The Upcoming Toyota Grand Highlander Is Literally a Stretch
Trucks and SUVs keep getting bigger and bigger. The Toyota Highlander may not be an exception to this rule. New reports suggest that the Toyota Grand Highlander will be a taller and longer Highlander model.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is getting stretched out
According to Automotive News, the Toyota Highlander is about to get stretched out. The new model will be known as the Toyota Grand Highlander. This makes us wonder if the Jeep Grand Cherokee L will have a problem with the name.
We’ll have to wait and see what happens. Until then, we know that Toyota filed a trademark for the Grand Highlander moniker back in December. The 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander may debut in 2022.
The Grand Highlander will slot in between the regular Toyota Highlander and the refreshed 2023 Toyota Sequoia to grow their lineup of crossover options. It will have a larger third-row seat than the standard Highlander but won’t be as massive as the Sequoia.
What to expect with the 2023 Grand Highlander
The current Toyota Highlander has a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid Highlander has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that pumps out 243 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque.
When properly equipped, the Highlander can tow up to 5,000 lbs. The gas engine seems like it has enough power for an entry-level trim, but we would like to see the towing capacity increase to about 6,000 to 7,000 lbs. This way, it would be stronger than rivals such as the Kia Telluride.
While the current hybrid powertrain in the Toyota Highlander seems a little soft, Toyota has a few more options in the works. Rumors suggest that a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain is on the way.
This new powertrain option is expected to debut in the Toyota Land Cruiser or the Toyota Tundra Pro. But it could arrive with the Toyota Grand Highlander too. It would be powerful and efficient with instantaneous torque to enhance off-roading capabilities.
Will the Grand Highlander be a luxurious option?
It’s difficult to determine if the new Toyota Grand Highlander will be a luxurious option or a more practical ride. But the Toyota Highlander is getting a longer wheelbase. This means that while it will have more passenger space and cargo room, it will also provide a smoother ride.
The Toyota Land Cruiser serves as a luxury SUV, but the 2022 model won’t be sold in the United States. It’s possible that the Toyota Grand Highlander could replace it. But the 2021 Land Cruiser starts at about $85,665, and we don’t see the Grand Highlander going that high.
You can get started with a 2021 Highlander for about $35,085. This price feels high, but not luxury high. Also, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L starts at around $36,995. The Grand Highlander will have to be close to that price to compete.
What we do know is that a larger Toyota Highlander is coming. It will most likely have a hybrid powertrain and offer more passenger space. But we don’t know how luxurious or powerful it will be. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.
