Lots more money for salespeople who did NOTHING to contribute to the design, development, testing, or manufacturing of this desirable vehicle. All this mark-up money needs to go to all the folks who actually worked hard on making this car, not the do-nothing sales dorks.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED that blooper… should definitely leave some more in now and then. So sorry about your camera though… my heart sunk just watching that camera traverse it’s way to ground…
Alex you are the best reviewer. So I know you realize it's hard to get so many of the vehicle's you review if not impossible. If one is on the lot they have a market adjustment plus addendum.
I think I like the Limited Hybrid Max -- Sunroofs are overated and I love that they keep the ventilated seat up front. Great content +++ for TH-cam algorithm
Pricing is quite surprising considering how much extra leg room you get, I would’ve expected a 3k price difference per comparable trim, this now really should reclassify the Highlander vs the sorento, which is much cheaper
It has 0.9 inches more combined legroom than a palisade or telluride, but at the top trim, there is a 6K cost difference, including destination. The fuel economy is a great selling point, although the MSRP difference will negate it.
I hope there are Grand Highlanders on dealership lots that are under $50,000! Maybe Toyota is realizing prices are insane and sales are slowing down! I would love to get a 4 door 4x4 Tacoma for about $40,000!!
Bahaha - love the bleeps. The Grand Highlander looks like a very strong entry in the segment, and it sounds like Toyota has addressed some of the roughness of turbo 4s sound. Glad to (not) hear that. The space, appointments, and Hybrid Max with its MPG and power are real competitive differentiators. Makes one wonder - what's the point of the Sequoia?
@@alwaysiyi272 Meh. Practically anything else in the Sequoia's segment is a better option. Not enough value added to pay another fifteen g's above a much faster, roomier, MASSIVELY more fuel efficient Grand Highlander Hybrid Max in the Toyota family. Toyota cannibalized itself with this one, IMO.
@@joec1774 yeah but the person who is going to buy a sequoia isn’t going to even glance at the Grand Highlander if you just want a family hauler then yeah the GH does a way better job than the Sequoia, but if you wanna do anything remotely off-road or over landing related then the Sequoia your only option
Alex, The 34 mpg Hybrid is genuinely in a league of its own. Will the waiting lists be as 'Bigger = Better' as they are for every other Toyota Hybrid? 🤔
Call around for dealers that only charge MSRP. Far and few between but they exist. Wait times are real though. I waited 9 months to get my Sienna last month
We want the Hybrid Max for sure, but price might be out of our range. If we had to get the regular hybrid, we probably just look at the Sienna for more interior space.
I almost bought one but I didnt. realized that hybrid max isnt worth it. It gives 26 mpg on paper so real world numbers will be around the same as any other non hybrid with similar power capacity. Consider pilot for example. Similar mpg and power and costs 10 grand less, readily available. So you would have to drive the Grand highlander 150K miles to breakeven that $10 you paid - guess what - that will be the exact same time by when your $8k hybrid battery will die. And also gotta consider the higher maintenance for 3 engines - hybrid, turbo and 4 cylinder. Plus hybrid costs more insurance. Nah.. Imma pass and get myself a v6 unless theres an equally good 3 row ev out there
So Toyota gave the GH way more space, better fuel economy than it’s competitors and more power than anything performance related vs it’s competitions and most importantly kept the price in check? I have to say I’m really impressed with this package. I’m excited to see how the Lexus TX will take things further
@@chezzyperson3339 well I’m saying something not performance related. The ST is the distinct performance line of the Explorer and the the GH, does get pretty close to the horsepower number
@@alwaysiyi272 well not really. Because the hybrid max can get very expensive. At 60k you’re not far off an MDX type s. Both are 3 rows and seat 7 and have performance engines. What’s odd is that the MDX is heavier, has the same horsepower, less torque, yet it’s significantly faster than the grand Highlander that’s lighter and it has significantly more torque and more instant torque thanks to the electric motors. The MDX clearly isn’t limiting torque in lower gears as is typical for a fwd car
@@naveenthemachine I get what you’re saying but I don’t think the GH is targeting the same market as the MDX, one is a dedicated performance trim while the other is just a quick crossover plus the 0-60 is not terrible off. Most magazines got 5.5 for the Type S and the fastest I’ve seen for the GH HybridMax is 6.0 flat so it’s just 0.5 seconds slower while being bigger on the inside, which isn’t too bad in my opinion.
We have different definitions of "kept the price in check". They're into luxury car prices. For 60k, I'd just get an infiniti QX60 and in nearly top trim.
One of the worst thing with Toyota is that you can’t get 8 seater if need higher model. This is really the worst part. I hope Toyota fix this issue and allow to have 8 seater option on higher models.
Thanks so much for this thorough review. Just put my name on a Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum sight unseen, which would have felt pretty scary without this type of review. It’s so helpful to see all the details you cover and know how well it will fit our needs. I’ll get to do my own test drive in a month!
My wife has a highlander and I was looking at getting a mini-van for my next car because I wanted a slightly larger car, but if this has basically the same room as a mini-van and its around the same price as a normal highlander, I am way more inclined to buy this. I love my wife highlander and she wanted me to get one over a mini-van, so I also think she would be happy with this decision as well.
I wish there was more information about the performance of the regular hybrid engine in the larger/heavier Grand Highlander. I’m inclined to go for that one due to the cost savings up front and in the long term based on mpg. I am just worried that it will feel underpowered, especially when loaded up.
Nooooo!!! I hope the camera & lens are alright! That looked like quite a fall! It seems like Toyota did a great job with the design of this vehicle, its a jack of all trades without any serious downsides. I wouldn't be shocked if it ends up outselling the regular highlander and replacing it entirely (as they say, "there can only be one").
I think this Grand Highlander will end up being a serious contender to replace my wife's first gen Toyota Venza once she's finally ready to let it go. She loves that car, however, so it won't be anytime soon. Because I need to drive her car occasionally, there is need for her vehicle to fit me as well. I'm very tall (6' 10") and finding a vehicle that she likes and that I can drive is typically a very frustrating experience. I'll be checking this car out in a couple years when Toyota dealers actually have one in stock for me to look at. 😉
I didn't know the Hybrid Max drivetrain was available in the Limited - I thought it was only on the Platinum. I'll have to do a spreadsheet to see if that extra $4k is really worth it.
We test drove one. Seats seemed more comfortable for my wife when compared to a 23 highlander. The center counsel was too wide though and that prevented man spreading if you need the seat closer to the steering wheel. Moving the seat all the way back helps. Seats felt cheap though, the driver seat would literally twist a bit when adjusting the back. May give it another try though since I would love the 35 mpg in a family friendly SUV.
Alex, what do you think of the Max as a tow vehicle? Seems like this might be the sweet spot, a 4 cylinder turbo with a little help from the electric motors. Good fuel economy, plus it seems like a decent tow vehicle? Also, do you know which versions might come with a 1500W electrical outlet? Thanks much !!
Looks like this is way better for families over the Sequoia with it's better use of interior space and ride quality, and much cheaper too. Only reason to go Sequoia is to tow over 5000lbs. I have a feeling Toyota kept the tow rating low here to sell more sequoias.
If you want to tow you can get other SUVs like the grand Cherokee or expedition. The sequoia sure tows more but it’s too expensive and it’s significantly less spacious
You're comparing to the CX-90 in the length measurement but not in others (headroom, legroom)... Would be interested to see this model on the comparison list in the future.
I have a 2015 Sienna, and purchased that vehicle for ease of ingress and egress. On a recent trip, I rented the Highlander, and found it just a bit smaller, and more challenging to get in and out of. I'm curious to find out if the Grand Highlander would be similar to the new Sienna for ingress and egress.
GH is taller and the hinged rear doors will be tough in tight parking lots. So ingress/egress will definitely take a hit. IMO, if you are not looking at the MAX you'd probably be better off with a new Sienna Hybrid. But I want the MAX for EV driving around town and the extra oomph. I also like that this is the same size as the Sienna- I have a 2015 as well and like that this will fit in my garage just the same.
Does the standard Hybrid Limited version have 8-seat option? It seems that the demands on 8-seat has been growing more and more (where 8-seat Palisade / Telluride) are always sold out in my area (PNW) but the volumes of those being made are too small.
I don’t understand why no brand offers 8 seat option in their top trims except Honda. Why don’t they maximize the seating capacity? Hopefully, they offer 8 seats in the platinum GH; not very optimistic though.
@@youtubr963 not happening. Platinum is 7 seat only Which is weird because there was a time that in 2017 when the prior gen Highlandergot refreshed it offered 8 seats in the limited and limited platinum trims with the regular v6 engine
Is not mentioned on the video, but it seems like you will lose the second row bench if going for the Platinum, but what about the Limited? Is it available with the bench on the second row?
ALEX - I believe you are mistaken about pulling the 3rd row back and the 2nd row seat pulling back to its most reward position. I believe that once the 2nd row seat is pulled forward for 3rd row seat access, the 2nd row seat engages a mechanism that stops it's movement short of moving all the way back, so as to artificially accommodate the 3rd row passenger at the disadvantage (somewhat) of the 2nd row passenger. With you sitting in the back after access via the 2nd row.... have a 2nd person grab the 2nd row seat adjustment lever and see if they can indeed move the 2nd row seat back further...... I bet it will move backward more.
Price-wise the top trim Hybrid Max Grand Highlander isn't that far off from the top trim CX-90. I realize there's a huge size difference, but if you want comfort and performance and don't need all the extra space, which one would you buy?
@@naveenthemachine Probably so. I was a tad disheartened regarding Alex's comment on how the CX-90 can be jerky at start-up from a standstill. It seems as though Mazda needs a more powerful mild hybrid motor. Obviously I need to drive both and see for myself.
When we drive on highway only, does the hybrid works or only gas engine works ? I think 2.4 liter turbo or 2.5 non-turbo with 7 people and luggage is small engine for a long trip. How many horse power when driving only on highway? Any advices or explanation. Thanks
Interesting you mention wind noise. Highlanders and my 2021 are plagued by wind noise and significant road noise. I would not purchase again for those reasons.
Impressed with he 2nd and 3rd row seats configurations. Especially the 3rd row, they gotabe one of the most usable compared to all it's competitors. Much better interior designs than any Honda or Mazda for sure. For that kind of money plus the legendary reliability and low maintenance of a Toyota, I'd take this Highlander over any German of Japanese counterparts
So apparently Toyota is going to ignore customer demand and is only gloing to build a small number of hybrids, they said 75% of them are going to get the turbo NON-hybrid. Why are they still building only a small number of hybrids on purpose???
Hi thank you so much for this great review. Can you please compare the interior space of the sienna against this, especially the third row seats? I ordered a sienna 8 months ago and the delivery date is unknown. Really like this grand highlander but i need to carry adults (seniors) in the 3rd row so need to find out how it stacks up against the sienna 3rd row.
So let me get this straight: you can order a Toyota Sienna, but you cannot order a Corolla Cross, a Rav4, a Highlander, a Sequoia, a Tundra, or (most definitely) a Grand Highlander???
When i ordered the sienna back in August of 2022, the grand highlander wasn't even announced yet. And other than the grand highlander, why should I even come close to considering the rest of the "minnions" you've mentioned in the Toyota lineup?
@@qichen5316 don't be myopic. Toyota NA doesn't offer a tool for "ordering" vehicles. What you did was tell a dealer what you wanted and they put you on a list for their allocation. That you've been waiting so long - when other dealers have received plenty of what you think you've "ordered" speaks to the insanity of trying to deal with Toyota these days.
@Matt Clark I see what you mean. Yes that's what I did, I put down a deposit at the dealer for a sienna, I did not order it on the website. And you're right, they basically put me on the waiting list. You were trying to confirm if I was actually able to order a sienna through the website because you couldn't do that with the other vehicles you mentioned, and I thought you meant why wouldn't I consider those other vehicles rather than a sienna. Definitely not being myopic. Just a misunderstanding because the point was not clearly communicated.
So were you able to sit in the 2nd row comfortably (with enough legroom) with the driver's seat adjusted for you at ~6' tall? I was barely able to do this yesterday in the Grand Highlander (GH for short), so I'm wondering how I would fit in the 2nd row of the regular Highlander with the driver's seat set for me at 6' 1"? I had my mind blown yesterday when I sat in the 2023 Pilot and 30 minutes later, the GH. The Toyota dealership didn't have a regular Highlander to sit in for a comparison, so I need to find a dealership that has both side by side. There was virtually NO 2nd-row leg room in the GH with the driver's' seat set comfortably for me. My knees were touching the driver's seat! And that was after compromising my driver's position a bit, in other words, reducing the recline and moving the seat a few notches forward. The 2023 Pilot actually had a more comfortable (WRT legroom) 2nd row fit for me - not by more than 1" or 2" at most, but still definitely more comfortable. This was something I absolutely was NOT expecting. And it was the same with the 3rd row - I just barely fit in both, but was more comfortable in the Pilot. Well, as comfortable as someone my height could be in a mid-size SUV's 3rd row, lol! Something that both models lacked was a way to move the 2nd row forward and back while sitting in the 3rd row. Granted if I'm in the 3rd row, it's because someone is sitting in the 2nd row and they could move the seat for me, but still it would be a helpful little extra. I also preferred the way the Pilot's 2nd-row seat moves forward when in the 3rd row - the Pilot has buttons, and the GH has levers. I had to move the lever a lot further than I expected before the seat could be moved. Just a personal preference. I guess this explains why the Pilot has less cubic feet behind the 3rd row than the GH - they chose to allow more overall flexibility in the 1st and 2nd row seating position (and hence the location of the 3rd row.) I just expected the GH's 2nd row captain's chair to slide further back than it did. It really and truly surprised me, given I've watched probably 20 or more reviews of the GH and don't recall anyone saying it was an issue (I guess most of the reviewers were less than 6' 1".)
Price-to-Value makes the standard Highlander *completely* irrelevant. The question now: this is < $10k more than an equivalent Rav4. I'm on the fence: seems like you lose soooo much feature content (and not much mpgs) going to the Rav4. You *really* need the want to have a louder, harder-riding smaller SUV...
ALEX - Question: Does Toyota still insist on shutting down the engine after a remote start when the driver door is opened? This is the worst idea ever in cold climates.... why would a person remote start a car..... just to have it automatically shut the engine off when you open up the door to go somewhere?????
I like that Toyota doesn’t have an “off road” version. They’re not trying to make it something it isn’t.if you want to off road get a 4Runner or Tacoma/Tundra. Who wants to off roading a vehicle this large with overhangs that long.
Alex said he thought it would fit width-wise, but it would stick out the back a little bit (Car Confections measured the depth with the 2nd and 3rd rows down - I can't recall the number.)
Since you have seen it, my son is 6'6" w/ a 37" inseam. Long legs needs a lot of leg room. I'm 6' so will he be able to sit comfortably behind me? He barely fits in my Ram 1500 and I'm looking for an SUV and don't really want to step up to a full size like a Sequoia which is more than I want to spend.
Looks like there is no 8-seat option for any Hybrid Max and the regular platinum trim. Why can't they give us the 8 seat option on all trims? Come on Toyota, give us the option to add the bench seat on Hybrid Max.
I think pretty easily because a lot of folks only need a 3rd row for emergencies, or like me, may never use the 3rd row but need the cargo space with the 3rd row folded down.
@@dimav975 No. Ticks me off. The configurator is up at Toyota's website. XLE is the only 8-seater option. SO STUPID! Make the bench seat an OPTION in higher trims.
Always add the bloopers they're great fun.
Not so fun on this end LOL The camera is very very very dead...
You should have added some singing Alex… a huge missed opportunity imo. Your singing is quite good
Nice blooper Alex! As always, best reviews
We appreciate it!!
Yeah bring back the singing at the end of the video!
the mark-ups on this are going to be INSANE
Correct
Lots more money for salespeople who did NOTHING to contribute to the design, development, testing, or manufacturing of this desirable vehicle. All this mark-up money needs to go to all the folks who actually worked hard on making this car, not the do-nothing sales dorks.
Or no markups. The only one not doing that is ford at the moment I believe.
They can markup as much as they like, cause I am not paying 50+ for a mid size Japanese SUV
@@yummytummy88 most of this segment can reach more than 50k, bruh,, what do you expect ? trying to buy chinese car ?
ABSOLUTELY LOVED that blooper… should definitely leave some more in now and then.
So sorry about your camera though… my heart sunk just watching that camera traverse it’s way to ground…
Alex you are the best reviewer. So I know you realize it's hard to get so many of the vehicle's you review if not impossible. If one is on the lot they have a market adjustment plus addendum.
I think I like the Limited Hybrid Max -- Sunroofs are overated and I love that they keep the ventilated seat up front. Great content +++ for TH-cam algorithm
Same me
And if it has a bench on 2nd row it will be perfect
@@dimav975 Yup, another swing and a miss - why not at least offer the option of deleting captains chairs to get the bench seat back???
Pricing is quite surprising considering how much extra leg room you get, I would’ve expected a 3k price difference per comparable trim, this now really should reclassify the Highlander vs the sorento, which is much cheaper
Sorento is cheaper than Venza and Highlander
@@chezzyperson3339 yeah but dimensions wise it’s similar as well as leg room
@@mike9588 highlander is 6 inches longer than Sorento while Sorento is 3 inches longer than Venza
It has 0.9 inches more combined legroom than a palisade or telluride, but at the top trim, there is a 6K cost difference, including destination. The fuel economy is a great selling point, although the MSRP difference will negate it.
I LOVED that you kept the blooper in there. Hope your camera was okay.
Toyota nailed it! Can't wait for the plug in Prime version!!
I hope there are Grand Highlanders on dealership lots that are under $50,000! Maybe Toyota is realizing prices are insane and sales are slowing down! I would love to get a 4 door 4x4 Tacoma for about $40,000!!
Bahaha - love the bleeps.
The Grand Highlander looks like a very strong entry in the segment, and it sounds like Toyota has addressed some of the roughness of turbo 4s sound. Glad to (not) hear that. The space, appointments, and Hybrid Max with its MPG and power are real competitive differentiators.
Makes one wonder - what's the point of the Sequoia?
The Seqouia is for towing and going off-road
@@alwaysiyi272 Meh. Practically anything else in the Sequoia's segment is a better option. Not enough value added to pay another fifteen g's above a much faster, roomier, MASSIVELY more fuel efficient Grand Highlander Hybrid Max in the Toyota family. Toyota cannibalized itself with this one, IMO.
@@joec1774 yeah but the person who is going to buy a sequoia isn’t going to even glance at the Grand Highlander if you just want a family hauler then yeah the GH does a way better job than the Sequoia, but if you wanna do anything remotely off-road or over landing related then the Sequoia your only option
Primarily If you tow or want a 2 inch bigger touchscreen you get a sequoia
@@naveenthemachine yeah there’s no point in the sequoia, get this instead
loved hearing the bleeps from alex after the camera tipped... glad it turned out alight but glad he left the bloopers in.
Alex, The 34 mpg Hybrid is genuinely in a league of its own. Will the waiting lists be as 'Bigger = Better' as they are for every other Toyota Hybrid? 🤔
the dealer mark-ups are going to be higher than the fuel savings
@@Mgoblagulkablong just wait for demand to go down
34 mpg with an underpowered 2.4 L engine. If you want to get the turbo, it drops down to 26.
Underpowered is relative. It is quicker than most family cars from a generation ago. @@rohannaik7699
Well, let's add this to the list of Toyota that you can't get for MRSP, or to get it even at all in a reasonable timeframe
Call around for dealers that only charge MSRP. Far and few between but they exist. Wait times are real though. I waited 9 months to get my Sienna last month
@@daweed980 Im glad that I don't need a new car now, but feel sorry for the people that do.
Hybrid Max only comes with Captain's Chairs. Which means it's a 4 seater once luggage goes in. Or Top Box will be mandatory
We want the Hybrid Max for sure, but price might be out of our range. If we had to get the regular hybrid, we probably just look at the Sienna for more interior space.
100% agree. There is more value on a mid $30K Toyota mini van then this over price fancy SUV. They already has the Lexus line for the $50K+ car.
I almost bought one but I didnt. realized that hybrid max isnt worth it. It gives 26 mpg on paper so real world numbers will be around the same as any other non hybrid with similar power capacity. Consider pilot for example. Similar mpg and power and costs 10 grand less, readily available. So you would have to drive the Grand highlander 150K miles to breakeven that $10 you paid - guess what - that will be the exact same time by when your $8k hybrid battery will die. And also gotta consider the higher maintenance for 3 engines - hybrid, turbo and 4 cylinder. Plus hybrid costs more insurance. Nah.. Imma pass and get myself a v6 unless theres an equally good 3 row ev out there
So Toyota gave the GH way more space, better fuel economy than it’s competitors and more power than anything performance related vs it’s competitions and most importantly kept the price in check? I have to say I’m really impressed with this package. I’m excited to see how the Lexus TX will take things further
Explorer ST has the most horsepower at 400 not counting the Durango Hellcat
@@chezzyperson3339 well I’m saying something not performance related. The ST is the distinct performance line of the Explorer and the the GH, does get pretty close to the horsepower number
@@alwaysiyi272 well not really. Because the hybrid max can get very expensive. At 60k you’re not far off an MDX type s. Both are 3 rows and seat 7 and have performance engines. What’s odd is that the MDX is heavier, has the same horsepower, less torque, yet it’s significantly faster than the grand Highlander that’s lighter and it has significantly more torque and more instant torque thanks to the electric motors. The MDX clearly isn’t limiting torque in lower gears as is typical for a fwd car
@@naveenthemachine I get what you’re saying but I don’t think the GH is targeting the same market as the MDX, one is a dedicated performance trim while the other is just a quick crossover plus the 0-60 is not terrible off. Most magazines got 5.5 for the Type S and the fastest I’ve seen for the GH HybridMax is 6.0 flat so it’s just 0.5 seconds slower while being bigger on the inside, which isn’t too bad in my opinion.
We have different definitions of "kept the price in check". They're into luxury car prices. For 60k, I'd just get an infiniti QX60 and in nearly top trim.
One of the worst thing with Toyota is that you can’t get 8 seater if need higher model. This is really the worst part. I hope Toyota fix this issue and allow to have 8 seater option on higher models.
Same problem with Telluride and Palisade and new Mazda CX-90.
Honda seems to be the only company that gets this
@@almassengale Exactly. Come on everyone else, at least let us click an option box for the 2nd row bench seat. Please!!!!!
Monster review as usual. You Sr know how to show comparisons and it’s the ultimate buying tool. Thanks for an excellent job.
This is 110% my family’s next car as soon as my Wrangler 4XE lease is over next year. I can’t tell you how excited I am!
Thanks so much for this thorough review. Just put my name on a Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum sight unseen, which would have felt pretty scary without this type of review. It’s so helpful to see all the details you cover and know how well it will fit our needs. I’ll get to do my own test drive in a month!
My wife has a highlander and I was looking at getting a mini-van for my next car because I wanted a slightly larger car, but if this has basically the same room as a mini-van and its around the same price as a normal highlander, I am way more inclined to buy this. I love my wife highlander and she wanted me to get one over a mini-van, so I also think she would be happy with this decision as well.
A van still destroys this on cargo space.
@almassengale I believe that, that's why i am still keeping it as a backup, lol
Great explanation when comparing Honda Pilot regarding seating. Thanks.
It looks like a Jeep from the side. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I think the new Jeep looks good.
Grand Highlander for the win!
I wish there was more information about the performance of the regular hybrid engine in the larger/heavier Grand Highlander. I’m inclined to go for that one due to the cost savings up front and in the long term based on mpg. I am just worried that it will feel underpowered, especially when loaded up.
I have the exact thoughts.
Thanks. Please include CX-90 comparisons, measurements in the full review.
Nooooo!!! I hope the camera & lens are alright! That looked like quite a fall!
It seems like Toyota did a great job with the design of this vehicle, its a jack of all trades without any serious downsides. I wouldn't be shocked if it ends up outselling the regular highlander and replacing it entirely (as they say, "there can only be one").
The dealer markups on this is going to be stupid. That said, it's a great car. The Lexus version is going to be ❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥
From the photos we’ve seen no it’s not
I think this Grand Highlander will end up being a serious contender to replace my wife's first gen Toyota Venza once she's finally ready to let it go. She loves that car, however, so it won't be anytime soon. Because I need to drive her car occasionally, there is need for her vehicle to fit me as well. I'm very tall (6' 10") and finding a vehicle that she likes and that I can drive is typically a very frustrating experience. I'll be checking this car out in a couple years when Toyota dealers actually have one in stock for me to look at. 😉
Yes, mark your calendar for 2025.
My question is that is it really that expensive to use soft plastic, instead of cheap hard plastic, for cars?
I personally like hard plastics for lots of areas that see regular use and abuse. Very durable and easy to clean and maintain.
Hard plastic lowers is fine for lower doors or even for cargo duty but where you touch is where you’d want comfort.
I didn't know the Hybrid Max drivetrain was available in the Limited - I thought it was only on the Platinum. I'll have to do a spreadsheet to see if that extra $4k is really worth it.
We test drove one. Seats seemed more comfortable for my wife when compared to a 23 highlander. The center counsel was too wide though and that prevented man spreading if you need the seat closer to the steering wheel. Moving the seat all the way back helps. Seats felt cheap though, the driver seat would literally twist a bit when adjusting the back. May give it another try though since I would love the 35 mpg in a family friendly SUV.
Alex, what do you think of the Max as a tow vehicle? Seems like this might be the sweet spot, a 4 cylinder turbo with a little help from the electric motors. Good fuel economy, plus it seems like a decent tow vehicle? Also, do you know which versions might come with a 1500W electrical outlet? Thanks much !!
Wouldn’t hold your breath waiting for a response
Ouch! I hope your camera is ok. I ve been waiting for this review. Thank you so much.
I was surprised at how much this Toyota looks like a Kia Interior. That isn’t really bad but I would prefer the new Grand Cherokee interior the most.
Thanks for sharing, you are the best YT auto review journalist.
Looks like this is way better for families over the Sequoia with it's better use of interior space and ride quality, and much cheaper too. Only reason to go Sequoia is to tow over 5000lbs. I have a feeling Toyota kept the tow rating low here to sell more sequoias.
If you want to tow you can get other SUVs like the grand Cherokee or expedition. The sequoia sure tows more but it’s too expensive and it’s significantly less spacious
You're comparing to the CX-90 in the length measurement but not in others (headroom, legroom)... Would be interested to see this model on the comparison list in the future.
Amazingly informative review. Outstanding work.
I have a 2015 Sienna, and purchased that vehicle for ease of ingress and egress. On a recent trip, I rented the Highlander, and found it just a bit smaller, and more challenging to get in and out of. I'm curious to find out if the Grand Highlander would be similar to the new Sienna for ingress and egress.
GH is taller and the hinged rear doors will be tough in tight parking lots. So ingress/egress will definitely take a hit. IMO, if you are not looking at the MAX you'd probably be better off with a new Sienna Hybrid. But I want the MAX for EV driving around town and the extra oomph. I also like that this is the same size as the Sienna- I have a 2015 as well and like that this will fit in my garage just the same.
@@future62 Cool. Thanks for the reply:)
Does the standard Hybrid Limited version have 8-seat option? It seems that the demands on 8-seat has been growing more and more (where 8-seat Palisade / Telluride) are always sold out in my area (PNW) but the volumes of those being made are too small.
I don’t understand why no brand offers 8 seat option in their top trims except Honda. Why don’t they maximize the seating capacity? Hopefully, they offer 8 seats in the platinum GH; not very optimistic though.
@@youtubr963 not happening. Platinum is 7 seat only
Which is weird because there was a time that in 2017 when the prior gen Highlandergot refreshed it offered 8 seats in the limited and limited platinum trims with the regular v6 engine
@@youtubr963 It looks like XLE / Limited version has 8-seat capacity.
@@youtubr963 You can thank the marketing department for this. Same problem for the Korean twins as well as the new CX-90. Ticks me off.
Is not mentioned on the video, but it seems like you will lose the second row bench if going for the Platinum, but what about the Limited? Is it available with the bench on the second row?
no, top two models only have capital seats second row. I know because I am mad at that fact too.
ALEX - I believe you are mistaken about pulling the 3rd row back and the 2nd row seat pulling back to its most reward position. I believe that once the 2nd row seat is pulled forward for 3rd row seat access, the 2nd row seat engages a mechanism that stops it's movement short of moving all the way back, so as to artificially accommodate the 3rd row passenger at the disadvantage (somewhat) of the 2nd row passenger.
With you sitting in the back after access via the 2nd row.... have a 2nd person grab the 2nd row seat adjustment lever and see if they can indeed move the 2nd row seat back further...... I bet it will move backward more.
Great detailed review, thanks for this!
Price-wise the top trim Hybrid Max Grand Highlander isn't that far off from the top trim CX-90. I realize there's a huge size difference, but if you want comfort and performance and don't need all the extra space, which one would you buy?
If you don’t need space or a touchscreen cx90 in a heartbeat
Grand highlander is the better option overall and better than the cx90 in everyway .
@@naveenthemachine Probably so. I was a tad disheartened regarding Alex's comment on how the CX-90 can be jerky at start-up from a standstill. It seems as though Mazda needs a more powerful mild hybrid motor. Obviously I need to drive both and see for myself.
I always thought Alex was an AI until I saw bloopers 😂
excellent review sir
😂 the way he said "Noooo" while running🌈 to the camera, was hilarious 🤣 ...
Didn't think Alex used profanity either, Lol..
Yeah, it wrecked the camera (per Alex in a comment closer to the top.)
Manufacturers should offer a height adjustable 3rd row so people could choose headroom or knees not-in-your-face...
This is my next vehicle for sure
Oh, my lease is up on my 23 Highlander platinum will definitely go for the grant Highlander platinum with the max hybrid!
When we drive on highway only, does the hybrid works or only gas engine works ? I think 2.4 liter turbo or 2.5 non-turbo with 7 people and luggage is small engine for a long trip. How many horse power when driving only on highway? Any advices or explanation. Thanks
Plug-in would be a dream come true.
Interesting you mention wind noise. Highlanders and my 2021 are plagued by wind noise and significant road noise. I would not purchase again for those reasons.
Impressed with he 2nd and 3rd row seats configurations. Especially the 3rd row, they gotabe one of the most usable compared to all it's competitors. Much better interior designs than any Honda or Mazda for sure. For that kind of money plus the legendary reliability and low maintenance of a Toyota, I'd take this Highlander over any German of Japanese counterparts
Excellent review
I have a Sienna 2022.... Don't know if I'll move to this one or not
Does Toyota offer a rear entertainment system in the grand highlander, like they do in the Sienna?
When is the release date in the dealership?
All instrument clusters should be integrated as this one
Like everyone else, you forgot to show the ambient lights (evening interior lights). It would be a nice touch to see it.
These will likely sell above at MSRP or above.
Likely?
Alex, how's cabin/highway noise compare to Sienna and Lexus RX?
Alex, does the passenger seat have lumbar adjustability?
No
Stuck betrween limited hybrid Max and Regular Hybrid limited do to alot more city driving so it may make sense for the hybrid itself. Also cost.
So apparently Toyota is going to ignore customer demand and is only gloing to build a small number of hybrids, they said 75% of them are going to get the turbo NON-hybrid. Why are they still building only a small number of hybrids on purpose???
From what I’ve read, lack of hybrid battery components is hurting Toyota hybrid production. The percentages will reverse when the problem ends.
Hi thank you so much for this great review. Can you please compare the interior space of the sienna against this, especially the third row seats? I ordered a sienna 8 months ago and the delivery date is unknown. Really like this grand highlander but i need to carry adults (seniors) in the 3rd row so need to find out how it stacks up against the sienna 3rd row.
So let me get this straight: you can order a Toyota Sienna, but you cannot order a Corolla Cross, a Rav4, a Highlander, a Sequoia, a Tundra, or (most definitely) a Grand Highlander???
When i ordered the sienna back in August of 2022, the grand highlander wasn't even announced yet. And other than the grand highlander, why should I even come close to considering the rest of the "minnions" you've mentioned in the Toyota lineup?
@@qichen5316 don't be myopic. Toyota NA doesn't offer a tool for "ordering" vehicles. What you did was tell a dealer what you wanted and they put you on a list for their allocation. That you've been waiting so long - when other dealers have received plenty of what you think you've "ordered" speaks to the insanity of trying to deal with Toyota these days.
@Matt Clark I see what you mean. Yes that's what I did, I put down a deposit at the dealer for a sienna, I did not order it on the website. And you're right, they basically put me on the waiting list. You were trying to confirm if I was actually able to order a sienna through the website because you couldn't do that with the other vehicles you mentioned, and I thought you meant why wouldn't I consider those other vehicles rather than a sienna. Definitely not being myopic. Just a misunderstanding because the point was not clearly communicated.
What is the difference between Sequoia and G. Highlander besides body on frame?
Engine
Hi Alex, could you tell me the towing difference between the GH Hybrid Max an GH Hybrid? Thanks!
I kinda want a Alex on Auto after dark car reviews now... Anyone else ? 1:53
Can you include tow ratings in your SUV reviews? TIA😊
So were you able to sit in the 2nd row comfortably (with enough legroom) with the driver's seat adjusted for you at ~6' tall? I was barely able to do this yesterday in the Grand Highlander (GH for short), so I'm wondering how I would fit in the 2nd row of the regular Highlander with the driver's seat set for me at 6' 1"?
I had my mind blown yesterday when I sat in the 2023 Pilot and 30 minutes later, the GH. The Toyota dealership didn't have a regular Highlander to sit in for a comparison, so I need to find a dealership that has both side by side.
There was virtually NO 2nd-row leg room in the GH with the driver's' seat set comfortably for me. My knees were touching the driver's seat! And that was after compromising my driver's position a bit, in other words, reducing the recline and moving the seat a few notches forward.
The 2023 Pilot actually had a more comfortable (WRT legroom) 2nd row fit for me - not by more than 1" or 2" at most, but still definitely more comfortable. This was something I absolutely was NOT expecting. And it was the same with the 3rd row - I just barely fit in both, but was more comfortable in the Pilot. Well, as comfortable as someone my height could be in a mid-size SUV's 3rd row, lol!
Something that both models lacked was a way to move the 2nd row forward and back while sitting in the 3rd row. Granted if I'm in the 3rd row, it's because someone is sitting in the 2nd row and they could move the seat for me, but still it would be a helpful little extra. I also preferred the way the Pilot's 2nd-row seat moves forward when in the 3rd row - the Pilot has buttons, and the GH has levers. I had to move the lever a lot further than I expected before the seat could be moved. Just a personal preference.
I guess this explains why the Pilot has less cubic feet behind the 3rd row than the GH - they chose to allow more overall flexibility in the 1st and 2nd row seating position (and hence the location of the 3rd row.) I just expected the GH's 2nd row captain's chair to slide further back than it did. It really and truly surprised me, given I've watched probably 20 or more reviews of the GH and don't recall anyone saying it was an issue (I guess most of the reviewers were less than 6' 1".)
Do all hybrid max come with captains chairs?
Fly you all out to Hawaii. Put you all in a 5 star hotel. Wine and dine you.. I'm sure you're all going to give Toyota a negative review 😅
Which trims offer a 2nd row bench seat?
I’m looking at these to replace a 2014 GMC Acadia for my in laws, because reliable and safe… and hybrid!
With this grand highlander toyota just made something that you need and even want, but you didn't think you did before.
Price-to-Value makes the standard Highlander *completely* irrelevant. The question now: this is < $10k more than an equivalent Rav4. I'm on the fence: seems like you lose soooo much feature content (and not much mpgs) going to the Rav4. You *really* need the want to have a louder, harder-riding smaller SUV...
Thinking of trading my 22 XSE Sienna AWD for the Grand Highlander hybrid (not max) limited.....
Don’t waste your money as your Sienna is one year old
ALEX - Question: Does Toyota still insist on shutting down the engine after a remote start when the driver door is opened? This is the worst idea ever in cold climates.... why would a person remote start a car..... just to have it automatically shut the engine off when you open up the door to go somewhere?????
Does the Hybrid Max Platinum come with 8 seat option?
I like that you didn't edit that one awesome
I like that Toyota doesn’t have an “off road” version. They’re not trying to make it something it isn’t.if you want to off road get a 4Runner or Tacoma/Tundra. Who wants to off roading a vehicle this large with overhangs that long.
Can you fit a 4 by 8 in the back ?
Alex said he thought it would fit width-wise, but it would stick out the back a little bit (Car Confections measured the depth with the 2nd and 3rd rows down - I can't recall the number.)
Since you have seen it, my son is 6'6" w/ a 37" inseam. Long legs needs a lot of leg room. I'm 6' so will he be able to sit comfortably behind me? He barely fits in my Ram 1500 and I'm looking for an SUV and don't really want to step up to a full size like a Sequoia which is more than I want to spend.
Looks like there is no 8-seat option for any Hybrid Max and the regular platinum trim. Why can't they give us the 8 seat option on all trims? Come on Toyota, give us the option to add the bench seat on Hybrid Max.
Agree 100%. It's a pet peeve of mine. Same for Korean twins and new Mazda CX-90.
Hahha - love the human side of Alex (didn’t know you had such a wide vocab 😂)
could you tell me where is the big battery?
Does it have Over-the-Air (OTA) software update capability?
How will the regular Highlander survive?
I think pretty easily because a lot of folks only need a 3rd row for emergencies, or like me, may never use the 3rd row but need the cargo space with the 3rd row folded down.
@@jsfbay1 I have a 2021 Highlander and the only advantage to keeping it is the v6 engine.
7 seater not good for the top model since it has enough space. I expect 8 seater in top model.
Yup, that's a pet peeve of mine. So many of the models I'm interested in do this (force you into captains chairs if you want the top trim.)
Very very unfair that hardly any car maker offers bench seat on their top trims, at least I don't know any.
There are a few
Pilot elite, top end Explorer. For the explorer you have to check the option box for the bench seat
Why is the Pilot the natural competitor? It is one, but I would have thought of the highly rated Palisade and Telluride would have been even more so.
I think only because the Pilot is a brand new model.
Honda and Toyota have been locked in a 50 year battle so the comparisons are valid. We used to have two pear trees 🌳🌳
Time to rid my grand cherokee L lol thank u another amazing informative video! Love ur channel!
Would you recommend this over the Hyundai Palisade?
Hell yea no stinky coreans for aside from quality issues they got nop
The design of the back gives me Tiguan vibes.
In case I missed it, is it possible to get an 8-seater with the hybrid max powertrain? If so, what is the highest trim level?
I also was waiting for it
@@dimav975 No. Ticks me off. The configurator is up at Toyota's website. XLE is the only 8-seater option. SO STUPID! Make the bench seat an OPTION in higher trims.
Gotta bring a Manfrotto travel tripod to ensure no more tipping
How is the Toyota Grand Highlander different from, say, the Toyota Siena?
Could the Grand Highlander attract Sienna customers that want an SUV?