2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2022 Toyota Highlander presented a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window that gave the impression of a smaller vehicle. However, once inside, the Highlander offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions, making it a practical choice for families. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, navy blue exterior, and sport-tuned suspension, offering a unique blend of style and performance. The Highlander was available in several trims, each adding more features and luxury, culminating in the Platinum trim with advanced tech and comfort options.

In contrast, the 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ boasted striking exterior styling with a long hood and low ground clearance, reminiscent of classic Cadillac designs. Its vertical light bars and LED headlights created a dramatic light show, while the grille and turn signals added to its unique presence. Inside, the LYRIQ featured luxurious details such as leather-wrapped seats, polished controls, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display. However, some functionality issues, like the floating center console and glovebox access, detracted from its overall appeal. Despite these quirks, the LYRIQ's interior design showcased Cadillac's attention to detail and luxury aspirations.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Highlander offered a smooth driving experience, with a sport-tuned suspension in the XSE trim that reduced body roll while maintaining comfort. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families needing to haul trailers or boats.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, on the other hand, featured a dual-motor powertrain with 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, providing continuous all-wheel drive. Despite its impressive power figures, the LYRIQ prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a calm and poised ride on the interstate. Its 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack offered a range of up to 314 miles with rear-wheel drive, though real-world testing showed slightly lower figures. The LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its weight, leading to understeer and less agile performance compared to other Cadillac models.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, providing ample room for luggage and gear. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring deep cargo pockets, multiple cupholders, and a spacious center console. The second-row captain's chairs added comfort and accessibility to the third row, though the latter was best suited for short trips.

In contrast, the 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ prioritized passenger space over cargo capacity, offering 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet when folded. While headroom and legroom were generous, the interior functionality was marred by issues like a small center cubby and a cumbersome glovebox access process. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ's interior design exuded luxury, with high-quality materials and a focus on passenger comfort.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It featured a straightforward layout with hard buttons for easy navigation. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and additional USB ports, while a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen was available on higher trims.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ excelled in technology with its 33-inch OLED screen, offering a seamless user experience with Google Maps and Google Assistant integration. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the available Super Cruise system provided an impressive hands-free driving experience. The 19-speaker AKG stereo further enhanced the LYRIQ's tech offerings, delivering high-quality audio with variable surround sound modes.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view parking monitor. The lane-keeping assist system was notably active, sometimes feeling intrusive on certain roads.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The Safety Alert Seat provided a unique tactile warning system, vibrating the cushions instead of emitting beeps and chimes.