2022 Toyota Highlander LE vs XLE

Conceived with excitement in mind, the 2022 Toyota Highlander is versatile by design and ready to explore every possibility. This athletic SUV offers confident performance, a roomy, stylish interior, a capable engine to carry up to eight passengers, and promises to be one of the most exciting automobiles on the road. In this 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE vs. LE comparison, we’ll explore some of the different features the two trim levels have. If you have any questions, give us a call at (513) 874-8797.

What Is the Toyota Highlander?

Image via Autoblog

The Toyota Highlander is Toyota’s three-row crossover SUV built on the same platform as the Camry. First launched for the 2001 model year, the modern fourth-generation model went hit the market in 2020. In every generation, the Highlander has offered a versatile three-row interior with Toyota’s value and reliability. That’s made it a popular choice among family-oriented crossovers and a best-seller in the Toyota lineup.

2022 Toyota Highlander Trim Levels

The 2022 Toyota Highlander comes in six trim levels: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum.  The LE and XLE are the most commonly selected options, but choosing between them doesn’t have to be a problem. Let’s take a closer look at what each trim has to offer:

2022 Toyota Highlander LE

Budget-conscious shoppers will probably gravitate toward the LE trim of the 2022 Highlander. The LE trim comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The most notable upgrade is the addition of a power liftgate. The LE trim also adds LED fog lights and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.

Key Features:

• LED fog lights.
• Leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel.
• Height-adjustable power liftgate with jam protection.
• Blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
• Audio Plus system with SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

2022 Toyota Highlander XLE

The XLE trim also comes standard with a 3.5L V6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ safety suite. The front-wheel drive is standard and is upgradable with AWD for enhanced all-weather traction.

Key Features:

• Sunroof.
• Roof rails.
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror.
• Wireless charging pad.
• Heated front seats.
• Simulated leather upholstery (SofTex).
• Second-row sunshades.
• Second-row captain’s chairs.

2022 Toyota Highlander LE vs. XLE: Pricing

The 2022 Toyota Highlander LE trim has a starting MSRP of $37,405, while the XLE model starts at $40,405. All-wheel drive costs an additional $1,600 for LE and XLE. The starting price of the 2022 Highlander is a bit high for a midsize three-row SUV, but it makes sense considering its generous list of standard features.

2022 Toyota Highlander LE vs. XLE: Interior

The 2022 Highlander’s interior offers practicality in all trims. You get seating for eight in the LE while the XLE and above trims come standard with a Captain’s Chair second row with seating for seven. However, the XLE does come with the option of getting a bench in the middle row if having that extra seat is crucial.

There are a few upgrades in the interior of the cabin that might be important to some buyers. Instead of having black door handles like the LE, the XLE has chrome. Also, The XLE has a few more high-tech components than the LE, starting with wireless charging.

The rearview mirror has an advanced element to help pair with the security system or a garage door via a HomeLink transceiver. Though the XLE’s standard infotainment system is the same as the LE, the XLE can be upgraded with navigation.

2022 Toyota Highlander LE vs. XLE: Exterior Features

The way Toyota has styled its 2022 Highlander exterior is unique and outstanding. The Highlander XLE offers a lot more than the LE when it comes to standard and optional features. These include standard fog lights, Chromtec roof rails, an adjustable liftgate, a flip-up rear hatch window, and a moonroof.

Additionally, while both trims have 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, the XLE’s have a machined face. Both the LE and XLE trim boast a black front grille with a silver-colored paint surround. The 2022 Highlander’s exterior design is also highly functional with greater aerodynamic efficiency.

2022 Toyota Highlander LE vs. XLE: Miles Per Gallon

If there’s one thing we have seen repeatedly here at Performance Toyota in Cincinnati, it’s that people like saving money. And not just when they purchase an automobile, but also when they drive it. Luckily, companies like Toyota have been making their cars more and more fuel-efficient. Check out and compare the EPA estimates for the 2022 Toyota Highlander LE and XLE trim based on the drivetrain:

• LE FWD – 21 city/29 highway /24combined mpg.
• LE AWD – 20 city/27 highway/23 combined mpg.
• XLE FWD – 21 city/29 highway/24 combined mpg.
• XLEAWD – 20 city/27 highway/23 combined mpg.

There are some measures you can take as a driver to ensure you’re getting the most out of your weekly trips to the gas station. These include:

Tire care

Making sure your tires aren’t worn, are properly rotated, and have the proper PSI is an excellent way to elevate your efficiency.

Oil changes

Changing your Highlander’s oil every 5,000 to 7,000 miles ensures your engine stays fully lubricated, cooled, and clean.

Limit towing

Excessive towing will cause the engine to work harder, a surefire cause of a diminishing fuel economy.

Watch your payload

Making sure your car is clean and free of large items you don’t need will have you visiting the gas station less often.

2022 Toyota Highlander LE vs. XLE: Safety

The 2022 Highlander has many positive aspects, and overall safety is one of them. It’s a significant thing to consider when purchasing an SUV, especially for your whole family.

The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) technology is standard in the Highlander LE and XLE. Front automatic braking, and automatic high beams, road sign recognition, emergency steering assist, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control are all included in TSS 2.5+. Other safety features that come standard with the 2022 Highlander are as follows:

• Lane-departure warning.
• Blind spot warning.
• Tire pressure monitoring.
• Post-collision safety system.
• Airbag occupant sensing deactivation.
• Stability control.

Are you still deciding between the Toyota Highlander LE vs. XLE trim levels as your next SUV? Visit Performance Toyota in Fairfield near Cincinnati and see how much you can save on the Toyota Highlander price with our new Toyota vehicle specials! Browse our New Vehicle Inventory, and pair your favorite ride with an available finance offer. To schedule a test drive, don’t hesitate to call us at (513) 874-8797.

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