WAIMEA, Hawai’i — The three-row SUV phase is without doubt one of the most hotly contested within the trade, and it is rising in additional methods than one. Not solely is the variety of entries growing, so too is the variety of dimension 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 title, the addition of “Grand” does not simply signify some added inches tacked on behind the rear wheels of an everyday Highlander like an previous Grand Caravan or the Lexus RX L. It makes use of the identical TNGA-Ok platform, but it surely’s lengthened and widened for Grand Highlander responsibility. It is about 6.5 inches longer total and a couple of inches wider and taller.. The complete design is exclusive, together with an exterior that appears extra like an extra-large RAV4 as a result of its straight edges and onerous creases. The Grand Highlander can also be extra refined and gives a wonderful, unique powertrain that makes the SUV arguably even higher than the usual mannequin and a robust contender among the many rising group of huge three-rows.
Importantly, the Grand Highlander’s further exterior dimension interprets to the inside, cargo area being the obvious enchancment over the usual Highlander. Behind the third row, there’s 4.6 extra cubic toes of area at 20.6, which on paper at the least, 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 toes, amounting to a 13.2 cubic-foot improve.
Passenger area improves, too, principally for the third row. It is nonetheless not enormous, however now adults can occupy each row with out the danger of the rear passengers launching a revolution towards the bourgeois entrance passengers. Third-row entry can also be impressively simple with the sliding seats and a lowered flooring that extends behind the second row for simple step-in. Actually, each place is simple to entry, significantly the driving force and entrance passenger seats with the low flooring and tall roof. Loads of area in each course and usually plush seats maintain the entrance two rows fairly cozy, although the tall, huge middle console and entrance wheel properly intrude into the entrance row’s knee- and foot room. Nonetheless, it’s not a serious drawback, 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 somewhat 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 properly and have tender, high quality plastics. Larger trims have engaging leather-based choices and a few upholstered sprint panels, however among the painted plastics and fake 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 large promoting level for the Grand Highlander with three decisions. Most opponents supply one, possibly 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 automated and both front- or all-wheel-drive. Most towing capability is 5,000 kilos. Whereas we advocate skipping it on the small Highlander in favor of the hybrid, we discover the other is true, right here, assuming that you simply’re not searching for most gas economic system. Toyota appears to have executed one thing, probably further noise insulation, that considerably reduces the coarse thrashing of the four-cylinder. With that lowered, the wholesome torque and responsive transmission shine. Mixed gas economic 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 fundamental hybrid, which is identical naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder, e-CVT setup with front- or all-wheel drive, is far much less gratifying. 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 lowered at 3,500 kilos most. However, like with our Sienna, the gas economic system is simply so gosh-darn spectacular that you simply would possibly be capable to forgive it. It has a mixed gas economic system of 34 mpg with front-drive and 33 with all-wheel drive, significantly surpassing the gas economic 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 carefully 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 automated transmission. The result’s 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, eclipsing most of the phase’s V6s in output. It additionally options the identical 5,000-pound tow ranking because the gas-powered mannequin. It is not as environment friendly because the common hybrid — a sacrifice within the title 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 enables for easy, simple acceleration, and the six-speed means it is not continually interrupted by shifts or looking for gears. It is a surprisingly growly powertrain, helped partially by considered 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 ends in less-pronounced understeer when powering by way of corners. This all makes the Hybrid Max far and away essentially the most gratifying powertrain, and we want Toyota would supply a detuned, extra environment friendly model to supplant the common hybrid.
Whereas there are important variations in powertrains, journey 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 modify 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 supply a pair further niceties that can deliver the prices nearer, akin to energy heated reminiscence entrance seats and wi-fi gadget charging, however much more comparably geared up, the Toyota is costlier. The common Highlander is priced nearer to its three-row opponents, but it surely’s additionally smaller inside. The common hybrid begins at $46,005, and the Hybrid Max at $55,375. These examine favorably towards the Explorer Hybrid, about the one competitor on this dimension bracket, with benefits in gas economic system or energy, relying on the model.
Whereas costly, the Toyota Grand Highlander is a greater Highlander in numerous key points, significantly refinement and area, and its powertrain choices make it a robust choice, significantly in case you’re trying to save gas. That being mentioned, that value premium cannot be ignored, and choices from Honda, Kia and Hyundai can supply a lot of the identical refinement and area with higher dealing with, model and off-road functionality.
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