The Highlander has been the leader in the segment for years. It’s not too bulky to drive, has a well-equipped base model, and offers plenty of room for passengers.
Of course, sales of popular cars have also suffered a decline due to supply chain snags and other problems. How is the Toyota Highlander doing?
, the Toyota Highlander had sold a total of 222,805 units by the end of 2022. In the same period last year, it had sold more than 264,000 units. However, its total sales for Q4 2022 alone actually surpassed Q4 2021 sales.
Volkswagen Atlas, Chevy Traverse and Dodge Durango also saw sales declines last year. The Honda Pilot failed to even move 100,000 units in 2022 (a 30% drop from 2021 sales). In contrast, total sales of Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent are up from 2021.
The Toyota Highlander is still on top
The Toyota Highlander remains the best-selling midsize SUV by a decent margin. The only one that comes close is the Ford Explorer with approximately 207,673 units sold for 2022. The Ford Explorer still underperformed in the fourth quarter of 2022, selling nearly 14% fewer units than in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Despite its popular reputation, Kia Telluride sold just under 99,990 units in 2022. More than a third of Nissan Pathfinders sold last year were purchased in the fourth quarter of 2022.
It still only managed to move about 58,000 units, though that’s still a huge increase from last year. The one that suffered the most in 2022, selling less than 35,000 units.
Why do drivers still buy Toyota Highlander?
A major change in powertrain can make or break a car in the minds of consumers. It’s evident that the 2023 Highlander is still going strong with its new 265hp turbo-four engine. It comes standard with a 295hp V6.
Both are still mated to an eight-speed automatic and standard front-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive for any trim. The Toyota Highlander’s fuel economy also barely changes between the 2022 and 2023 model years. The former earns a maximum of 23 city/highway mpg, while the last Highlander’s mileage is one point higher.
Toyota Highlander L and LE models have the highest seating capacity of eight riders. The remaining finishes lose a place to the second-row captain’s chairs. Cab drivers get a generous 42 inches of legroom, while those in the second row have just an inch less.
Adults might feel cheated out in the third row, which has less than 28 inches of legroom to spare. If possible, it’s best folded to utilize over 48 cubic feet of cargo area. With the second row folded flat, the Toyota Highlander has a total stowage capacity of over 84 cubic feet.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander has a new multimedia audio interface with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen starting with XSE. The larger screen is standard on the , along with a JBL stereo system and leather seats.
However, the Toyota Highlander L comes with many standard features for $36,420. Riders are treated to the convenience of wireless smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa, and several USB ports. The standard safety suite includes essential features such as lane keeping technology and forward automatic emergency braking.
Consumer Reports recommends both the 2022 and 2023 Toyota Highlander, giving each a near-perfect reliability rating. Given all of its positives, we can see why the Highlander still reigns supreme in the midsize SUV world.
