[Administrator]

 

[Administrator]

 

[DrivingHLsince2001]

Now that Toyota has unveiled the 2023 Sequoia, it looks as if this prototype frame bears a striking resemblance to the Sequoia, especially with the strong crease along the belt line, as well as the angles of the back side windows, the cutout for the taillights, and the seam of the rear quarter panel.

We may be back to square one as to what the Grand Highlander will look like. I just hope this isn’t indicative of Toyota‘s slow progress on the GHL, or that they might be delaying any launch until the 2024 model year, by which time the competition will likely be offering similar size SUVs in hybrid, PHEV, and even EV versions.

Another concern is raised by the new Sequoia. Videos and photos of its third row show adults having too-close-encounters with their knees. If the GHL is supposed to have third row space in between the current Highlander and the Sequoia, it will still not address the most common complaint about the current generation Highlander.

Now waiting with fingers crossed…

 

[HopelessWanderer]

Now that Toyota has unveiled the 2023 Sequoia, it looks as if this prototype frame bears a striking resemblance to the Sequoia, especially with the strong crease along the belt line, as well as the angles of the back side windows, the cutout for the taillights, and the seam of the rear quarter panel.

We may be back to square one as to what the Grand Highlander will look like. I just hope this isn’t indicative of Toyota‘s slow progress on the GHL, or that they might be delaying any launch until the 2024 model year, by which time the competition will likely be offering similar size SUVs in hybrid, PHEV, and even EV versions.

Another concern is raised by the new Sequoia. Videos and photos of its third row show adults having too-close-encounters with their knees. If the GHL is supposed to have third row space in between the current Highlander and the Sequoia, it will still not address the most common complaint about the current generation Highlander.

Now waiting with fingers crossed…

Welcome to the forum @DrivingHLsince2001! It's possible that this is the Sequoia. But I also wouldn't be surprised if Toyota made the Grand Highlander look similar to the Sequoia as well.

Have you been looking at any other SUVs while we wait on the Grand Highlander?

 

[DrivingHLsince2001]

Thanks for the greeting, Hopeless Wanderer.

i‘ve test driven the current generation Highlander hybrid Platinum, the Sienna hybrid (minivan heresy, I know), and the Kia Sorento hybrid. You’re seeing a pattern. Yes, i’ve been looking for a more gas stingy SUV, even before Putin’s war.

We‘ve wanted a family hauler that would accommodate the grandkids on day trips and vacations, hence the consideration of the Sienna, but Toyota hasn’t invested as much polish in the Sienna as in the Highlander. Given sales volume, it’s understandable, but with comparable prices, it’s easier to see where the money went in the Highlander. Unfortunately, that third row is more like a jump seat, so the Grand Highlander, if executed well, sounds like a great choice.

Incidentally, the Sorento was appealing, with sportier handling, and with a two seater third row that was more comfortable than the Highlander’s, but the trade off was a very small luggage area, no AWD available in the hybrid (now available in the PHEV Sorento), and reliability a notch below Toyota’s.

The reason I mentioned my concern about the Grand Highlander’s being delayed until 2024 is that by then Kia is likely to have an electrified Telluride, which will be a very attractive option. There also could be two large size three row SUV EVs, a Kia and a Hyundai, with their rapid change 800 volt charging system. I just hope Toyota isn’t taking for granted their current commanding sales positions with Highlander and Rav 4.

 

[Lundy]

Those photos seem to be body of the 2023 Sequoia!!

 

[HopelessWanderer]

Those photos seem to be body of the 2023 Sequoia!!

Welcome to the forum @Lundy. It's hard to say. In hindsight it could be the Sequoia, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Grand Highlander ends up looking similar to the Seqouia either.

 

[Lundy]

It is hard to tell for some certainty. Don't see mounting pads for the body to sit on the frame but on the other hand, there are no photos showing clearly if there are towers for the shocks & springs to indicate that it is a unibody. Well!