Whereas Toyota already has a big three-row SUV, the large Sequoia is a heavy, thirsty, hard-to-park beast that’s akin to the likes of the Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition, so introducing a stretched three-row model of the front-drive, unibody Highlander to compete with rivals just like the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride fills an apparent gap within the firm’s lineup.
The corporate has made an effort to distinguish between the unique two-row Highlander and this extra spacious Grand Highlander, offering the newcomer with distinctive exterior styling to assist set it aside reasonably than merely elongating the present Highlander’s bodywork. The marginally extra aggressive styling ought to play properly for purchasers searching for to keep away from the soccer mommy stereotype, even when the entrance finish does skew within the course of the completely scowling Evil Emperor Zurg from Toy Story!
Grand Highlander additionally will get three completely different powertrains, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, and three completely different trim ranges, with base pricing that ranges from $44,405 (together with vacation spot costs) to $59,460. The three drivetrains are a base turbocharged combustion-only engine, a hybrid-electric, and a higher-performance hybrid-electric. That base engine is a 265-horsepower, 310-lb.-ft. turbocharged 2.4-liter I-4 engine linked to an eight-speed automated transmission. The efficiency-minded hybrid makes use of a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle I-4 and an electrical motor constructed right into a constantly variable transmission (CVT) in conventional Prius hybrid trend for a complete system energy ranking of 245 hp.
The Hybrid Max employs a turbocharged 2.4-liter I-4 just like the one within the fuel mannequin, mixed with an electrical motor rated at a mixed 362 hp. and driving via a six-speed planetary automated transmission. Each hybrids make use of conventional nickel steel hydride battery packs. The common hybrid’s has 1.3 kilowatt-hours of capability and the Hybrid Max’s is 1.44 kWh.
The fuel mannequin’s EPA mixed gasoline financial system ranking is 24 mpg, in comparison with a powerful 34 mpg for the hybrid, and 27 mpg for the Hybrid Max. Throughout my prolonged rural freeway drive within the hybrid at modest speeds round 55 mph, I noticed 35 mpg, which is in keeping with the anticipated 32 mpg freeway for my examined XLE AWD mannequin. In shorter, harder-driving stints within the fuel and Hybrid Max fashions, they predictably fell in need of expectations as a result of driving circumstances.
Nonetheless, what was discernable in these quick bursts is that whereas the Hybrid Max is impressively fast (Toyota estimates its 0-60 mph acceleration is 6.3 seconds, the fuel mannequin feels sluggish, even in comparison with the common hybrid. Toyota says the fuel model is faster at 7.5 seconds 0-60, in comparison with 7.8 seconds for the hybrid, so perhaps it’s a trick of the electrically assisted energy supply and the hybrid’s CVT, however the fuel undoubtedly feels slower. Toyota mentioned it expects that about two-thirds of Grand Highlander consumers will select the fuel engine, about one-third will select the hybrid, and the Hybrid Max will slice about 6 p.c of gross sales from the shares of the opposite two.
The Grand Highlander rolls on a wheelbase that stretches 4 extra inches between the axles to open up extra space within the rear and it reaches a complete of 5.5 inches longer. It’s also 2.3 inches wider. It’s obtainable in six, seven, or eight-seat configurations, and even with the additional width, the thought of three-abreast seating within the Grand Highlander appears optimistic. Youngsters sufficiently small to realistically be comfy sitting three throughout on this automobile will must be in baby security seats or boosters, which won’t match three throughout.
Adults gained’t be excited in regards to the three-across lodging, however whether it is only a matter of a cramped journey from the airport for out-of-town guests, Grand Highlander might be positive. It matches seven roll-aboard-sized suitcases within the cargo space behind the third seat! For frequent or long-distance area for greater than six, drop the self-importance steering you away from the Sienna (or rival model) minivan and make the rational alternative.
The third-row seat does present acceptable grownup legroom and headroom, although within the typical trend, the ground is type of excessive so occupants lack thigh assist for long-term adult-size consolation. The true subject with the third row is ingress and egress. Toyota has designed the second-row seat to maneuver conveniently out of the way in which, however it’s nonetheless a chore to climb again there or to extract your self, so perhaps take into account it appropriate for younger adults at finest.
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander presents some reduction from the ocean of all-black interiors with this Portabello and black mixture.
On the street, the Grand Highlander is nice and cozy within the Toyota custom, and it even handles twisty components of the street with better-than-expected poise and management, although that will naturally be diminished with a full load of passengers who don’t wish to be made movement sick anyway.
All of the anticipated facilities are there, plus options equivalent to seven USB-C charging ports and an obtainable pair of 120-volt AC energy shops for connecting family units. The Platinum model has a facial recognition system that, when the driving force opts in, routinely configures the automobile’s settings to that driver’s preferences. Amid present issues in regards to the security of AI, this feels like a chance for 2001: A Area Odyssey’s HAL 9000 to say no your request to open the pod bay door!
However as many as 5 different folks aboard the Grand Highlander will certainly be comfy and happy with their spots inside Toyota’s new three-row household machine.
