Ahead of the Chicago Auto Show, Toyota has unveiled the Grand Highlander, which will sit between the regular Highlander and the framed Sequoia in the model hierarchy.
The Grand Highlander is built on the same TNGA-K platform with a transverse engine as the smaller model, but there are no common details in the exterior (except for the exterior mirror housings that are unified): the design was developed by the Californian studio Calty.
The wheelbase has been increased from 2850 to 2946 mm, while the body length of the Grand Highlander reaches 5116 mm (+166 mm). The car has also become wider (1989 mm; +59 mm) and taller (1781 mm; +26 mm). The trunk volume with the third row unfolded (according to the American SAE method, that is, from floor to ceiling) has grown from 483 to 595 liters, and in a two-seat configuration, the Grand Highlander will already offer 2,761 liters of usable volume (+374 liters).
The interior is also completely new. Already in the basic configuration of the XLE, a 12.3-inch touch screen of the multimedia system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is provided, and in the next version of the Limited, 20-inch wheels (instead of R18), leather upholstery of the seats (front ones with memory function and ventilation) will be available. ), an 11-speaker JBL audio system and a 12.3-inch instrument panel. Finally, the Platinum trim will add a panoramic roof, surround view camera system, second-row seat ventilation and a head-up display to this list.
When viewed from the side, it is noticeable that the roofline of the Grand Highlander almost does not drop to the C-pillar: Toyota claims that even adults will be comfortable in the third row. For the passengers of the “gallery”, separate USB connectors, cup holders and niches for smartphones are additionally provided, and as many as 13 USB ports are scattered throughout the interior of the crossover.
The line of power units partially corresponds to the base Highlander. It opens the 2.4 turbocharger range (270 hp, 419 Nm) paired with an 8-speed automatic, a plug-in hybrid based on a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated D-4S, a variator and two electric motors ( peak output of the installation – 248 hp, 420 Nm). Both modifications are available with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
The top version is also a plug-in hybrid, but the power plant is borrowed from the new Crown: the front wheels are powered by a 2.4-liter turbo engine via a 6-speed automatic, and a separate electric motor is installed on the rear axle. The peak output of the top version is 367 hp. With. and 542 Nm, which allows you to accelerate to “hundreds” in 6.3 seconds and tow a trailer weighing up to 2.3 tons.
The main competitors of the Grand Highlander in the US market will be the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder. The model will be produced at the plant in Indiana (the usual Highlanders are also assembled there), the start of sales is scheduled for the summer. Pricing has not yet been announced, but we expect base Grand Highlanders to cost around $40,000 and top-end hybrids to around $50,000 without additional options.
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