Based on the XLE grade Highlander, the new Bronze model, which arrives with a mildly refreshed 2022 Highlander line-up, gets bronze accents inside and out, including on its 18-inch wheels, illuminated door sills and upholstery stitching. Prices start at US$ 43,880 for the front-wheel drive version and stretch to US$ 45,480 for the AWD alternative, each costing around US$ 2000 more than the equivalent XLE.
Other Bronze-specific features include
seats covered in quilted Softex fabric that takes inspiration from mid-century
modern designs. We kinda like them, but if you don’t, it’s worth knowing that
there’s no plain leather alternative. You do get a choice of three colors,
however: Cement (exclusive to the Bronze), Wind Chill Pearl and Midnight Black
Metallic.
Standard equipment includes a hands-free
power tailgate, 1500 W power outlets, 10-way power seats, and Toyota’s
four-cylinder gasoline-electric powertrain that consist of a 2.5-liter ICE
motor and two electric ones. Total system output is 243 hp, which would only
earn the Bronze a silver medal in a power-bragging contest; other Highlanders
get the option of the gold-standard 295 hp V6.
Changes to the rest of the Highlander
range are mostly limited to color choices, the addition of height/tilt power
adjustment for the passenger seats of grades from XLE upwards, and prices rises
across the board. The base Highlander L now costs US$ 36,420, up from US$ 35,720 in
2021, while a top-spec Platinum with the hybrid motor and AWD will set you back US$ 52,175.
