The 2022 Toyota Highlander is a powerhouse of a mid-size SUV, boasting impressive capabilities, sleek design, and innovative features that take the driving experience to the next level. Among the many exciting advancements, one burning question has been on the minds of tech-savvy car enthusiasts: does the 2022 Highlander come equipped with wireless CarPlay? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the details, exploring the world of wireless connectivity and what it means for Highlander owners.
What is Wireless CarPlay, and Why is it a Game-Changer?
CarPlay, introduced by Apple in 2014, revolutionized the way we interact with our iPhones while driving. This innovative technology allows seamless integration of your iPhone with your vehicle’s infotainment system, providing a safer, more intuitive, and enjoying driving experience. With CarPlay, you can access essential apps, make hands-free calls, and navigate with ease, all while keeping your eyes on the road.
However, the traditional CarPlay setup requires a Lightning-to-USB cable to connect your iPhone to the car’s system. This means dealing with tangled cords, lost charging cables, and the occasional frustration of a disconnected call. That’s where wireless CarPlay comes in – a feature that eliminates the need for a physical connection, allowing for a more convenient, clutter-free experience.
Wireless CarPlay, introduced in 2020, utilizes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to establish a reliable connection between your iPhone and the vehicle’s infotainment system. This technology enables a true plug-and-play experience, where your iPhone automatically connects to the car’s system as soon as you step inside.
2022 Highlander’s Infotainment System: A Closer Look
The 2022 Toyota Highlander features an updated infotainment system, designed to provide a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. The Toyota Audio Multimedia System, available on higher trim levels, boasts an impressive 12.3-inch touchscreen display, along with a range of innovative features, including:
- Wireless charging for compatible smartphones
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Amazon Alexa integration
- SiriusXM satellite radio
- Up to five USB ports
While the Highlander’s infotainment system is certainly impressive, the million-dollar question remains: does it support wireless CarPlay?
The Verdict: Does the 2022 Highlander Come with Wireless CarPlay?
After digging through the trenches of Toyota’s official documentation, online forums, and expert reviews, we have our answer: the 2022 Toyota Highlander does not come with wireless CarPlay as a standard or optional feature.
This may come as a disappointment to those who were expecting wireless CarPlay to be included in the Highlander’s update. However, it’s essential to note that Toyota has been gradually introducing wireless CarPlay on select models, such as the 2022 Toyota Tacoma and 2022 Toyota 4Runner.
Although wireless CarPlay is not available on the 2022 Highlander, owners can still use traditional CarPlay via a Lightning-to-USB cable. While not as convenient, this setup still provides access to essential apps, music, and navigation features.
Why Didn’t Toyota Include Wireless CarPlay on the 2022 Highlander?
There are several reasons why Toyota might have opted to exclude wireless CarPlay from the 2022 Highlander’s feature list:
- Cost and complexity: Implementing wireless CarPlay requires significant engineering and development efforts, which can increase production costs. Toyota might have prioritized other features or focused on more pressing technological advancements.
- Prioritizing Android Auto: With Android Auto being a widely used platform, Toyota might have dedicated more resources to optimizing the Android experience, potentially at the expense of wireless CarPlay.
- Focus on other innovations: The 2022 Highlander boasts several innovative features, such as the available adaptive suspension and Toyota’s advanced safety features. Toyota might have allocated resources to developing these areas instead.
Alternatives and Workarounds for Wireless CarPlay on the 2022 Highlander
If you’re still eager to experience wireless CarPlay on your 2022 Highlander, there are a few alternatives and workarounds worth exploring:
- Third-party wireless CarPlay adapters: Companies like Belkin and CarlinKit offer wireless CarPlay adapters that can be plugged into the Highlander’s USB port. These adapters enable wireless connectivity, but may require additional setup and configuration.
- Android Auto wireless connectivity: If you’re an Android user, you can take advantage of Android Auto’s built-in wireless connectivity feature. This allows for a seamless connection between your Android device and the Highlander’s infotainment system.
- Awaiting future updates: It’s possible that Toyota may introduce wireless CarPlay as a software update or future model year enhancement. Keeping your Highlander’s software up-to-date and monitoring Toyota’s official announcements might yield a future surprise.
Conclusion: Embracing the Future of In-Car Connectivity
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, innovative technologies like wireless CarPlay are becoming increasingly important. While the 2022 Toyota Highlander may not offer this feature, it’s essential to recognize the strides Toyota is making in the world of in-car connectivity.
By understanding the limitations and possibilities of the Highlander’s infotainment system, owners can make informed decisions about their driving experience. Whether you’re an iPhone user or an Android enthusiast, the 2022 Highlander remains a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of style, performance, and technological sophistication.
In the world of automotive innovation, the boundaries of what’s possible are constantly being pushed. As we look to the future, it’s exciting to think about the possibilities that await us – and the potential for wireless CarPlay to become a standard feature in the years to come.
What is Wireless CarPlay and how does it work in the 2022 Highlander?
Wireless CarPlay is a feature that allows drivers to connect their iPhone to their car’s infotainment system without the need for a Lightning cable. This means that iPhone users can access their favorite apps, music, and navigation on the car’s touchscreen display without having to physically connect their device. In the 2022 Highlander, Wireless CarPlay uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals to establish a reliable and seamless connection.
To use Wireless CarPlay in the 2022 Highlander, drivers simply need to ensure that their iPhone is running iOS 14 or later and that their car is equipped with the available Premium Audio package. Once the iPhone is paired with the car, drivers can access CarPlay wirelessly and use features like Siri, Apple Maps, and Apple Music. Additionally, the 2022 Highlander’s system is designed to automatically switch between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals to ensure a strong and stable connection.
What are the benefits of using Wireless CarPlay in the 2022 Highlander?
One of the main benefits of using Wireless CarPlay in the 2022 Highlander is the added convenience and ease of use. Without the need for a Lightning cable, drivers can simply get in their car and start using CarPlay without having to worry about finding a cord or dealing with clutter. Additionally, Wireless CarPlay provides a more streamlined and intuitive user experience, allowing drivers to focus on the road while still accessing their favorite apps and features.
Wireless CarPlay also provides a more seamless and integrated experience, as it allows drivers to access CarPlay features and apps directly on the car’s touchscreen display. This means that drivers can use CarPlay to navigate, control their music, and access other features without having to constantly switch between their iPhone and the car’s infotainment system. Overall, Wireless CarPlay in the 2022 Highlander provides a more modern, convenient, and enjoyable driving experience.
Is Wireless CarPlay available on all trims of the 2022 Highlander?
Wireless CarPlay is available on certain trims of the 2022 Highlander, specifically the XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims. These trims come with the available Premium Audio package, which includes the Wireless CarPlay feature. The base L and LE trims do not come with Wireless CarPlay, but drivers can still use a Lightning cable to connect their iPhone and access CarPlay.
It’s worth noting that even on trims that offer Wireless CarPlay, it may not be available on all configurations. For example, if a driver opts for a certain package or option, Wireless CarPlay may not be included. It’s always a good idea to check with a dealership or review the car’s specifications to confirm availability of Wireless CarPlay.
How does Wireless CarPlay affect the battery life of my iPhone?
Wireless CarPlay in the 2022 Highlander is designed to be power-efficient and minimize the impact on iPhone battery life. Because Wireless CarPlay uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals to establish a connection, it doesn’t require a constant flow of power from the iPhone. This means that drivers can use CarPlay without worrying about rapidly draining their iPhone’s battery.
That being said, using Wireless CarPlay will still consume some battery life, especially if drivers are using power-hungry apps or features like navigation. To minimize the impact on battery life, drivers can take steps like turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use, reducing screen brightness, and using power-saving features on their iPhone.
Can I use Wireless CarPlay with multiple iPhones?
Yes, the 2022 Highlander’s Wireless CarPlay system is designed to allow multiple iPhone users to pair their devices with the car. This means that different drivers can easily switch between their iPhones and access CarPlay without having to re-pair their device each time. The car’s system will remember previously paired iPhones and allow drivers to switch between them seamlessly.
To use Wireless CarPlay with multiple iPhones, drivers will need to ensure that each iPhone is running iOS 14 or later and that each device has been paired with the car’s system. Once paired, drivers can simply get in the car and start using CarPlay without having to re-pair their device.
Is Wireless CarPlay compatible with Android devices?
Wireless CarPlay is a feature exclusive to iPhone devices running iOS 14 or later. This means that Android devices are not compatible with Wireless CarPlay in the 2022 Highlander. However, Android users can still connect their devices to the car’s infotainment system using a USB cable and access certain features and apps.
For Android users, the 2022 Highlander offers Android Auto, which provides a similar experience to CarPlay. Android Auto allows drivers to access their favorite apps, music, and navigation on the car’s touchscreen display, but it requires a wired connection.
Can I use Wireless CarPlay with a private Wi-Fi network?
The 2022 Highlander’s Wireless CarPlay system uses a private Wi-Fi network to establish a connection between the iPhone and the car’s infotainment system. This private network is secure and encrypted, ensuring that drivers’ personal data and information remain safe.
Because Wireless CarPlay uses a private Wi-Fi network, drivers do not need to connect to an external Wi-Fi network or rely on cellular data to use CarPlay. This means that drivers can use CarPlay in areas without cellular coverage or public Wi-Fi networks.