Dealer visit checklist
2022 Toyota Highlander checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2022 Toyota Highlander problems to check
- Oil consumption reports on the 2.4L turbo-four (introduced in 2022) — check oil levels between changes, especially in early ownership
- Transmission hesitation or hunting noted by some owners of the new powertrain during low-speed maneuvering
- Infotainment system (Audio Multimedia) received mixed reviews for responsiveness — software updates help but can be sluggish
- Wind noise around the A-pillar and door seals reported at highway speeds on some builds
- Fuel economy on the non-hybrid V6 replacement 4-cylinder turbo can underperform EPA estimates in city-heavy driving
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
- STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles.
- TIRES: Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
- TIRES: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles.
- SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:RECLINER: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $40,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away