The word “grand” perfectly encapsulates Toyota’s latest offering in the SUV market: the Grand Highlander. Just as Liza Minnelli’s character in “Arrested Development” exclaimed, “How grand!”, after a luxurious experience, the same sentiment echoes when experiencing this new vehicle. Toyota has indeed created something significantly larger and more spacious than their standard Highlander, addressing a common need for families requiring more room and practicality.
The name itself, “GRAND HIGHLANDER,” proudly displayed on the tailgate, is a clear indication of Toyota’s intentions. Following a trend seen with other manufacturers like Jeep with their Grand Cherokee and Grand Wagoneer, Toyota enters the “grand” arena, acknowledging the demand for upsized versions of popular models. For current Highlander owners, especially those familiar with the often-cramped third row, the Grand Highlander promises a welcome upgrade. As a co-owner of a current-generation Highlander, the need for more usable third-row space and cargo capacity is definitely understood firsthand. The standard Highlander, while excellent, can feel limiting when all seats are in use.
Toyota listened to consumer feedback and ingeniously added about half a foot to the vehicle’s length. This seemingly small increase makes a world of difference, transforming the third row from an occasional-use space into a genuinely comfortable seating area for adults, while also preserving valuable cargo room even when all rows are occupied.
The Grand Highlander driven for review featured the top-tier Hybrid MAX powertrain, a testament to Toyota’s engineering prowess. This configuration delivers an impressive 362 horsepower, generated by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Initially, skepticism about replacing a six-cylinder engine with a smaller four-cylinder in a larger vehicle was understandable. However, the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX dispels any doubts. The vehicle demonstrates surprising agility and responsiveness, with only a minimal turbo lag. Toyota rightly claims this to be their most powerful midsize SUV ever produced. For those seeking different performance and efficiency levels, less powerful gas-only and standard hybrid powertrains are also available, with all-wheel drive being optional on those models and standard with the Hybrid MAX. During mixed suburban driving, the Hybrid MAX achieved around 22 miles per gallon, a respectable figure for a vehicle of this size and power.
Stepping inside the Grand Highlander is like entering a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The interior controls are intuitively laid out and easy to operate. The brown leather upholstery in the test vehicle added a touch of sophistication. Notably, the sound insulation was excellent, as remarked upon during a Bluetooth phone call, where background noise was minimal. Higher trim levels boast premium audio technology designed to enhance compressed digital music, catering to audiophiles. A practical feature often overlooked but greatly appreciated is the inclusion of a spare tire, a crucial element for peace of mind on longer journeys.
Alt text: Grand Highlander tailgate showcasing the “GRAND HIGHLANDER” badging, emphasizing the vehicle’s spaciousness and model name.
The reviewed Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum model carried a price tag of $59,878. This positions it closely to competitors like the Mazda CX-90 Turbo S, which was recently tested and priced at $59,950, indicating a competitive pricing strategy in the premium midsize SUV segment.
Interestingly, the Grand Highlander received somewhat mixed results in crash testing. While it achieved the top “good” rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) updated side impact test, it only earned the second-best “acceptable” rating in the offset frontal crash test. Prospective buyers should consider these ratings in their safety assessments.
However, when it comes to long-term reliability, Toyota consistently ranks at the top. The J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, which analyzes problems in three-year-old vehicles, placed Toyota as a close runner-up for the top spot, surpassed only by its luxury division, Lexus. This strong reliability reputation adds significant value to the Grand Highlander ownership experience.
Alt text: Grand Highlander interior showcasing brown leather seats and spacious cabin, highlighting the comfortable and premium interior design.
In conclusion, the Toyota Grand Highlander lives up to its “grand” moniker. It offers a genuinely more spacious and practical alternative to the standard Highlander, particularly in terms of third-row usability and cargo capacity. The powerful Hybrid MAX engine delivers impressive performance, and the interior is both comfortable and well-equipped. While the crash test ratings present a mixed picture, Toyota’s renowned reliability remains a significant draw. For families seeking a larger, more capable, and dependable three-row SUV, the Grand Highlander is a compelling option in the competitive market.
