4th Generation Toyota Highlander (and Grand Highlander) Thread

S

Sulu

Expert
Messages
1,083
Reactions
1,336
A Grand Highlander, a stretched Highlander with more room in the 3rd-row, makes a lot of sense to me. Toyota would finally have a true, 3-row crossover to go against the Subaru Ascent, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. (I never believed that Toyota would expect 3-row crossover buyers to buy the new Sienna minivan, despite its more aggressive styling.)

When this generation of the Highlander was introduced, I was surprised that it was neither a replacement for the 1st-generation, 2-row Venza (I believe that the 2nd-generation Venza is too small to be a direct replacement for the 1st-generation Venza), nor was it a true competitor against crossovers with larger 3rd rows, like the Subaru Ascent, Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer.

The Grand Highlander could also serve as the base for the expected 3-row Lexus TX.
 
Gecko

Gecko

Administrator
Messages
4,910
Reactions
11,842
I actually got curious last weekend and test drove a Highlander Hybrid Limited... potentially to replace my 4Runner. The +20MPG difference and new tech were really appealing.

Pretty quickly, I realized that the Highlander was not for me. I forget that crossovers are literally the in-between when comparing true SUVs and passenger cars... with a driving position that's between the two and driving dynamics that are neither as quick as a sedan or as substantial feeling as a true SUV. Overall, it's really nice though, and perfect for someone looking for extra space, new features and great MPG. It was incredibly solid and planted on the road, and I liked how it handled. The difference in TNGA products compared to their predecessors is immediately noticeable, and the Highlander was really impressive... but just not for me.

With that said, our Camry XSE V6 came in yesterday and we're picking it up (and trading in the IS) on Saturday. Driving the HH made me excited to drive GA-K in a sportier execution with more power. More to come.
 
M

Motor

Expert
Messages
2,394
Reactions
3,404
Tragic Bronson

Tragic Bronson

Expert
Messages
2,971
Reactions
3,590
Motor said:
www.autocar.co.uk

Toyota Highlander 2021 UK first drive | Autocar

New seven-seater bucks the trend of large hybrid SUVs being of the plug-in variety
www.autocar.co.uk www.autocar.co.uk

New Toyota Highlander 2021 review | Auto Express

We hit the road in the new seven-seat Toyota Highlander SUV
www.autoexpress.co.uk www.autoexpress.co.uk

www.carmagazine.co.uk

Toyota Highlander hybrid review: quietly excellent

CAR Magazine reviews the new Toyota Highlander hybrid SUV
www.carmagazine.co.uk

They like it.
Click to expand...
It looks like Toyota Indiana is supplying the world with Highlanders/Klugers...thought Japan would be building them again but nah. I think China was building the last generation, not sure if their plant has switched over yet, or they are just supplying Chinese market orders only.
 
S

ssun30

Expert
Messages
3,520
Reactions
7,745
^^FAW has set up the line for new gen and will launch by the end of the year. Their capacity couldn't match local demands so they wouldn't be able to export anyway.
 
M

Motor

Expert
Messages
2,394
Reactions
3,404
www.motortrend.com

2021 Toyota Highlander XLE vs. Highlander XSE

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is a reliable three-row SUV, but which trim is the best for you? We paired the sporty-looking XSE against the XLE.
www.motortrend.com www.motortrend.com
If it were our money, we'd probably go with the XSE, as we prefer its handling on the road and its stickier tires. We'd rather have the XLE's exterior design, but we'd get the red leatherette seats if we were buying the XSE. We can't have the best of both worlds here, but we're glad Toyota is giving customers more options to choose from.
Click to expand...
 
maiaramdan

maiaramdan

Expert
Messages
1,811
Reactions
1,419
Highlander to Western Europe was already a very late move
Glad Toyota finally did it
Even more Glad with the car amazing feedback in the homeland of GLE / E / Q7 !
 
maiaramdan

maiaramdan

Expert
Messages
1,811
Reactions
1,419
Now we are waiting the real crown that a lot of Toyota top guys said that it's not like anything!
 
S

ssun30

Expert
Messages
3,520
Reactions
7,745
"Crown" will become the premium line for FAW-Toyota. They just rebadged the Vellfire to "Crown Vellfire".

Also Innova is trademarked in China as well.
WEF.jpegHG.jpg
 
S

shizhi

Follower
Messages
269
Reactions
688
Gecko said:
So is "Crown" like "Limited" here in the States? Or is Crown going to be an entire premium line of vehicles specifically, vs. just a trim level?
Click to expand...
Crown will be a premiun line, not a trim level.
However, the use of the name "Crown" is more of a publicity function, because in China, Highlander and Alaphard have been sold for many years. As twin models, they are also direct competitors. Kluger and Vellfire use "crown" as a prefix, which is nothing but to leave consumers a more advanced feeling in the first impression.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.