By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com
Everything is magnificent about the Grand Highlander, which debuted just last year and continues mostly as is for 2025 except for addition of a bold hybrid Nightshade trim and an economical LE grade. As expected, the Hybrid Max model is larger in every respect than the Highlander.
Under the hood of this midsize SUV sits a 2.4-liter inline-4 cylinder turbocharged engine blasting off 362 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 400 pounds-feet of torque @ 3000 rpm. It is assisted by a front and rear electric motor that ensures fuel savings. Getting power to the ground is a flawless and smooth 6-speed auto gearbox with paddle shifters. An independent MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension handle the knocks of rough surfaces with little sacrifice to the back side. The electric power assist steering conveys a direct and communicative feel. Available at the driver’s fingertips are eco, normal and sport modes, as well as mud/sand/rock/dirt/snow via the multi-terrain select control. Tow capacity in the 4,905-pound vehicle, which can go 0 to 60 in just 6.3 seconds, is an astonishing 5,000 pounds.
Up front on our attractive Ruby Flare Pearl “grand” ride are LED headlights that surround a cube-shaped, gunmetal gray grille and a hammerhead-shaped nose. GRAND HIGHLANDER etched in body color, silver-painted pumper accents and dual exhaust tips take up the rear. Step into the spacious and cozy 149-cubic-foot passenger capacity cabin and there are bountiful cubbies and pins throughout, including 13 cup/bottle holders! Directly in the driver’s vision is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a similar-sized infotainment touchscreen for nav, phone and audio (and yes, a physical volume knob, thank you Toyota!) Leather/ultrasuede front and second-row Captain’s chairs (with manual sunshades) are heated and cooled while the 60/40 third-seat folds flat for hauling cargo. Tri-zone auto a/c, power lift gate and panoramic moon roof, bronze-colored accents, 7-inch head-up display, digital rearview mirror and 11-speaker JBL sound system come at no extra cost.
Along with standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes a pre-collision system to detect pedestrians, lane trace alert with steer assist and dynamic cruise control, are dual front airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, stability and traction controls, panoramic view monitor, blind spot and rear-cross traffic alerts, smart-stop technology, front/rear parking assists, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system. If bottlenecks are part of your daily drive, opt for the subscription-only Traffic Jam Assist that activates steering, gas and brake pedals under 25 mph.
Own a midsize SUV but still want some more room to carry seven passengers in comfort with plenty of space left over to move cargo? Then the Grand Highlander with its robust acceleration, graceful handling and steering feel will fit the need.
GRAND HIGHLANDER (4WD PLATINUM)
Tires: P255/55R20
Wheelbase: 116.1 inches
Length: 201.4 inches
Width: 78.3 inches
Height: 70.1 inches
Fuel capacity: 17.1 gallons
City/hwy/combined: 26/27/27 mpg
Base price: $58,775
Price as tested: $62,372
Web site: www.toyotausa.com
