Toyota has taken a bold step forward with the Grand Highlander’s design, departing from the softer lines of its predecessor. The new model exudes a more rugged and adventurous character, with a muscular stance and sharp, angular styling. The front fascia is dominated by a large, trapezoidal grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights. The side profile showcases the vehicle’s substantial size, with pronounced wheel arches and a rising beltline that conveys a sense of motion. The rear design is equally striking, featuring connected taillights and a bold chrome strip that accentuates the Grand Highlander’s width.
Interior Comfort and Space
Step inside the Grand Highlander, and you’re greeted by a spacious and well-appointed cabin. Toyota has prioritized comfort and functionality, with ample legroom and headroom for all three rows of seating. The materials used throughout the interior are of high quality, and the fit and finish are excellent. The driver’s seat is supportive and adjustable, offering a commanding view of the road.
Second-row passengers are treated to generous legroom and a variety of seating configurations, including captain’s chairs or a bench seat. The third row is surprisingly accommodating for adults, with sufficient headroom and legroom for comfortable journeys. Cargo space is generous, with ample room for luggage and other belongings.
Technology and Infotainment
The Grand Highlander boasts a cutting-edge infotainment system featuring a large touchscreen display. The interface is intuitive and responsive, with clear graphics and easy-to-use menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, ensuring seamless integration with your smartphone. A premium audio system is available, delivering exceptional sound quality for music and podcasts.
Toyota’s Safety Sense suite of driver-assistance features comes standard on the Grand Highlander, providing advanced safety technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also available.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Grand Highlander Hybrid offers two powertrain options. The standard hybrid system delivers impressive fuel economy without sacrificing performance. The available Hybrid Max powertrain takes things to the next level, providing a more powerful and engaging driving experience. Both options are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that delivers smooth shifts.
The Grand Highlander’s hybrid system strikes a balance between efficiency and performance. It delivers brisk acceleration and ample power for merging and passing. The CVT, while not as engaging as a traditional automatic transmission, contributes to the vehicle’s overall refinement. Fuel economy figures are impressive, making the Grand Highlander an economical choice for a family SUV.
Ride and Handling
Despite its size, the Grand Highlander exhibits surprising agility and handling prowess. The suspension is well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride while maintaining body control in corners. The steering is precise and responsive, giving the driver confidence on winding roads. The Grand Highlander’s ride quality is excellent, absorbing bumps and imperfections with ease.
Third-Row Comfort and Cargo Space
As mentioned earlier, the Grand Highlander’s third row is surprisingly comfortable for adults, with ample headroom and legroom. Access to the third row is also convenient, thanks to the second-row seats that slide and tilt forward.
Cargo space is generous, even with the third row in use. Folding down the third-row seats expands the cargo area significantly, making it easy to accommodate large items. The underfloor storage compartment is also a practical feature for storing smaller items.
Off-Road Capability
While the Grand Highlander is primarily designed for on-road comfort and efficiency, it also offers decent off-road capabilities. Available all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance provide added confidence when venturing off the beaten path. However, serious off-road enthusiasts might prefer a dedicated SUV with more rugged features.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The Grand Highlander is available in a variety of trim levels, offering different levels of equipment and features. Pricing is competitive within the segment, and the hybrid powertrains offer additional value in terms of fuel savings.
Conclusion
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a compelling combination of style, space, comfort, and efficiency. With its versatile interior, advanced technology, and impressive fuel economy, the Grand Highlander is a strong contender in the highly competitive midsize SUV market.
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