That's the most thoughtfully designed vehicle I've ever seen. There seem to be the fewest compromises and sacrifices. Ride, space, fuel economy, power, special details, and price choices. That third row looks accessible and comfortable. A first.
Great informative review. One of the best I’ve seen on the vehicle. Question for you, can you confirm the HP for the standard hybrid? I have seen many many conflicting videos and even Toyota stating between 243 or 245.
This will be a hit for Toyota. A good three row alternative to the much larger Sequoia. The only negative is that I will miss the 3.5L V6 because it was smooth, powerful, and very reliable. Other than that, good job Toyota. Great job Lauren, I am huge fan of the channel.
Yeah we have two Lexuses with that V6, smooth as butter, gas mileage ain’t that great though. Our third Lexus is a just bought 2024 NX350H , even thought it is nowhere as smooth as the V6, we love 39MPG combined, especially city driving where MPG is phenomenal considering it weights almost 4100lbs.
Thank you for the great review! Appreciate the thoroughness. The hybrid options are great - max for power, regular for mileage. Btw, I am from Hawaii, “family” is Ohana not Ohuna.
What I want, and I think a number of people agree with me, is the *option* of a 2nd-row bench seat in the top trim levels. I've got 3 kids, so they need to all go in the 2nd row so we have enough room for all the stuff that 3 kids and their parents entail. More to the point, I need *all* the cargo room that becomes available when the 3rd row is folded flat. Plus, on a road trip, putting someone, anyone, in one of the 3rd row seats is a real bummer for them as well as the parents, who want to be able to talk with the 3rd row occupant. Even though this vehicle has a better 3rd row than most, it''s still not where anyone wants to be for a 3+ hour road trip. Please Toyota (and Lexus, Kia, Hyundai, and others I'm sure) give me an optional 3rd row seat in the top trim with the Hybrid Max powertrain! Thanks for listeneing 🙂 Or do what Honda does in the '23 Pilot (and Acura in the '23-24 MDX) and give us a removable middle seat in the 2nd row.
seriously! 1 of the reasons we stayed away from the highlander was space, it felt cramped! not sure what their thought process was to call the highlander a 3-row.
Hi Lauren, thanks for the nice review, and for being responsive to questions. Speaking of which, on the MID, I saw what looked like some map lines in the center of the display. Is there actually the ability to display at least a little bit of the map in the instrument cluster (MID)? Any street names? Same question about the HUD. Do I only get instructions ("Turn left after the gas station") or do I get to see some of the map? I look forward to your Lexus TX review sometime later this year.
We don’t have all the details on the TX yet. They are updating all the technology- we will get to review it in the fall. I wish I could answer that question now, no one has that answer. Soon. Your welcome and happy to help
Please note that the eCVT transmission on the hybrid is not a conventional CVT transmission. It has 2 motors and a planetary gearset that varies the drive speed. It is much more reliable than a conventional CVT.
We have a 2021 Sienna XSE AWD. We just ordered a Grand Highlander Limited with the 2.5L Hybrid. We love the Sienna powertrain for the mpg (35-36 during non winter months). I am searching for specs in the cargo space with all seats folded (length width height plus the tailgate opening measurements). We haul ebikes in our van. The Grand will be my work vehicle and some road trips. Thanks for the review !
LOVE you and your stuff !. You are the best at explaining the fact and just the facts. Even stuff I did not know that I wanted to know. I listen to you on the radio talk shows you do in Niagara Falls and Buffalo.
@@CarCoachReports Not that it matters,but I drive a 2016 Toyota 4 Runner. And really think it is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. Not at 70K miles and I plan on keeping her for a few years. So your above breakdown of the new Highlander got me thinking !
i love this car! i have the 22 model and its so smooth on the interstate freeway. its like a quiet ride! i will upgrade to this year once it comes out!
Awesome review! Thanks. Which vehicle would you suggest for passenger space in all 3 rows, passenger comfort, and driving dynamics between - Grand Highlander, Atlas, Traverse, Enclave, Pilot, Durango, Pallisade? Thanks.
That is a tough call - I would drive both and see which feels more comfortable to you. There will be no deals on the Grand Highlander, Kia Telluride or Palisade. I’d suggest checking insurance rates too. Hope that helps. You can’t make a bad choice on any of these SUVs
@@CarCoachReports true, longer warranty period don’t mean a lot if is rarely break down. That’s base on my experience with Toyota and Lexus in the last 25+ years ownership.
We had two Telluride SXP, buy the Toyota. Kia/Hyundai will fight you to the end of the earth when you try to exercise that 100k warranty in my exp. When you start digging into the details of the build quality and materials the differences between Kia vs Toyota are staggering. We had two Telly's, had a 3rd on order and decided ultimately it wasn't worth a third try. Buy the GH all day! That's what we'll be doing.
The one thing that really bothers me about the new Grand Highlander has nothing to do with its great amenities and improvements in power and size. It’s when a test driver who has years of experience driving hundreds of different vehicles, describes the “ body roll” or FLOATY” feeling when changing lanes or on a curvy road. If you have driven over hundreds of thousands of miles like I have with about 40 different vehicles, that feeling is disconcerting at best. It’s a feeling of loss of control, like when you need to pass another vehicle and need to get back into the right lane on a busy highway or freeway. When I’m transporting my family, this body float feeling is worrisome. Imagine you need to make a sudden lane change with any SUV (because of their high center of gravity) a roll over is a possibility. The Honda Pilot does NOT exhibit this problem like the Grand Highlander. Just sayin.
That's the most thoughtfully designed vehicle I've ever seen. There seem to be the fewest compromises and sacrifices. Ride, space, fuel economy, power, special details, and price choices. That third row looks accessible and comfortable. A first.
Toyota got this one correct. You will love it
Great review Lauren!
I finally found the video showing where the spare tire is. Thank you!
Great informative review. One of the best I’ve seen on the vehicle. Question for you, can you confirm the HP for the standard hybrid? I have seen many many conflicting videos and even Toyota stating between 243 or 245.
This will be a hit for Toyota. A good three row alternative to the much larger Sequoia. The only negative is that I will miss the 3.5L V6 because it was smooth, powerful, and very reliable. Other than that, good job Toyota. Great job Lauren, I am huge fan of the channel.
Thank you! I agree this is going to be huge for Toyota. Tacoma is really hard to beat.
Yeah we have two Lexuses with that V6, smooth as butter, gas mileage ain’t that great though. Our third Lexus is a just bought 2024 NX350H , even thought it is nowhere as smooth as the V6, we love 39MPG combined, especially city driving where MPG is phenomenal considering it weights almost 4100lbs.
I totally agree.... I think if this was a V-6 , it would be the number one three row SUV for 2024.... JMO.
Thank you for the great review! Appreciate the thoroughness. The hybrid options are great - max for power, regular for mileage. Btw, I am from Hawaii, “family” is Ohana not Ohuna.
What I want, and I think a number of people agree with me, is the *option* of a 2nd-row bench seat in the top trim levels. I've got 3 kids, so they need to all go in the 2nd row so we have enough room for all the stuff that 3 kids and their parents entail. More to the point, I need *all* the cargo room that becomes available when the 3rd row is folded flat. Plus, on a road trip, putting someone, anyone, in one of the 3rd row seats is a real bummer for them as well as the parents, who want to be able to talk with the 3rd row occupant. Even though this vehicle has a better 3rd row than most, it''s still not where anyone wants to be for a 3+ hour road trip. Please Toyota (and Lexus, Kia, Hyundai, and others I'm sure) give me an optional 3rd row seat in the top trim with the Hybrid Max powertrain! Thanks for listeneing 🙂 Or do what Honda does in the '23 Pilot (and Acura in the '23-24 MDX) and give us a removable middle seat in the 2nd row.
Great review. Beautiful family suv
Thanks - I agree!
I can't wait to get one. I'm interested in the hybrid 4wd.
When are the regular hybrid grand highlander reviews coming? Have one on order, curious about how it moves this big suv.
We drove all trim levels - they are very similar except for motor. Do you have questions?
How does it drive? It seems big,,,, is it like driving a van?
Also hybrid xle has same engine as rav4 xle but with a bigger body?
That’s exactly what the regular Highlander should have been for a while now. But thankfully Toyota finally sees the upside in a real 3 row SUV.
seriously! 1 of the reasons we stayed away from the highlander was space, it felt cramped! not sure what their thought process was to call the highlander a 3-row.
Hi Lauren, thanks for the nice review, and for being responsive to questions. Speaking of which, on the MID, I saw what looked like some map lines in the center of the display. Is there actually the ability to display at least a little bit of the map in the instrument cluster (MID)? Any street names? Same question about the HUD. Do I only get instructions ("Turn left after the gas station") or do I get to see some of the map? I look forward to your Lexus TX review sometime later this year.
We don’t have all the details on the TX yet. They are updating all the technology- we will get to review it in the fall. I wish I could answer that question now, no one has that answer. Soon. Your welcome and happy to help
Adding "Grand" to the name increases the price $10,000
Did the dashboard display show vehicles in your blind spot like the CX90 does?
Please note that the eCVT transmission on the hybrid is not a conventional CVT transmission. It has 2 motors and a planetary gearset that varies the drive speed. It is much more reliable than a conventional CVT.
We have a 2021 Sienna XSE AWD. We just ordered a Grand Highlander Limited with the 2.5L Hybrid. We love the Sienna powertrain for the mpg (35-36 during non winter months). I am searching for specs in the cargo space with all seats folded (length width height plus the tailgate opening measurements). We haul ebikes in our van. The Grand will be my work vehicle and some road trips. Thanks for the review !
If they can make enough this will be a gigantic hit. I find it much more appealing than the Korean twins with those two hybrid powertrains.
LOVE you and your stuff !.
You are the best at explaining the fact and just the facts.
Even stuff I did not know that I wanted to know.
I listen to you on the radio talk shows you do in Niagara Falls and Buffalo.
Thanks for watching and listening - hope it helps you
@@CarCoachReports Not that it matters,but I drive a 2016 Toyota 4 Runner.
And really think it is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned.
Not at 70K miles and I plan on keeping her for a few years.
So your above breakdown of the new Highlander got me thinking !
i love this car! i have the 22 model and its so smooth on the interstate freeway. its like a quiet ride! i will upgrade to this year once it comes out!
👍
Awesome review! Thanks. Which vehicle would you suggest for passenger space in all 3 rows, passenger comfort, and driving dynamics between - Grand Highlander, Atlas, Traverse, Enclave, Pilot, Durango, Pallisade? Thanks.
Of the choices you listed - the Palisade and the Grand Highlander are my top choices
@@CarCoachReports Awesome! Thank you so much. Appreciate the response 😊👍
Like everyone else, you forgot to show the ambient lights (evening interior lights). It would be a nice touch to see it.
The only problem is the Toyota predatory dealerships. The extra fees are predatory. Wish we could buy directly from Toyota.
Lauren- great review. by the way it's Hybrid Max not Hypermax. 😂
8-way adjustable seats on the top trim and no adaptive dampers? I guess they have to save the more "luxurious" features for the Lexus brand
true
Can you please do the Toyota sienna AWD drive
5:29 that center piece is already beat up from moving it around. Good feature nonetheless
I don't like it. But I definitely would own one. It's a Toyota😊.
88th Thumbs up! Super review, Lauren!
Would you recommend this over the Hyundai Palisade?
That is a tough call - I would drive both and see which feels more comfortable to you. There will be no deals on the Grand Highlander, Kia Telluride or Palisade. I’d suggest checking insurance rates too. Hope that helps. You can’t make a bad choice on any of these SUVs
@@CarCoachReports thank you!
That is true but Hyundai and KIa have a longer warranty.
@@CarCoachReports true, longer warranty period don’t mean a lot if is rarely break down. That’s base on my experience with Toyota and Lexus in the last 25+ years ownership.
We had two Telluride SXP, buy the Toyota. Kia/Hyundai will fight you to the end of the earth when you try to exercise that 100k warranty in my exp.
When you start digging into the details of the build quality and materials the differences between Kia vs Toyota are staggering.
We had two Telly's, had a 3rd on order and decided ultimately it wasn't worth a third try. Buy the GH all day! That's what we'll be doing.
Great looking wagon. Not happy about Toyota deep sixing the V6
Agreed
The one thing that really bothers me about the new Grand Highlander has nothing to do with its great amenities and improvements in power and size. It’s when a test driver who has years of experience driving hundreds of different vehicles, describes the “ body roll” or FLOATY” feeling when changing lanes or on a curvy road. If you have driven over hundreds of thousands of miles like I have with about 40 different vehicles, that feeling is disconcerting at best. It’s a feeling of loss of control, like when you need to pass another vehicle and need to get back into the right lane on a busy highway or freeway. When I’m transporting my family, this body float feeling is worrisome. Imagine you need to make a sudden lane change with any SUV (because of their high center of gravity) a roll over is a possibility. The Honda Pilot does NOT exhibit this problem like the Grand Highlander. Just sayin.
Looks like a frugal Lexus LX
This should’ve been the Highlander from the start lol… manufacturers just want more ways to get money out of consumers
Toyota should give it a different name if they really want to to be different from the Highlander.
Right Now, a choice between Ha, ha, The lyric, Ocean, or the Grand highlander.
🚘🤩 🚘⛽️ 🚘👨👩👦👦👨👩👦👦
I need a car/Truck or wagon/cuv/suv with serious nuts. Lossa T'. I would this because it's a Toyota, I know it will last.
Hyper max engine is your style
@@CarCoachReports 100 my style
@@CarCoachReports You know me all too well. 😂
NEWS FLASH TOYOTA HITS IT OUT OF THE PARK AGAIN!😊
agreed
Too much weight for the T4
It is not a game changer. It has a low rent interior, it’s overpriced and lacks features
The telluride palette are the true game changers.
$5000-10000 markup boycott Toyota
Coming from @alvazquez channel to find Lauren from the last video.