Highlander Becomes Work of Art with New Bronze Edition for 2022
The fourth-generation Toyota Highlander’s bold, distinctive design is going to stand out even more for 2022 thanks to the new Bronze Edition – exclusive to the Highlander Hybrid all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain. The new Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition offers unique styling and premium features to inspire a turned head by any curious onlooker. Once on sale later this year, the 2022 Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition will be priced between the Hybrid XLE and Hybrid Limited.
Designed with sophistication in mind, the new Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition, available in either Cement (exclusive to Bronze Edition) or Wind Chill Pearl (new for 2022 Highlander) exterior colours, includes bronze-coloured accents on 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. Taking inspiration from contemporary crafted interiors to create a premium ambience, details include padded surfaces and a tailored look with stitching that continues from the door trim to the instrument panel. The dash integrates the multimedia and HVAC controls in an elegant and functional way.
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
- 1500W power outlet
- Puddle lamps with Highlander logo
- In-dash ambient lighting
- Driver seat memory with 10-way power seat
- LED-strip Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
The Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition is also a glimpse into new offerings for 2022 Highlander, overall. This includes height/tilt power passenger seat adjustments, which will also be standard on 2022 Highlander XLE and above.
Standard All-Wheel Drive
The 2022 Highlander Bronze Edition’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 rear electric motor operates independently with no mechanical connection between the transmission and the rear wheels. Pre-emptively distributing more driving force to the rear wheels, such as when accelerating, helps suppress front wheel slip during off-the-line starts. The system also helps enhance cornering agility by reducing understeer. And, when venturing onto a trail, the increased rear-wheel torque helps move the Highlander Hybrid confidently over rough or slippery surfaces. AWD is a great traction partner, but it’s not needed all the time, such as during steady highway cruising. In these situations, torque is not distributed to the rear axle. As one might guess, that reduces the energy needed to propel the vehicle and, therefore, helps reduce fuel consumption. When the system detects that AWD is needed, it instantly re-engages the rear axle without the driver even noticing.
Hybrid Done Right
Using the popular Highlander Hybrid system, the 2022 Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition combines a high-efficiency 2.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. The gas engine employs a 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 battery pack is small enough to be installed under the rear 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.
The 2022 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid will go on sale this Fall.
