(Words by Scott Wasser. Photos by Kevin Nguyen)
Given its popularity, consumers apparently have considered Toyota’s Highlander a pretty grand crossover since it debuted as a 2001 model. For 2024, however, Toyota delivered a new Highlander variant that is Grand in name as well as in the way it delivers even more of what consumers want in a family vehicle.
The Highlander has always been well-rounded and versatile, even before it gained third-row seating in 2004. But even as it grew in size, its third row remained better suited to kids and car seats than average-size adults.
Enter the Grand Highlander. Compared to a regular Highlander, the Grand provides nearly 29 percent more cargo space behind the third-row seatbacks and gives passengers about an inch more headroom and 5.5 more inches of legroom. That makes the third row actually adult-friendly.
Ride
comfort remains a Highlander highlight in both versions, but the Grand adds
additional tech and safety features. It also costs more, ranging in starting
price from around $43,400 to $58,500. There are a total of seven trim levels; four
with hybrid power and three with a conventional 2.4L turbo engine like our
Platinum trim test car.
Hits:
- Noticeably larger than the regular Highlander, it’s one
of the roomiest midsize crossovers on the market.
- Delivers
a comfortable and mostly (see below) quiet ride.
- Interior is filled with creature comfort features, tech treats, and large
and ample storage spaces.
Misses:
- Standard 2.4L turbocharged engine feels somewhat unrefined
and underpowered during full-throttle highway merging and passing.
- No shortage of hard plastic panels and pieces throughout the cabin.
- Road noise can be noticeable on Maine’s course highway surfaces.
Comments
Post a Comment