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New Toyota SUV, who is this? It’s the longer version of the Toyota Highlander. That’s right. The Toyota Grand Highlander is taking everything you love about the current Highlander and making it longer. Meaning the Kia Telluride could finally have a worthy competitor.

The 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander is coming for the Kia Telluride

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Platinum AWD midsize SUV parked on a cobblestone plaza near a fireplace
2022 Toyota Highlander Platinum | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Since the Kia Telluride arrived for the 2020 model year, it’s been undefeated, but the Toyota Grand Highlander might dethrone it. The Telluride has been winning awards as the best family option, best three-row SUV, and more for years.

Rivals such as the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, and Hyundai Palisade can’t seem to get an edge on the Telluride. So, Toyota is planning a major attack with the Grand Highlander, which is expected to be a new three-row SUV.

One of the biggest complaints about the regular Highlander is that it lacks passenger space. The third row is only fit for children. But the Telluride can fit adults in the rear. Increasing the Highlander’s cargo and passenger space could change the game.

What to expect with the Grand Highlander

The 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander could be a smaller alternative to the 2023 Toyota Sequoia. It could be a mid-size SUV instead of a massive full-size option. This would provide people with more cargo and passenger space without the hassle of maneuvering a bus through tight city areas.

Having a smaller option than the Sequioa will provide a more affordable family option. The current Sequioa starts at about $50,000. The Grand Highlander could be priced at around $37,000 to cover the upgrade costs from the regular Highlander.

The 2022 Highlander starts at about $35,405, while the 2022 Kia Telluride has an MSRP of $33,090. So, the Grand Highlander will need to include plenty of value to be worth the extra cash.

When properly equipped, the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander can tow up to 5,000 lbs. So, we would like to see the Toyota Grand Highlander gain a little muscle to provide a better performance.

According to Driving, the Grand Highlander is expected to feature a hybrid powertrain. Toyota filed for the TX550h+ with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The plus may indicate PHEV power. TMMI currently produces the Highlander Hybrid and Sienna.

When will we learn more about the Grand Highlander?

The roomiest midsize SUVs with comfortable interiors according to Consumer Reports
The 2022 Toyota Highlander midsize SUV in motion | Toyota

We don’t think the 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander will debut before the 2023 Toyota Sequoia. It won’t steal the Sequoia’s thunder for a few months at least. But hopefully, more information will be available soon.

Toyota will release an all-new three-row SUV. If it isn’t the Grand Highlander, then it could be the crown. Toyota shared that the new SUV will contain cutting-edge technology such as a semi-automated driving system.

It might also have a remote parking system to allow owners to park and unpark their SUV with a smartphone app or digital key. So, it could be more advanced than the Kia Telluride.

We will keep our eyes glued to this story and can’t wait to learn more. Check back for the latest Toyota Highlander updates.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.