2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition AWD - Quick Overview & Test Drive

The new Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition, available in either Cement (exclusive to Bronze Edition), Wind Chill Pearl (new for 2022 Highlander) or Midnight Black Metallic 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. Also exclusive to the Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition are unique floor and cargo mats embroidered with a special bronze logo.

Building off of the popular Highlander Hybrid XLE grade, unique standard features of the new Bronze Edition include:

Hands-free power liftgate
Rain-sensing wipers
Digital rearview mirror
1500 W. power outlets
Puddle lamps with Highlander logo
In-dash ambient lighting
Driver seat memory with 10-way power seat
The Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition is also a glimpse into new offerings for 2022 Highlander, overall. This includes Wind Chill Pearl now added to exterior color palate (replacing Blizzard Pearl) and the addition of height/tilt power passenger seat adjustments, which will also be standard on 2022 Highlander XLE and above.

The 2022 Highlander Bronze Edition gets a grip on the road with a choice of FWD or a unique AWD system for Highlander Hybrid grades. For customers looking for additional grip, the 2022 Highlander Hybrid’s AWD system employs a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. Like the hybrid powertrain itself, the AWD is designed to work seamlessly and transparently.

The Toyota Hybrid System in the 2022 Highlander Hybrid combines a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric. The gas engine employs Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system by 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 bottom line is an eye opener for the efficiency-minded: 243 total system horsepower, up to an EPA-estimated 36 combined MPG and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. The hybrid is available in either front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

The transaxle mounts the electric motors (MG1 and MG2) coaxially rather than in-line, and the resulting smaller and lighter package reduces frictional losses. The gas engine and MG2 work in concert to deliver dynamic performance, while both MG1 and MG2 charge the hybrid battery.

To reduce the transaxle’s size and weight, the reduction gear is a parallel shaft gear rather than a planetary gear, and a multi-function gear integrates the power-split planetary ring gear, parking gear and counter-drive gear. Computer integration and a smaller, lighter power stack installed directly above the transaxle help reduce energy transmission losses.

The battery pack is small enough to be installed under the second-row seats, so it does not take up any cargo or passenger space. This means Highlander Hybrid drivers get all the benefits of a hybrid powertrain without sacrificing much-needed cargo room for everyday activities.

Full Specs & Options: https://toyota-cms-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2022-Highlander-Hybrid-Product-Information-FINAL.pdf