capacitive touch screen. It reminds me of the original iPad. Wireless charging is ok but it ain’t MagSafe, low-key misplaced. Other than that, the engine tech is nice.
One of the ugliest reliable suv
you would probably match it
@@02hreblue30 and how's your Daewoo holding up?
This is the worst SUV I've ever had!!! It's underpowered, slips all the time in rainy weather, it's too loud from engine and road noise, AWD is only active under 2mph and completely useless! YOU WILL NEVER GET ANYWHERE NEAR 35 MPG!!! My previous SUVS including a 18' V6 XLE Highlander were phenomenal! but this 2022 Hybrid Platinum Highlander that I have now is total junk!!! I totally regret buying it...
Geez. That’s rough.
@@stevehammes It is, and this is not my first hybrid car. I've been driving a Gen3 Prius and I know how to drive a hybrid and what to expect from it, but comparing my brand new 22 highlander hybrid platinum with my previous 18 V6 highlander and other new SUVs, I'm totally disappointed. I drove my 2018 highlander AWD in heavy snow and rain with factory tires and never slipped and felt safer in a car, but this new hybrid e-AWD is a total rip-off! It slips even in slightly wet roads, let alone heavy rain or snow. It's basically a FWD and the so called AWD is only good for a few second when you just start to drive from 0 mph to 2-3mph or in EV mode and then turns off. You'd definitely need to use winter tires all the time in PNW and forget about driving in snow without snow chains. Also, compared to the Gas only model, cabin noise level on the hybrid model is noticeably higher to the point you'd think there's no sound deadening material used in this car... Also, 30-35 MPG is only achievable when driving less than 50 mph in all flat roads in 60-70f temperatures. Any faster or more stops will take it down to 20-24 mpg. I used to get 18-20 mpg out of my V6 highlander driving really fast in cold or hot weather, so no huge improvement in that part. I'm probably gonna trade it for a gas model, unfortunately.
@@MyExRebirth that’s good to know. I have a 2018 highlander limited right now and getting 18-20mpg. Was considering the hybrid highlander for better mpg but not being able to achieve 35mpg without perfect conditions is pretty sad. Considering a rav4 hybrid or Venza since they actually do get great mpg but losing the space in the highlander will disappointing.
@@midicronica1 If I were you, I'd keep my highlander until 2030
@@midicronica1 what is an 18 foot Highlander?
My 03 4wd is better
not a chance