WAIMEA, Hawai’i — The three-row SUV phase is among the most hotly contested within the business, and it is rising in additional methods than one. Not solely is the variety of entries rising, so too is the variety of measurement choices: we’re seeing a break up between smaller three-rows and bigger ones. Toyota’s sole entry, the Highlander, has been on the smaller facet of that divide by way of a number of generations, and though Toyota has mentioned that was simply nice for its loyal prospects, clearly there was room (pardon the pun) for one thing larger. That one thing can be the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander.
Regardless of the identify, the addition of “Grand” does not simply signify some added inches tacked on behind the rear wheels of a daily Highlander like an outdated Grand Caravan or the Lexus RX L. It makes use of the identical TNGA-Okay platform, however it’s lengthened and widened for Grand Highlander responsibility. It is about 6.5 inches longer general and a couple of inches wider and taller.. All the design is exclusive, together with an exterior that appears extra like an extra-large RAV4 resulting from its straight edges and onerous creases. The Grand Highlander can also be extra refined and presents a wonderful, unique powertrain that makes the SUV arguably even higher than the usual mannequin and a powerful contender among the many rising group of enormous three-rows.
Importantly, the Grand Highlander’s further exterior measurement interprets to the inside, cargo area being the obvious enchancment over the usual Highlander. Behind the third row, there’s 4.6 extra cubic ft of area at 20.6, which on paper not less than, represents the distinction between one of many smallest and largest volumes. Behind the second row, there’s 57.9, a rise of 9.5 cubes. With all of the rear seats down, whole area reaches 97.5 cubic ft, amounting to a 13.2 cubic-foot improve.
Passenger area improves, too, largely for the third row. It is nonetheless not large, however now adults can occupy each row with out the chance of the rear passengers launching a revolution in opposition to the bourgeois entrance passengers. Third-row entry can also be impressively simple with the sliding seats and a lowered ground that extends behind the second row for simple step-in. In reality, each place is simple to entry, significantly the motive force and entrance passenger seats with the low ground and tall roof. Loads of area in each route and customarily plush seats maintain the entrance two rows fairly cozy, although the tall, vast middle console and entrance wheel effectively intrude into the entrance row’s knee- and foot room. Nonetheless, it’s not a serious downside, just a bit odd for such an in any other case spacious SUV.
In addition to the additional area, the Grand Highlander has a revised inside design. It is just a little extra typical, however nonetheless has trademark Toyota options just like the cabinets within the sprint and up-to-date touchscreen infotainment system. For higher or for worse, there is not an enormous distinction in inside high quality from the bottom fashions to the extremely specified variations. They’re all put collectively effectively and have mushy, high quality plastics. Greater trims have engaging leather-based choices and a few upholstered sprint panels, however a number of the painted plastics and pretend wooden trim do not feel good sufficient to justify the pricing, significantly when a number of opponents rival entry-level luxurious SUVs.
The powertrains are one other huge promoting level for the Grand Highlander with three decisions. Most opponents provide one, perhaps two. The primary two are acquainted, as they’re shared with the common Highlander. The usual engine is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and it is paired with an eight-speed computerized and both front- or all-wheel-drive. Most towing capability is 5,000 kilos. Whereas we suggest skipping it on the small Highlander in favor of the hybrid, we discover the alternative is true, right here, assuming that you just’re not searching for most gas financial system. Toyota appears to have performed one thing, probably further noise insulation, that considerably reduces the coarse thrashing of the four-cylinder. With that decreased, the wholesome torque and responsive transmission shine. Mixed gas financial system is the bottom for this powertrain at 24 mpg with front-wheel drive, and 22-23 mpg with all-wheel drive, relying on the trim stage.
The Grand Highlander’s primary hybrid, which is similar naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder, e-CVT setup with front- or all-wheel drive, is way much less pleasurable. Its 245 hp is reaching its limits with 4,455 to 4,710 kilos of curb weight to haul round. Mixed with the hybrid powertrain’s electronically managed CVT, it strikes gradual and sounds strained, the identical as it’s in our long-term Toyota Sienna. Towing capability can also be decreased at 3,500 kilos most. However, like with our Sienna, the gas financial system is simply so gosh-darn spectacular that you just would possibly be capable of forgive it. It has a mixed gas financial system of 34 mpg with front-drive and 33 with all-wheel drive, tremendously surpassing the gas financial system of its gas-only opponents. The common Highlander Hybrid is just barely higher at 35-36 mpg mixed relying on drivetrain and trim stage.
Distinctive to the Grand Highlander is the Hybrid Max powertrain. This one is intently associated to the one within the Toyota Crown, differing solely in tuning. It combines that turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with larger electrical motors, significantly within the rear, than the common hybrid, in addition to a six-speed computerized transmission. The result’s 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, eclipsing lots of the phase’s V6s in output. It additionally options the identical 5,000-pound tow ranking because the gas-powered mannequin. It isn’t as environment friendly because the common hybrid — a sacrifice within the identify of output — however at 27 mpg mixed, it nonetheless beats most V6s. It even matches the hybrid Ford Explorer’s effectivity, however with extra energy, extra torque and commonplace all-wheel drive. It is a sweetheart of a powertrain, with a meaty torque band that permits for clean, simple acceleration, and the six-speed means it is not always interrupted by shifts or attempting to find gears. It is a surprisingly growly powertrain, helped partially by even handed utility of the seamless synthetic sound enhancement. And with the full-time all-wheel drive and beefier rear motor, the facility break up is extra evenly distributed. This leads to less-pronounced understeer when powering by way of corners. This all makes the Hybrid Max far and away probably the most pleasurable powertrain, and we want Toyota would provide a detuned, extra environment friendly model to supplant the common hybrid.
Whereas there are vital variations in powertrains, trip and dealing with are just about the identical throughout the road. Up entrance is a MacPherson strut setup with a multi-link unbiased association on the rear, and the shocks are non-adjustable. Every Grand Highlander does have completely different driving modes, however they primarily alter throttle and transmission response — even the steering appeared unaffected. The tuning is unquestionably towards consolation and management. It glides over bumps, and stays regular. Dealing with is not fairly as keen in consequence, what with the softness and physique roll. The cabin can also be impressively quiet. So so long as you are not trying to hustle your sensible hauler, you will be happy with the Grand Highlander.
To get a Grand Highlander, you will be paying a premium. The bottom mannequin begins at $44,405, which is round $7,000 greater than the bottom Honda Pilot or Kia Telluride, amongst others. The Grand Highlander does provide a pair further niceties that may convey the prices nearer, comparable to energy heated reminiscence entrance seats and wi-fi gadget charging, however much more comparably outfitted, the Toyota is costlier. The common Highlander is priced nearer to its three-row opponents, however it’s additionally smaller inside. The common hybrid begins at $46,005, and the Hybrid Max at $55,375. These evaluate favorably in opposition to the Explorer Hybrid, about the one competitor on this measurement bracket, with benefits in gas financial system or energy, relying on the model.
Whereas costly, the Toyota Grand Highlander is a greater Highlander in various key points, significantly refinement and area, and its powertrain choices make it a powerful choice, significantly in the event you’re trying to save gas. That being mentioned, that worth premium cannot be ignored, and choices from Honda, Kia and Hyundai can provide a lot of the identical refinement and area with higher dealing with, type and off-road functionality.
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