There is an SUVs / Crossovers season globally, and every brand is multiplying its offerings. Unfortunately, this trend has impacted conventional sedan sales. It is evident that Toyota’s best-selling global model, which used to be Corolla, is now a Rav4, while CR-V replaces the Civic from Honda.
I am sure you have heard and read about Toyota Highlander, also known as Kluger, in specific RHD markets. The Highlander/ Kluger is a 3-row vehicle and is one of the most successful three-row SUVs. Toyota has been selling over 20,000 units every month in the US in recent years. Currently, a 4th generation model is in production. Highlander sits above Rav4 in Toyota’s model lineup.
Toyota Highlander
Besides Highlander, Toyota also offers another 3-row vehicle, & which is a Sequoia & we know there is a hardcore flagship offering in the shape of a Land Cruiser. Highlander is based on unibody TNGA-K, Toyota’s flexible global platform, which is also the basis of Camry, Rav4, Venza/ Harrier, the new Crown, Lexus ES, and NX. On the other hand, LC sits on Toyota’s GA-F platform, which is designed for the body on frame SUVs and pickup trucks like the Tundra. The 3-row Sequoia and Land Cruiser are all rounder ON and OFF road, while Highlander is more of a people mover conventional crossover with limited off-road performance/ capabilities.
Toyota Grand Highlander Launched
And now, another addition to Toyota’s portfolio is projected for the North American market. The “Grand Highlander “was designed by the Toyota design team in California & will be exclusively manufactured at the Toyota plant in Indiana.
Dimensions
As the name suggests, it’s GRAND because it is big, but it’s not a bigger Highlander as in the title. Grand Highlander is a new vehicle that will slot below Sequoia and the regular Highlander. The Grand Highlander is also a 3-row, but it is 201.4 inches long and 78.3 inches wide, which makes it 6.5 inches longer and 2.3 inches wider than the regular Highlander, besides being 2 inches taller.
By the way, the Grand Highlander might be bigger but still approximately 6.7 inches shorter in length and 1.5 inches shorter in width than the Sequoia. Interestingly, Grand Highlander is a little over 5 inches longer than the new current generation LC300.
Comparison With Regular Highlander
Additionally, it has a different exterior and interior than the regular Highlander, although typical current Toyota design language drips from it. You will see some similarities on the exterior with the current generation Rav4, like the front and rear. You can tell it’s a bigger vehicle just by looking at the size of the D pillar glass panel, and the result is a full-size spacious third row, where even an adult 6 feet tall can sit comfortably at ease without being claustrophobic and tight.
It has 5.5 inches more legroom and 1 inch more headroom than a regular Highlander. And there is still space to store seven carry-on suitcases behind the third row. Folding the third and second rows generates enormous 98 cubic feet of space. The Grand models will be offered with the option of a 7 or 8-seat capacity, and basically, the second row can be selected with a three-seat bench or two individual bucket seats with space in between.
Interior
If we go to the front seats, there is an all-new dashboard, but it takes influence from other current Toyota model lineups with 12.3 inches HD infotainment screen and a fully digital 12.3 inches instrument panel. An 11 Speaker JBL premium Audio system is also available with a subwoofer.
The other options include a full panoramic sunroof, power ten ways driver and eight-way passenger front seats with memory , heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, 7 USB-C which are spread all across the interior, 3 zone climate control, fully digital heads-up display, ambient lighting, digital key, power tailgate, garage door opener, and digital rearview mirror. The list of features is long, depending on the variant.
Engine
As of now, no exact power figures or other technical details are known, but the base model will be offered with a conventional 2.5L petrol, then there is a 2.5L Hybrid, followed by range-topping 2.4L Turbocharged Hybrid MAX, which will make around 362 hp and approximately 542nm of torque. Hybrid MAX can touch 60 in 6.3 seconds, as per Toyota.
Furthermore, every version of the Grand Highlander will be offered with either FWD or AWD option. Meanwhile, front-wheel drive versions will have three driving modes Sport, Eco, and Normal, while AWD will be equipped with Toyota Multi-Terrain Select with three additional modes; Mud and Sand, Rock and Dirt, and Snow.
Although Grand Highlander has the same foundation as the regular Highlander/Kluger, this bigger version has a more rigid chassis and improved suspension for better comfort and handling. Every version has a certain tow capacity, but the Hybrid MAX can do around 2.3 Tons.
Safety
As for safety, every version will have Toyota Safety Sense, which is Toyota’s ADAS package beside front, knee, side, and curtain airbags.
Price
There is no pricing yet, but it is expected to start at mid $40,000 and go all the way to mid $50,000 for fully loaded. The model is released for the North American market only. The model is projected to steal customers from Palisade, Telluride, Grand Cherokee L, and Chevy Traverse.
