In the past several years, many automakers have introduced midsize, three-row SUVs with space and power to the segment. They seek to have themselves crowned as champion, the most elite of the family-friendly SUV. However, since the turn of the century, the Toyota Highlander has been Ontario's most powerful SUV.
Introduced in 2000, the Toyota Highlander basically launched the market for vehicles that combine the capability and versatility of a midsize SUV with the practical advantages of a seven-seat passenger car. The latest edition, the 2022 Toyota Highlander, is no different. It offers incredible capability and power that makes it a fun vehicle to drive, even on errands or a daily commute.
The 2022 Toyota Highlander is an efficient and powerful SUV thanks to its 3.5-litre V6 Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) gasoline engine. It is backed by next-generation technology, like Dual Variable Valve Timing-with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) and paired with an eight-speed direct shift automatic transmission. This allows power to flow through the engine to the steering wheel and through your fingertips. The best Toyota SUV in Canada, the Highlander delivers 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque.
It turns out, you can take pretty much anything along for the drive thanks to the available towing package that delivers 2,267 kg of capability. With a heavy-duty radiator, engine oil cooler, and Trailer Sway Control (TSC), the towing package lets you tow your favorite toys with ease.
The gasoline engine of the 2022 Toyota Highlander features start-stop technology. Whenever you come to a full stop, like at a stop light or in a drive-thru line, the Highlander's engine automatically shuts off. This saves you on fuel costs and reduces emissions from an idling vehicle. Once you lift your foot from the brake pedal, the engine instantly restarts, and you are on your way again.
And stopping and going are easier than ever before thanks to the design of the 2022 Toyota Highlander. Stopping power is provided by power-assisted, ventilated 13.3-inch front disc brakes and solid 13.3-inch rear disc brakes. Steering is firm and responsive, thanks to the Highlander's Electric Power Steering (EPS) system and power-assisted rack-and-pinion.
There are many reasons why the Highlander is the best (and most powerful) Toyota SUV in Canada, and that includes the inclusion of Drive Mode Select (DMS). DMS is used to suit driving and usage conditions and includes three modes: Normal, Sport, and Eco.
No matter where the road takes you, the 2022 Toyota Highlander is equipped to traverse it. Toyota offers the available Multi-Terrain Select, which lets you choose between four modes to maximize traction when the weather or the roads take a turn for the worse. It does so by regulating wheelspin through the automatic adjustment of the engine throttle and traction control. The four modes are:
The XSE trim level of the 2022 Toyota Highlander is the sportiest of all the SUV's trims. While the Highlander is Ontario's most powerful SUV, the XSE makes the best use of that power.
One way it does so is through a sport-tuned independent MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar and trailing-wishbone suspension. Its rear suspension is a multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar. Toyota designed the XSE in this way to provide drivers and Highlander occupants with a more "one with the road" feel.
The 2022 Toyota Highlander, and its Highlander Hybrid sibling, bring performance to Ontario and the entirety of Canada. Don't let the comfort and luxury fool you--underneath it all, the Highlander is built for power.
Other Articles That May Interest You
OEM vs Aftermarket Parts: What Toyota Owners in Ontario Should Know
Originally published: May 16, 2023 | Updated: May 2025 When it comes to maintaining or repairing your Toyota, one of the key decisions you'll face is whether to choose OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts or aftermarket parts. While both serve the same general purpose—replacing worn or damaged components—their origin, quality, warranty, and overall reliability can vary significantly. At...
What Is Covered By Toyota's Manufacturer Warranty?
Originally published: May 16, 2023 | Updated: May 2025 Georgetown Toyota – Your Local Guide to Toyota Warranty Coverage in Ontario When you buy a new Toyota, you're not just getting a reliable vehicle—you’re also getting the backing of one of the most comprehensive manufacturer warranties in the industry. Toyota’s warranty coverage is designed to give you peace of mind, helping protect against...
2025 Toyota 4Runner Complete Guide: What's New, Specs, and Towing Capacity
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner arrives as a fully redesigned sixth-generation model, reviving its heritage as a rugged off-road legend while integrating a host of technological and mechanical advancements. View Our New 4Runner Inventory Built on the brand’s TNGA-F body-on-frame platform, the same tough architecture that underpins models like the Toyota Tacoma and Land Cruiser, the all-new 4Runner...
