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…
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
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? 🤔
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
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
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.
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.
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!!
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 !!
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
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.
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. 😉
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.
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
i was so ready to buy the HybridMax top end trim only to find it only comes with 7 seating option.. I will never understand why make such a big SUV only to remove the extra seating for a stupid captain chairs... I only want top trim and if they don't bring the 8 seating option I will have to pass this and i guess move up to big size SUV like the Jeep Wagoner. WHY TOYOTA!!!
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...
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").
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?????
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???
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 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.
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
Another show stopper review! I don't get why all top of the line hybrid models suddenly seem to have to have 20" wheels. What gives? Tire company conspiracy ? Time for a compro between what appears to be the two best 3 row SUVs short of a Explorer or Suburban. CX90 PHEV or G HL Hybrid (non max for us eco minded types). And the winner is..?
I'd trade anyone the 20" wheels from the Platinum (and limited?) trim for the 18" wheels on the XLE any day. These huge wheels are such a stupid craze and so impractical on the roads where I live.
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.
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?
Dear Toyota, let me hypermile HEV GH in Europe !! I could live without childseat friendly tilt if only I could live with GH HEV - bench in 2nd row of course :)
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.)
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.
Its funny that a lot of "Sticker peasants" are blaming markups from the dealers, instead of blaming the "markup master race" buyers who earn enough to buy it 5 times over. "Sticker Peasants" is something of my customers made up, and refers to the ones buying over sticker is the "Markup master race". Though I don't entirely agree with the whole idea, I think he's playing off because he's some hot shot youtube gaming channel. But he brings a good point that people should be blaming people like him, because people like him wouldn't care anyway. Wolves do not care about the opinions of sheep as he claims. Either way I get paid.
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.
Why oh why….can you NOT choose the bench seats with higher trims? WHY do manufacturers keep structuring their trims like this!?!?! What’s the point of such a massive vehicle if you LOSE a seat in the second row that even the smallest sedans have 😂
I agree 100%. It seems that only Honda/Acura (Pilot , in some trims/MDX), Nissan (Pathfinder), and Ford (Explorer, don't know about the Expedition) understand the needs of some families. This business of only having room for 2 in the 2nd row is pretty much forcing me into the arms of Honda/Acura. If people know of other 3 row vehicles available with a bench in the 2nd row *in their top trim& please post. Thank you.
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 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.
Genuinely disappointed in this vehicle. The seats in the Platinum trim are not nearly what I would expect, hard touch points in a lot of places, disappointing MPG in the "Hybrid Max", even if it is higher than class average. A 6-speed auto is especially odd in 2023. What is this, a Mazda? I hope to see some improvements in the following generations, especially for the price.
Why do you guys review vehicles that are impossible to get? I don't know of a single Toyota dealer in my area who have ever seen a Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum!
Found out from another channel that the xle does not have parking sensors. For such a big vehicle with limited sight lines around vehicle not having sensors is a big big fail especially if children walk around car. Limited trim comes with sensors. Shame Toyota cut cost on safety for the lower xle trim. For the high price there should be no reason to not put in sensors. They may save the life of a child.
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.
This makes me sad; I want to love the Mazda CX-90 (I have a CX-9 and love it) but when this Toyota is faster and smoother, maybe quieter (and obviously far more practical), what is the point of spending the $$ on the Mazda’s “driving experience”? I could maybe justify it if it had a significantly faster, more responsive power train to go along with the great handling, but I think they really screwed up when they went for that “wet clutch” style transmission. Also, the Mazda interiors are beautiful, but those dashboard materials will be so horrendously impossible to clean/keep clean! 😢
You are going to spend $$ on the Toyota, NOT on the Mazda. The Toyota is going to be MUCH more expensive OTD, MSRP is irrelevant, NOT what you pay. Also why care so much about full throttle launch times from a standstill, are you going to take your 3-row to the dragstrip? IRL you aren't going to notice that the Mazda's transmission can't lauch as hard from a standstill. Other than from a standstill the Mazda IS fast. Also obviously not every trim has the same dashboard materials. You are just trash talking it-
@@RemixerUltimate Stop changing the topic to deflect, typical behaviour... I did NOT write anything about interior space. That has zero correlation to my comment.
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.
![ผัวเถื่อน - ยูริ โตเกียวมิวสิค [ OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/P08ORRVDGl8/mqdefault.jpg)
![CAMPปลิ้น | EP.82[1/2] แก๊ง 3 สาวเพื่อนซี้บุก CAMPปลิ้นครั้งนี้ห้ามเสียอาการ](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_6WUjXHe1TM/mqdefault.jpg)
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 ?
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 😅
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…
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.
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
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???
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
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.
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!!!!!
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!!
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
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
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
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
It looks like a Jeep from the side. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I think the new Jeep looks good.
I LOVED that you kept the blooper in there. Hope your camera was okay.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Toyota nailed it! Can't wait for the plug in Prime version!!
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.
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
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
i was so ready to buy the HybridMax top end trim only to find it only comes with 7 seating option.. I will never understand why make such a big SUV only to remove the extra seating for a stupid captain chairs... I only want top trim and if they don't bring the 8 seating option I will have to pass this and i guess move up to big size SUV like the Jeep Wagoner. WHY TOYOTA!!!
Yes, it ticks me off big time.
These will likely sell above at MSRP or above.
Likely?
Manufacturers should offer a height adjustable 3rd row so people could choose headroom or knees not-in-your-face...
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...
😂 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.)
Just get the sienna it’s more comfortable
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.
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").
Alex! You've been hanging around Sofyan too much. You're starting to cuss just like him lol. I fucks with y'all both. 👍🏿
Or, just get a Sienna which has even more room.
And more luxury features
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?????
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.
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.
Grand Highlander for the win!
Great explanation when comparing Honda Pilot regarding seating. Thanks.
How is the Toyota Grand Highlander different from, say, the Toyota Siena?
He did ad a couple of coughs but he's not exaggerating it was bad & im multiple multiple hrs away from him.
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.
I always thought Alex was an AI until I saw bloopers 😂
Alex, does the passenger seat have lumbar adjustability?
No
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.)
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.
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.
Another show stopper review!
I don't get why all top of the line hybrid models suddenly seem to have to have 20" wheels. What gives? Tire company conspiracy ?
Time for a compro between what appears to be the two best 3 row SUVs short of a Explorer or Suburban. CX90 PHEV or G HL Hybrid (non max for us eco minded types). And the winner is..?
I'd trade anyone the 20" wheels from the Platinum (and limited?) trim for the 18" wheels on the XLE any day. These huge wheels are such a stupid craze and so impractical on the roads where I live.
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
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:)
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.
Could the Grand Highlander attract Sienna customers that want an SUV?
Dear Toyota, let me hypermile HEV GH in Europe !! I could live without childseat friendly tilt if only I could live with GH HEV - bench in 2nd row of course :)
Thanks. Please include CX-90 comparisons, measurements in the full review.
Any clue as to when Hyundai will redo the Palisade to compete?
It doesn’t. It’s still more competitive
@@naveenthemachineNO ITS NOT.
It’s too new for one
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.)
Would you recommend this over the Hyundai Palisade?
Hell yea no stinky coreans for aside from quality issues they got nop
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.
Monster review as usual. You Sr know how to show comparisons and it’s the ultimate buying tool. Thanks for an excellent job.
All instrument clusters should be integrated as this one
Its funny that a lot of "Sticker peasants" are blaming markups from the dealers, instead of blaming the "markup master race" buyers who earn enough to buy it 5 times over.
"Sticker Peasants" is something of my customers made up, and refers to the ones buying over sticker is the "Markup master race". Though I don't entirely agree with the whole idea, I think he's playing off because he's some hot shot youtube gaming channel. But he brings a good point that people should be blaming people like him, because people like him wouldn't care anyway. Wolves do not care about the opinions of sheep as he claims.
Either way I get paid.
Nice SUV 😮
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 am surprised how much of a potty mouth Alex has.
Me too...
Well i mean ... He's a grown man soooo .... 🤷🏾♂️
Slightly surprised, but enjoyed the realness. :) Sorry about the equipment though Alex.
Can you include tow ratings in your SUV reviews? TIA😊
Why oh why….can you NOT choose the bench seats with higher trims? WHY do manufacturers keep structuring their trims like this!?!?! What’s the point of such a massive vehicle if you LOSE a seat in the second row that even the smallest sedans have 😂
I agree 100%. It seems that only Honda/Acura (Pilot , in some trims/MDX), Nissan (Pathfinder), and Ford (Explorer, don't know about the Expedition) understand the needs of some families. This business of only having room for 2 in the 2nd row is pretty much forcing me into the arms of Honda/Acura. If people know of other 3 row vehicles available with a bench in the 2nd row *in their top trim& please post. Thank you.
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
Nothing but a Stretched RAV4......easy job😜😜😜🤪🤪😝😝😝🤪😜😜.....if you can forgive the looks....it is impressive🙋🏼♂️ 364hp👍
excellent review sir
I guess it really pays off treating Journalists to Hawaii a bit slanted review...your worst to date😢
loved hearing the bleeps from alex after the camera tipped... glad it turned out alight but glad he left the bloopers in.
Filter feeder marine mammal front end.
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.
I have a Sienna 2022.... Don't know if I'll move to this one or not
What is the difference between Sequoia and G. Highlander besides body on frame?
Engine
Amazingly informative review. Outstanding work.
Does Toyota offer a rear entertainment system in the grand highlander, like they do in the Sienna?
Genuinely disappointed in this vehicle. The seats in the Platinum trim are not nearly what I would expect, hard touch points in a lot of places, disappointing MPG in the "Hybrid Max", even if it is higher than class average. A 6-speed auto is especially odd in 2023. What is this, a Mazda? I hope to see some improvements in the following generations, especially for the price.
Why isn’t there a regular hybrid platinum? Not all of use want the Max. Also no exhaust tips on the limited? That’s just ridiculous.
Which trims offer a 2nd row bench seat?
Why do you guys review vehicles that are impossible to get? I don't know of a single Toyota dealer in my area who have ever seen a Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum!
When is the release date in the dealership?
Configuration is available and you can't get the bench seat with the Max Hybrid.... urrggg hate it when Toyota does this.
Found out from another channel that the xle does not have parking sensors. For such a big vehicle with limited sight lines around vehicle not having sensors is a big big fail especially if children walk around car. Limited trim comes with sensors. Shame Toyota cut cost on safety for the lower xle trim. For the high price there should be no reason to not put in sensors. They may save the life of a child.
4 cylinders sounds like lawnmower. Mazda CX90 with 6bis the way to go.
Why regular highlander hybrid AWD has so much worse mpg than a similar RAV4 hybrid?
This is a nice car if you are a small person...If you are over 200 lbs u wont like how wide the center console is, it will destroy your kneecaps.
Stop bringing up the Highlander, it’s not in the same category. Talk sequoia and telluride
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.
This makes me sad; I want to love the Mazda CX-90 (I have a CX-9 and love it) but when this Toyota is faster and smoother, maybe quieter (and obviously far more practical), what is the point of spending the $$ on the Mazda’s “driving experience”? I could maybe justify it if it had a significantly faster, more responsive power train to go along with the great handling, but I think they really screwed up when they went for that “wet clutch” style transmission. Also, the Mazda interiors are beautiful, but those dashboard materials will be so horrendously impossible to clean/keep clean! 😢
That’s the beauty of choice and preference, some will prefer this, others will prefer the Mazda. No need to be sad about choice.
You are going to spend $$ on the Toyota, NOT on the Mazda. The Toyota is going to be MUCH more expensive OTD, MSRP is irrelevant, NOT what you pay.
Also why care so much about full throttle launch times from a standstill, are you going to take your 3-row to the dragstrip? IRL you aren't going to notice that the Mazda's transmission can't lauch as hard from a standstill. Other than from a standstill the Mazda IS fast.
Also obviously not every trim has the same dashboard materials.
You are just trash talking it-
@@Mgoblagulkablong I mean, the CX-90 third row is also abysmal, which is a valid point against it, considering the segment it’s in.
@@RemixerUltimate word. grand highlander has like ~22 more cubic feet with rear seats down
@@RemixerUltimate Stop changing the topic to deflect, typical behaviour... I did NOT write anything about interior space. That has zero correlation to my comment.
All nice and good, but why such a butt ugly and boring design
Wtf? I don’t want a camera checking to see if I’m “paying attention “. I’d be putting tape over that
Time to rid my grand cherokee L lol thank u another amazing informative video! Love ur channel!
This is my next vehicle for sure
Hahha - love the human side of Alex (didn’t know you had such a wide vocab 😂)
Great detailed review, thanks for this!
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.
Enjoyed the unexpected!