Introducing the Toyota Grand Highlander: Spacious Seating, Powerful Hybrid Engine, and Impressive Features
- Authors
- Published on
- Published on
- Name
- By Dushyant
- (@dishs)
The Toyota Grand Highlander has arrived, and let me tell you, it's making quite the entrance. It's like me introducing myself as the Majestic Christen Lee. The name may sound grand, but this SUV lives up to it. Now, before you dismiss it as just a bigger version of the regular Highlander, think again. This is a whole new beast, my friends. It may share a name and some similarities in appearance, but it's larger in every dimension. It's longer, taller, and wider, with more trapezoidal lines that give it a geometric edge.
But let's not get hung up on the exterior. It's what's inside that truly matters. The Grand Highlander can seat either seven or eight people, depending on the configuration. And let me tell you, the third row is where the magic happens. Unlike many three-row SUVs, where the third row feels like an afterthought, cramped and uncomfortable, Toyota has gone above and beyond. They claim that the third row in the Grand Highlander is even bigger than the regular Highlander's, and it's only slightly smaller than the mighty Sequoia. So, naturally, I had to put it to the test.
I hopped into the back, and let me tell you, it's a revelation. The second-row seats slide on rails, making it easy to access the third row. And once you're back there, it's surprisingly spacious. As someone who falls between 5'3" and 5'9", depending on the dating app, I had no issues with headroom, legroom, or shoulder room. The seats were comfortable, and I could easily imagine spending hours back there without any complaints. Well, except for one small issue—the cubby in front of me limited my legroom. But fear not, my friends, because that cubby is removable, allowing you to stretch out and relax.
Now, let's talk about practicality. With the third row upright, the Grand Highlander still offers impressive trunk space. I put it to the test with a full-size suitcase, and it swallowed it up with room to spare. So, whether you're planning a road trip or just need to haul some groceries, this SUV has got you covered.
But let's not forget about the driving experience. We had the pleasure of testing the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max all-wheel drive, equipped with a powerful 2.4L turbocharged hybrid engine. With 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, this SUV has some serious oomph. And trust me, you'll need it because this car is no lightweight. But fear not, the brakes are excellent, providing a good feel and accuracy. The steering, surprisingly, is not your typical feather-light affair. It has good weight and feels satisfying to use, with impressive accuracy.
After spending some quality time with the Grand Highlander, I can confidently say that Toyota has hit the mark with this SUV. It looks great, drives like a dream, and offers a usable third row and a spacious trunk. In a crowded market of midsize three-row SUVs, the Grand Highlander stands out with its hybrid option and Toyota's renowned reliability. It's a winning combination that's sure to attract a legion of buyers. So, watch out, competition, because Toyota's got a winner on their hands with the Grand Highlander.
Image copyright Youtube
Image copyright Youtube
Image copyright Youtube
Image copyright Youtube
Watch First Drive: Toyota Grand Highlander - So What Makes This Highlander So Grand? | MotorTrend on Youtube
Viewer Reactions for First Drive: Toyota Grand Highlander - So What Makes This Highlander So Grand? | MotorTrend
Archer wishes the car was electric
Jack Cooper thinks the Land Cruiser is priced higher than this car
Helmut Diggy finds the design outdated
ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΣ prefers driving a Land Cruiser for off-road use
Independent thinker suggests buying American cars
Ken Ji comments on the person's mullet hairstyle
Related Articles
Explore GM Muscle Cars from 1964-1984 on MotorTrend Channel's Roadkill Junkyard Gold
Tune in to the MotorTrend Channel for Roadkill's Junkyard Gold to explore the many faces of GM muscle from 1964-1984. Host Steve Magnotti takes viewers on a journey to Sundell Auto Specialties, a 10-acre collection of GM muscle cars, to find the next Roadkill junkyard rescue project.
Engine Masters: Watch Steve and Sam Build a 1,000 Horsepower 1931 Ford Model A Coupe
MotorTrend Channel is the go-to source for car reviews, new car launches, auto show coverage, and more. In their latest episode of Engine Masters, host Steve Dulc and his buddy Sam Stru are building a 1931 Ford Model A Coupe to be a dedicated race car, and they're hoping to make 1,000 horsepower naturally aspirated.
Explore the World of Funny Car Folk Art with MotorTrend Channel: Ravel's 1967 Chevelle SS 396
Join the MotorTrend Channel as they explore the world of Funny Car Folk Art and make Ravel’s 1967 Chevelle SS 396 come to life. They'll be altering the wheelbase, adding a big block engine, and using a floating front suspension like the cars in the middle of a wheelie. There are no rules - you can make these things whatever you want!
Exclusive Interview with Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company, on the Future of Ford and EVs
MotorTrend Channel presents an exclusive interview with Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company, conducted by Ed Lowe and Johnny Lieberman. The interview took place at Farley's personal garage during Monterey car week. Topics discussed include the future of Ford, EVs, autonomy, software-defined vehicles, and Ford's adoption of Tesla's charging standard. The interview also covers the new Mustang GTD and the potential split of Ford into three separate companies. This exciting conversation showcases Farley's passion for cars and his insights into the changing automotive industry.