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Driving.ca has a new review with the Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid MAX AWD


Toyota’s (additional) foray into the three-row large crossover segment bears the hallmarks of a safe expansion plan that’s typical of Toyota: established name, proven powertrains, and recognizable styling. For proof, look at the other end of this brand’s crossover size spectrum and witness the equally-new Corolla Cross which also bears those three pillars designed to draw on the familiar — and make it better.

It is worth noting that a Grand Highlander XLE with the non-MAX hybrid powertrain is priced at $55,865, a sum more than 10 grand south of our tester yet has equivalent space for people and their stuff, is much more fuel efficient, and still has legions of amenities. If you remain satisfied after sampling its powertrain with fewer ponies in the corral (and don’t need to tow more than 3,500 pounds), it may just be the pick of this particular litter.
 
Discussion starter · #31 ·
Great points here on how much the extra space helps.
Conclusion: Well Thought Out And Executed
While the Grand Highlander is a little more expensive than its main rivals, the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, it's equipped in such a way that the features match the price point - and it offers the benefits of hybridization, which neither of the aforementioned competitors currently do. For what it costs, the Grand Highlander feels like nothing is missing and everything is laid out logically and with utility in mind. It's nothing special to pilot, but it's designed to be easy to drive and can comfortably be used daily. It's also more efficient than competitors, even without hybrid assistance, which is naturally the most economical powertrain in the lineup. The Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at an MSRP of $44,670 and asks $58,125 for the Hybrid Max Platinum.
The Grand Highlander is an example of a vehicle produced to meet market demands where something else already fits the bill. The Toyota Sienna exists and ticks most of the same boxes the Grand Highlander does, up to and including all-wheel drive and hybrid efficiency; admittedly, it's not nearly as powerful or handsome. The vast majority of people who will buy the Grand Highlander would be just as well served by the Sienna, but they will want the styling of an SUV. As a beefed-up and better-dressed minivan, the Grand Highlander is one of the best examples out there now. You'll want one of the hybrid versions, though.
 
Great points here on how much the extra space helps.
Conclusion: Well Thought Out And Executed
While the Grand Highlander is a little more expensive than its main rivals, the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, it's equipped in such a way that the features match the price point - and it offers the benefits of hybridization, which neither of the aforementioned competitors currently do. For what it costs, the Grand Highlander feels like nothing is missing and everything is laid out logically and with utility in mind. It's nothing special to pilot, but it's designed to be easy to drive and can comfortably be used daily. It's also more efficient than competitors, even without hybrid assistance, which is naturally the most economical powertrain in the lineup. The Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at an MSRP of $44,670 and asks $58,125 for the Hybrid Max Platinum.
The Grand Highlander is an example of a vehicle produced to meet market demands where something else already fits the bill. The Toyota Sienna exists and ticks most of the same boxes the Grand Highlander does, up to and including all-wheel drive and hybrid efficiency; admittedly, it's not nearly as powerful or handsome. The vast majority of people who will buy the Grand Highlander would be just as well served by the Sienna, but they will want the styling of an SUV. As a beefed-up and better-dressed minivan, the Grand Highlander is one of the best examples out there now. You'll want one of the hybrid versions, though.
Yeah the extra space it offers really sets itself apart from the Telluride and Palisade.
 
The Drive shared a new review with the Grand Highlander today.


Value and Verdict

Normally, I’d say 60 grand for an extra-big Highlander is pretty bad value but two things are keeping me from doing so. One is the simple fact that cars are expensive nowadays. You can’t get into a decent Honda Accord for under $30,000. The other is the Grand Highlander’s sheer goodness. If you don’t want something sporty—and let’s be real, 90% of SUV buyers do not—there’s nothing the Grand Highlander can’t do. And when you pair it with the Hybrid Max powertrain, it has both the punch to satisfy speedier drivers and the efficiency to keep you from feeling guilty about it.

Big, comfy family haulers aren’t sexy. They aren’t fun or exciting and they aren’t what kids dream about owning. But neither are tools and getting the right tool for the job just feels so damn good. There lies the appeal of the Toyota Grand Highlander. There’s nothing crazy about it, nothing to make people stop and stare. But living with it feels like owning the right tool, something that just does its job perfectly. And it feels great.
 
Discussion starter · #39 ·
Here's a good review from an owner who reached 10,000 miles on their Grand Highlander.

It's refreshing to see such a genuine and relatable take on both family moments and car reviews.
The challenges with the infotainment system and the hatch design really resonate, especially for those of us who rely on our cars for family needs.
 
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