With five crossover models plus two truck-based SUVs, it is hard to imagine that Toyota didn’t have a dedicated 3-row crossover before this year. But Toyota made it worth the wait with the introduction of the Grand Highlander. Valley Hi Toyota is happy to announce that Car and Driver named it to its 2024 10Best awards.
While its name may imply a stretched Highlander, it is much more than that. This is clearly a different model inside and out, with its own exterior and interior design, and is thoroughly dedicated to the job of transporting three rows of passengers in comfort and carrying their things.
How Models are Selected
Car and Driver invites all-new, redesigned, and significantly changed models with a starting price of under $110,000 to be candidates for their 10Best awards. They also bring in the winner of last year’s award for each category. If the newbies don’t beat the previous winner they give it to the previous winner again, as was the case this year for the Toyota 86 sports car. But in this case, the all-new Grand Highlander did beat the competition and did so handily.
Impressive Room
Starting with the Grand Highlander’s reason for being, Car and Driver was impressed that it could seat 8, as many competitors fell short of that figure by one. Plus, even adult passengers in the 3rd row have adequate room. Even with all the seats up, they found adequate space in the cargo area. Passengers also have plenty of cubbies for personal storage at hand.
Very Impressive Drivetrain
They were particularly impressed with the Hybrid Max powertrain available in the Limited and Platinum grades. The system combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter with Toyota’s hybrid system electric motor and a 6-speed automatic transmission (not a CVT) with a second electric motor doing duty in propelling the rear wheels. The total power of the system is 362 horsepower, upon which Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 time of just 5.6 seconds. At the same time, it delivers 27 combined EPA-estimated mpg, which stands out among vehicles this size.
“This level of acceleration and fuel economy in a mainstream three-row SUV is a game changer.” —Tony Quiroga, Car and Driver Editor-in-Chief. They further described the general driving experience with the Hybrid Max drivetrain as follows:
“…the many components of Hybrid Max combine in a linear, seamless way, providing smooth power delivery and responsive acceleration. Throttle tip-in is particularly excellent, and the brake pedal doesn’t exhibit the unpredictable weirdness of many other hybrids.”
Getting the Details Right
They found that all the controls work well without any infotainment foibles and were grateful that Toyota didn’t ask the 12.3-inch touchscreen to do everything with an adequate array of physical controls. Regarding the exterior, the Highlander was described as “Handsome and nicely proportioned” and a “carefully considered boxy shape that expertly balances form and function.”
Car and Driver bestowing the Grand Highlander with their 10Best award is basically their way of saying that it is presently the best 3-row crossover on the market. They summed it up this way: “It’s far more than just a bigger version of the Highlander; it leapfrogs its competitors, providing just the right combination of practicality, refinement, and driving satisfaction.” If you are interested in a 3-row crossover for your home, come to Valley Hi Toyota and see for yourself what impressed Car and Driver.
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