The Highlander has been successful for Toyota as the corporate has bought over 3.3 million models in the USA. That’s a powerful accomplishment, however crossovers have been rising in measurement and the Highlander’s third-row has develop into third-rate.
As we famous in 2019, when the newest technology was launched, “the third-row has at all times been the Highlander’s weak spot and it nonetheless affords simply 27.7 inches (704 mm) of legroom.” Consequently, we instructed limiting its use to “kids and small adults in a pinch.”
Upgrading to the Sequoia doesn’t enhance issues a lot because the body-on-frame SUV affords between 28.1 and 33.7 inches (714 and 856 mm) of third-row legroom. On high of that, experience high quality goes down the tubes whereas the worth tag climbs to $59,865.
| FAST FACTS | |
|---|---|
| › MSRP: | $43,070* |
| › Output: | 243 – 362 HP |
| › 0-60 MPH: | As little as 6.3 seconds |
| › Gas Economic system: | As much as 36 mpg metropolis / 32 mpg freeway / 34 mpg mixed |
| › On Sale: | July |
This successfully meant customers on the lookout for a crossover with an adult-friendly third-row needed to cross Toyota off their record. After all, they nonetheless had loads of fashions to select from together with the Kia Telluride, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and Volkswagen Atlas.
Toyota now needs a chunk of the pie, so that they’re launching the all-new Grand Highlander. It’s an fascinating, however imperfect addition that can arrive at dealerships in July for $43,070.
A Highlander That’s Not A Highlander
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Photos: Michael Gauthier/CarScoops
Regardless of sporting the Highlander title, the Grand Highlander is exclusive and has little in widespread with its smaller counterpart. The variations are instantly obvious because the bigger of the 2 sports activities an edgy and distinctive design.
The Highlander’s mushy curves and flowing surfaces have been changed by an almost vertical entrance fascia, which has a big grille and slender headlights. They’re joined by slab-sided bodywork, an expansive greenhouse, and metallic accents.
The design is good-looking, however a bit generic and that scenario will solely be compounded when the crossover is parked subsequent to the Mazda CX-90. That being mentioned, it’s exhausting to fault the Grand Highlander’s styling and the entry-level XLE sports activities an influence liftgate in addition to 18-inch alloy wheels. The mid-level Restricted ups the ante with LED fog lights, LED daytime operating lights, and bigger 20-inch wheels.
A Story Of Two Cabins
Photos: Michael Gauthier/CarScoops
Toyota interiors have had the heat of an accountant’s Christmas card as of late, however issues appear to be getting higher. Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless hit and miss and our two Platinum testers have been radically completely different except for tools.
Within the case of the Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max, we have been left feeling chilly because the black plastic trim appeared like one thing you’d discover on a base mannequin as a substitute of a $58,125 vary topper. Paired with a black inside, the cabin felt low cost and underwhelming as the one bits of visible curiosity have been gloss black plastic and bronze accents.
The conventionally powered Grand Highlander Platinum was extra spectacular because it sported a two-tone design with fake wooden trim and metallic accents. They add a a lot wanted splash of shade to the in any other case bland and plasticky cabin.
On the brilliant aspect, many of the plastic is of fine high quality and nearly each touchpoint is padded. Nonetheless, Toyota continues to path rivals because the Grand Highlander doesn’t really feel as elegant or as trendy as rivals such because the Kia Telluride or Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
That being mentioned, Toyota installs loads of normal tools as even the bottom XLE has heated energy SofTex entrance seats and extra USB ports than you possibly can shake a stick at. Patrons may even discover a 12.3-inch infotainment system, a 7-inch cluster show, and a wi-fi smartphone charger. It’s good to see the latter come normal, however the charging pad doesn’t have a grippy floor and my cellphone spent extra time sliding round than charging.
On the reverse finish of the spectrum, our Platinum testers have been loaded to the gills with nearly the whole lot you could possibly need in a mainstream crossover. In addition to heated and ventilated seats within the first two rows, there’s a heated steering wheel, a panoramic moonroof, ambient lighting, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Nonetheless, this comes at a steep price because the range-topping trim begins at $53,545 and climbs to $58,125 with the non-compulsory Hybrid Max powertrain.
Pricing apart, drivers will discover spacious and comfy entrance seats with simply sufficient bolstering to maintain them in place. Issues are just a little tighter within the second-row, however there’s loads of head and legroom for adults. Prospects can select between a bench or second-row captain’s chairs, and the latter are separated by a middle console that options two cup holders in addition to three storage compartments.
A Third-Row That Doesn’t Really feel Third-Class
Photos: Michael Gauthier/CarScoops
The Grand Highlander’s raison d’être is its third-row and it’s a major enchancment over the one discovered within the Highlander. Whereas it’s been just a few years since I’ve crammed myself into the again of the smaller crossover, the Grand Highlander has 33.5 inches (851 mm) of third-row legroom. That’s 5.8 inches (147 mm) greater than the Highlander Hybrid and 5.5 inches (140 mm) greater than the conventionally powered mannequin.
These additional inches make a world of distinction and the third-row is adult-friendly. That’s very true if second-row occupants are keen to slip their seat ahead. If they’re, third-row legroom is definitely sort of spectacular and issues don’t really feel claustrophobic.
Nonetheless, the whole lot isn’t good because the third-row seat is tough and headroom is unsurprisingly restricted. That being mentioned, you possibly can alter the backrest angle to create just a little additional room.
Entry is comparatively simple and Toyota put a small step within the second-row to enhance entry. As soon as seated within the third-row, you’ll discover sensible storage trays and cup holders in addition to USB charging ports. There are additionally ceiling-mounted vents and lights in addition to seatbelt holders that maintain them out of the best way when not in use.
Getting out is one other story as the discharge for the second-row is made out of a number of the flimsiest plastic I’ve encountered. It’s a bit surprising as the remainder of the controls for the second-row seat really feel stable and substantial.
The scenario is compounded by the quantity of pressure required to get the second-row seat to launch and slide ahead. I used to be legitimately nervous about breaking the deal with off and I might simply see young children or aged adults not having sufficient energy to function the releases.
That isn’t the one downside as folding the third-row down is a headache. Since a power-folding third-row isn’t even accessible as an choice, you’ll have to drag up on flimsy tabs whereas pushing the seat ahead. That is simpler mentioned than completed and I had higher luck pulling the tab up, transferring the seat backward, after which flipping it ahead. When requested in regards to the subject, Toyota officers mentioned they have been conscious of it and can have the issue fastened by the point common manufacturing begins.
When you get the second- and third-rows folded down, you’ll discover 97.5 cubic toes (2,761 liters) of cupboard space. That’s 13.2 cubic toes (374 liters) greater than the usual Highlander and 12.9 cubic toes (365 liters) greater than the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The Grand Highlander additionally bests the Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas, however comes up just a little in need of the Chevrolet Traverse.
If it’s a must to stability cargo and other people hauling, there’s 20.6 cubic toes (583 liters) of cupboard space behind the third-row. That will increase to 57.9 cubic toes (1,640 liters) by folding the third-row down.
Three Engines Together with A 362 HP Hybrid Max Possibility
Photos: Michael Gauthier/CarScoops
Whereas quite a lot of three-row crossovers are solely accessible with one engine, Toyota is providing three completely different choices on the Grand Highlander. Kicking issues off is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 265 hp (198 kW / 269 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. It’s related to an eight-speed automated transmission, which might be paired to both entrance or all-wheel drive.
Toyota expects 64% of consumers will go for the turbocharged engine and it feels well-suited for the crossover. That being mentioned, efficiency is nothing to write down house about as key rivals supply extra energy and the crossover takes 7.5 seconds to hit 60 mph (96 km/h).
Nonetheless, nobody is shopping for a seven- or eight-seat crossover for its efficiency and the usual powertrain feels greater than enough. The eight-speed automated delivers easy shifts, though the engine doesn’t appear overly refined nor does it sound notably good. Prospects can even anticipate so-so gasoline financial system scores of between 21 mpg metropolis / 28 mpg freeway / 24 mpg mixed and 20 mpg metropolis / 26 mpg freeway / 22 mpg mixed.
If gasoline financial system is trigger for concern, you possibly can spend an additional $1,600 and get a hybrid variant. It includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a small nickel steel hydride battery, an electrical motor, and an electronically managed repeatedly variable transmission. This provides the crossover a mixed output of 245 hp (183 kW / 248 PS) in addition to a barely slower 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of seven.8 seconds.
Whereas we didn’t drive the Grand Highlander Hybrid, it’s much like the Highlander Hybrid we drove just a few years again. Consequently, the driving expertise must be much like the conventionally powered mannequin however extra eco-focused.
Talking of which, the hybrid variant is slated to return a powerful 36 mpg metropolis, 32 mpg freeway, and 34 mpg mixed. These are spectacular numbers for a crossover this measurement and so they simply surpass the Ford Explorer Hybrid, which has an EPA score of as much as 27 mpg metropolis, 28 mpg freeway, and 27 mpg mixed.
That brings us to the range-topping Hybrid Max, which mixes efficiency and effectivity. It includes a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automated transmission, a small battery, and a rear eAxle. The latter offers the crossover full-time all-wheel drive with entrance to rear energy splits of between 70:30 and 20:80.
In addition to with the ability to be rear-biased, the Hybrid Max powertrain is notable for producing 362 hp (270 kW / 367 PS) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque. These are some fairly spectacular figures and so they simply beat the 310 hp (231 kW / 314 PS) Chevrolet Traverse, 291 hp (217 kW / 295 PS) Kia Telluride, and 269 hp (201 kW / 273 PS) Volkswagen Atlas. It’s additionally price noting the Hybrid Max has a mountain of torque, which is immediately accessible and permits for spectacular off-the-line acceleration.
Whereas the Hybrid Max powertrain is simply anticipated to account for six% of gross sales, it delivers spectacular efficiency together with a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 6.3 seconds. The crossover additionally operates in relative silence and I used to be shocked by how loud the usual mannequin appeared as compared.
Sadly, it’s not all excellent news as you’ll must spend no less than $54,040 to get a Hybrid Max variant. Gas financial system additionally takes successful because the mannequin is anticipated to return 26 mpg metropolis, 27 mpg freeway, and 27 mpg mixed, which successfully slots in between the usual mannequin and the extra mainstream hybrid.
A Snug Crossover That Is aware of How To Dance
When you’re pondering why not simply get a Sequoia, there are two very simple solutions. The bigger body-on-frame SUV begins at $59,865 and has a truck-like experience high quality. The Grand Highlander, then again, feels 1,000,000 instances higher because the experience is silky easy and physique motions are well-controlled. It’s way more snug than its bigger counterpart and is the one to get if you happen to don’t have to tow greater than 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg).
The snug experience can partially be chalked as much as a modified model of the TNGA-Ok platform, which underpins the whole lot from the Camry to the underrated however glorious Venza. It additionally varieties the idea for different three-row fashions together with the Highlander and Sienna.
Whereas the unbiased entrance and multi-link rear suspension simply absorb minor street imperfections, the Grand Highlander isn’t too mushy. When thrown into corners, the crossover responds with flat and steady dealing with that’s largely devoid of physique roll. The latter is sweet for a big crossover that measures 201.4 inches (5,116 mm) lengthy.
That being mentioned, the Grand Highlander is a three-row crossover and it’s clearly centered on consolation. There’s a normal laissez-faire angle to issues, however Sport mode makes a notable distinction in enhancing steering really feel and general responsiveness.
Talking of which, the brakes are as much as the problem of stopping the 4,300 to 4,920 lbs (1,950 to 2,232 kg) crossover. When known as into motion, 13.4 and 13.3 inch (340 and 338 mm) discs carry the Grand Highlander to a drama-free halt.
On the subject of security, there are an assortment of driver help programs together with a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Help, and Full-Pace Vary Dynamic Radar Cruise Management. They’re joined by Lane Tracing Help and Highway Signal Help.
The crossover options Toyota Security Sense 3.0 and it’s notable for having a brand new Proactive Driving Help function, which makes use of digicam and radar sensors to supply “mild” braking and steering assist.
Nonetheless, in our expertise, the system is much too aggressive and continually intervenes. It’s a bit like having a backseat driver, who grabs the steering wheel or hits the brakes on the slightest provocation. Evidently, Proactive Driving Help was shortly turned off.
The Grand Highlander additionally affords Site visitors Jam Help, which permits for hands-free driving at speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h). A digicam displays the driving force to make sure they’re being attentive to the street forward, whereas the car controls steering, acceleration, and braking to make site visitors jams much less nerve-racking.
Sadly, the function is proscribed to the range-topping Platinum trim and it’s put behind a paywall as you’ll want an lively Drive Join subscription to make use of it. The latter is sort of comprehensible for BlueCruise or Tremendous Cruise, however for Site visitors Jam Help it seems like a cash seize.
A Stable And Worthy Addition To Toyota’s Lineup
When you’re out there for a Toyota with a cushty experience, a spacious third-row and accessible all-wheel drive, look no additional than the Sienna. The minivan comes normal with a hybrid powertrain and begins at $36,885 which is $6,185 lower than the Grand Highlander. It additionally has 5.2 inches (132 mm) of extra third-row legroom in addition to a bigger cargo capability.
That being mentioned, the Grand Highlander is a worthy various because it avoids the minivan stigma whereas wanting moderately good and offering a cushty experience. The crossover can also be spacious and affords an adult-friendly third-row.
On high of that, the Grand Highlander affords an excellent mixture of efficiency and gasoline effectivity. The usual turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder is an efficient all-around selection, whereas the hybrid variant affords vital financial savings on the pump. The Hybrid Max builds on that with spectacular efficiency in addition to a cushty and quiet experience. Nonetheless, it carries a hefty $4,580 premium over the non-hybrid crossover.
There’s quite a bit to love in regards to the Grand Highlander, however there are additionally some rising pains such because the third-row that’s exhausting to fold down and the difficult second-row releases that make exiting difficult. However, Toyota appears to be working to resolve a number of the points, so hopefully they’ll get issues sorted out by the point July rolls round.