The Bronze Edition trim joins the lineup.
Pros High fuel economy for a three-row SUV Sensibly priced compared to the non-hybrid Highlander Comfortable ride Plenty of standard and available safety features
Cons Third-row seats are cramped Not a whole lot of cargo space behind the third row Engine sounds unrefined at full throttle
A new Hybrid Bronze Edition model joins the lineup and wears Cement or Wind Chill Pearl exterior paint with a set of cool 18-inch bronze-colored wheels. The cabin also receives some unique design elements in the form of geometric-patterned upholstery with bronze-colored detailing and illuminated bronze-colored doorsill protectors. Elsewhere, XLE and higher trims now come with a height-adjustable power-seat feature for the front passenger. The Highlander otherwise carries over to 2022 with no other changes.
Pros Handsome styling, available as a fuel-saving hybrid, driver-assistance features come standard.
Cons Lazy driving characteristics, snug third row, busy dashboard design.
The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's #4 ranking is based on its score within the Hybrid SUVs category. It is the winner of our 2022 Best Hybrid and Electric SUV for Families award. Currently the Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a score of 8.1 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 26 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Cushioned ride Quick acceleration from a stop Lots of standard features Refined cabin
Cons Above-average starting price Cramped third row
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV finishes near the bottom of our hybrid and electric SUV rankings. It’s outdated and less comfortable than rivals, and in a real “you had one job” scenario, its fuel economy ratings aren’t even that impressive.
Pros Decent cargo capacity Excellent warranty
Cons Looks and feels antiquated in almost every aspect Low-rent interior Below-average fuel economy ratings compared to other PHEVs Disappointing powertrain, handling, and ride quality
Mitsubishi has already revealed the next-generation Outlander, but it has still introduced several significant changes to the outgoing one for the 2021 model year. Most notably, the Outlander lineup is now only available with a plug-in-hybrid powertrain. Gone are the base four-cylinder engine and available V-6. A third row of seats is also gone because it's not compatible with the location of the PHEV's battery pack. The latter now has a larger capacity than before and offers more all-electric driving range (24 miles versus 22), and the PHEV's top speed increases from 79 to 83 mph during all-electric operation. The plug-in's old 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is replaced with a more powerful 2.4-liter version. And now with a bigger rear-mounted electric motor, the PHEV's combined horsepower increases by 31 to 221 horses total.
Pros Plug-in-hybrid powertrain feels responsive, adjustable regenerative-braking settings, substantial cargo space.
Cons No longer offers a third row, considerably more expensive than before, other plug-in hybrids are much more efficient.
For 2021 New battery pack offers more electric range than last year's model.Updated software reduces vibrations and noise from the engine.Limited Edition trim introduced with more standard features.
Pros Generous list of standard features Plug-in hybrid powertrain provides about 24 miles of all-electric range Standard all-wheel drive for enhanced traction on slippery surfaces
Cons Poor cabin quality with lots of creaks and rattles Weak acceleration and vague steering make for a bad driving experience It doesn't offer a third row like the regular Mitsubishi Outlander Small gas tank limits overall range
