We've had ours for about 1 month. Our previous car was the Rav4. This is much, much, much better on so many levels. The exterior might look like a Rav4 but it does not drive.like one. And we loved our Rav4.
Also I appreciate your observation of the hood's build quality, I'm looking to upgrade from my 17 Subaru Forester and that has the same paper thin fluttery bouncy hood, it's honestly a little unnerving especially at highway speeds
Super helpful! We've had ours just over 5 weeks. We had 7 people in our car & a full cargo when we went to the lake. We didn't notice the extra weight at all when driving. The 6 gears in the sport mode are helpful when trying to keep the RPMs down when accelerating. So it's not as loud of an engine while in the sport mode during acceleration.
My 2023 RAV4 Hybrid hood does the exact same thing you were talking about with the hood. Drives me crazy. Not only that, we had some very minor small hail that would not dent a car normally, and didn't hurt the rest of the RAV4 but definitely dented up that hood. So thin! If I can ever find someone making a fiberglass replacement I'll get it.
That's getting into some expensive range and competition. Good call on that rear hatch having really no protection at all. Toyota has really upped their interior game finally.
I've been shopping for one. The things that stand out to me is the price of a light in the cargo area. That should be standard, not $500! I also am annoyed that you have to pay a subscription to have navigation. (Yes, I know I can use my cellphone with Android Auto) Overall I like it, but those things do bug me.
Although people complained about them being ugly, those late 1970s 5mph bumpers really protected your car on minor bumps...no damage. Today the same bump would result in over $2k in damages
I find some of your critiques a bit misleading. There are many options for this model that include the items you are describing as "missing". At least on the west coast, all of those options still keep the hybrid limited in the $50,000s range, even in California... so, panoramic viewing and the large sunroof put the car in the mid-$50,000 range.
he said for the 360 cameras, that at the price already, with the size of the vehicle, it should already be included. He;s right especially since it is a family hauler.
I know what he said. We just got ours 1 month ago. The add ons do put the price a bit higher but coming from a Rav4 and hating the standard highlander, I am so, so happy with the grand highlander. I will forever love my 2001 4runner but I have to say, this vehicle is better. I love ours.
I believe the 360 degree camera is optional for this limited trim, not missing, middle row bench seats are also optional which is so crucial for big families who buy this vehicle
With the non-hybridMax hybrid powertrain and for the 50k+ price tag, I wonder how this might compare to the sienna? Also with some of the interior feature omissions, did they save those features for the Lexus tx?
Question Have you driven the grand highlander limited and the hybrid limited? Did you feel a difference in terms of power? Im stuck undecided between the two
Thanks for this informative video. I had just decided that I want one when... Toyota shut down production of ALL TGHs due to an airbag recall. The shutdown might last a very long time, compounding what would probably have been the long wait for one _before_ the shutdown. AGH! I agree that the lack of serious bumpers is a real problem. I wonder if it's possible to rig after-market bumpers front and aft. I don't care about glamour! I also agree that the lack of a sunroof and a 360° camera are surprising deficits.
Get the trailer hitch put on and there are a few "hitch bumper guards" out there on the market you can get that should prevent minor bumps from getting at that door.
The host has owned nearly half a dozen Toyota products. A vehicle can be reliable and doors can also sound cheap when you slam them . Some things can coexist;) The difference between the host and most owners and enthusiasts is that his eyes are wide open.
That thin clunky aluminum hood bouncing around on the highway really pisses me off.... So does their thin tinny sounding doors when you close them. You bring up some very solid points.
Curious if Toyota will update the Highlander' interior to match the Grand Highlander and ditch the 3rd row for more cargo space? That would be the vehicle I'd want. I guess wait and see and if not the Honda Passport refresh is around the corner.
Materials are too basic. I dislike that Toyota no longer blacks out the metal frame around the window inside the door. They use to cover it with a black sticker. Gives more quality look.
Nice but weird review. I have used the Toyota website to build my own Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited AWD. The base model (the one driven by Sam Haymart) is $51,410. He says his version is missing a panoramic roof. This is an option Sam. I have it selected and it added $1,950 to the base price. So I'm not sure why Sam makes a big deal about this when he could've test driven one with a panoramic roof. The price with the panoramic roof is $53,360 - not that much more considering how nice the roof will be! My main concern is the interior cabin noise. I've seen some reviewers say that when using the Hybrid Limited. Take Top Electric SUV. The reviewer says: "The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is available in 245 hp and 362 hp variants. Those who have tested the SUV would also tell you that the base variant doesn’t feel very powerful, but it’s not sluggish either, and it impresses on fuel economy, which I think is its core purpose. It manages to accelerate to highway speeds and climb up mountainous roads decently, but it tends to get noisy." I've contacted a company who does "sound deadening" in vehicles and the owner says he can make a difference. The other thing that I'm concerned about is the audio system. My understanding is that the JBL "premium" version is adequate but, as someone who is a bit of an audiophile, I may upgrade this a bit as well. Anyway - just my two cents..... Looking forward to getting a new vehicl. Plan to purchase in 2025 but am waiting on the Kia Telluride Hybrid (due out soon) before deciding which one to go with.
One more thing - the $1,950 panoramic roof option includes the panoramic view monitor. Sam complains that his model did not have the panoramic view monitor and roof but both are available as an option for $1,950.
The point is for the as tested price, those items are absent. Sure they are optional but at the price many competitors have those things included. It's a comparison.
@@eriklp10 360 camera and panarama sunroofs are both options available on limited trim. The camera makes shopping difficult having to pull up the sticker window or every vehicle.
Your reviews are clear, straightforward, and informative 👍
I appreciate your review approach of highlighting both the vehicle's strengths and weaknesses. Thank you.
Oh wow. I didn't realize that about the rear bumper until you mentioned it. Thanks for the insight.
Best review of the car I have seen, good job
It's a nice SUV. They should've named it the RAV8 since it resembles the RAV4 more than the Highlander.
That would’ve been a dope name 👌🏽
We've had ours for about 1 month. Our previous car was the Rav4. This is much, much, much better on so many levels. The exterior might look like a Rav4 but it does not drive.like one. And we loved our Rav4.
@@ladawnjohnson8854 same here. We still have our RAV4 & bought our Grand Highlander for just over 5 weeks ago.
@@ladawnjohnson8854 Which one did you get?
Also I appreciate your observation of the hood's build quality, I'm looking to upgrade from my 17 Subaru Forester and that has the same paper thin fluttery bouncy hood, it's honestly a little unnerving especially at highway speeds
Oh dang, Chuck Liddell is reviewing cars now?!
Super helpful! We've had ours just over 5 weeks. We had 7 people in our car & a full cargo when we went to the lake. We didn't notice the extra weight at all when driving. The 6 gears in the sport mode are helpful when trying to keep the RPMs down when accelerating. So it's not as loud of an engine while in the sport mode during acceleration.
My system on the same model shows the entire car from above. A lot of help parking in tight spots. This SUV is big inside and out.
How long can the a/c or heat run before engine shuts off when parked? Hearing mixed results. Thanks for your review.
My 2023 RAV4 Hybrid hood does the exact same thing you were talking about with the hood. Drives me crazy. Not only that, we had some very minor small hail that would not dent a car normally, and didn't hurt the rest of the RAV4 but definitely dented up that hood. So thin! If I can ever find someone making a fiberglass replacement I'll get it.
That's getting into some expensive range and competition. Good call on that rear hatch having really no protection at all. Toyota has really upped their interior game finally.
I've been shopping for one. The things that stand out to me is the price of a light in the cargo area. That should be standard, not $500! I also am annoyed that you have to pay a subscription to have navigation. (Yes, I know I can use my cellphone with Android Auto) Overall I like it, but those things do bug me.
Although people complained about them being ugly, those late 1970s 5mph bumpers really protected your car on minor bumps...no damage. Today the same bump would result in over $2k in damages
I have a 2008 5.7L sequoia.
A dump truck just hit a big traffic cone and threw it into my sequoia.
New bumper fascia, fog light, and head light $2500.
I have a 2008 5.7L sequoia.
A dump truck just hit a big traffic cone and threw it into my sequoia.
New bumper fascia, fog light, and head light $2500.
Good call on the bumper. I honestly wouldn’t have noticed that.
best video on this car
I find some of your critiques a bit misleading. There are many options for this model that include the items you are describing as "missing". At least on the west coast, all of those options still keep the hybrid limited in the $50,000s range, even in California... so, panoramic viewing and the large sunroof put the car in the mid-$50,000 range.
he said for the 360 cameras, that at the price already, with the size of the vehicle, it should already be included. He;s right especially since it is a family hauler.
I know what he said. We just got ours 1 month ago. The add ons do put the price a bit higher but coming from a Rav4 and hating the standard highlander, I am so, so happy with the grand highlander. I will forever love my 2001 4runner but I have to say, this vehicle is better. I love ours.
Good review, but I'm surprised you didn't mention the light tuning of the steering wheel which most people complain about
My son's Nisson Pathfinder also has a jiggly hood. It is 2017 and seems to be the story now.
You have to pay extra for the panoramic view monitor aka 360 camera which sucks but it is what it is.
is limited hybrid is powerful enough for rough condition like Snow areas ?
look for a guy who does a review on the non hybrid in Canada. he went through thick snow and it performed flawless.
I'd imagine it is. We used to get by with a lot less than 245 horsepower.
I believe the 360 degree camera is optional for this limited trim, not missing, middle row bench seats are also optional which is so crucial for big families who buy this vehicle
A 360 degree camera is missing if it is not there standard at this price. That is what missing means.
With the non-hybridMax hybrid powertrain and for the 50k+ price tag, I wonder how this might compare to the sienna? Also with some of the interior feature omissions, did they save those features for the Lexus tx?
We will be testing the TX later this spring and will know. Expect to add about 20 k however.
Question
Have you driven the grand highlander limited and the hybrid limited?
Did you feel a difference in terms of power?
Im stuck undecided between the two
Thanks for this informative video. I had just decided that I want one when... Toyota shut down production of ALL TGHs due to an airbag recall. The shutdown might last a very long time, compounding what would probably have been the long wait for one _before_ the shutdown. AGH! I agree that the lack of serious bumpers is a real problem. I wonder if it's possible to rig after-market bumpers front and aft. I don't care about glamour! I also agree that the lack of a sunroof and a 360° camera are surprising deficits.
Get the trailer hitch put on and there are a few "hitch bumper guards" out there on the market you can get that should prevent minor bumps from getting at that door.
@@DavidDrummondTX Thanks. I had thought of a trailer hitch for the back, and perhaps bike racks (which I would leave empty) in front.
Clearly, the reviewer is not familiar with Toyota products they’re extreme reliability & Build
The host has owned nearly half a dozen Toyota products. A vehicle can be reliable and doors can also sound cheap when you slam them . Some things can coexist;) The difference between the host and most owners and enthusiasts is that his eyes are wide open.
Great points. I got mine yesterday and got an Ltd and have noticed that it dies not come either a trailer hitch
Betting your Toyota dealer would be happy to sell you one.
My hearty wishes for your new car!. I am looking at this same Limited trim .
its also an option
How's it doing?
That thin clunky aluminum hood bouncing around on the highway really pisses me off.... So does their thin tinny sounding doors when you close them. You bring up some very solid points.
is there any changes w quality/refinement w the platinum hybrid max version?
The powertrain has a different personality and obviously more power. The rest of the vehicle is essentially the same.
Curious if Toyota will update the Highlander' interior to match the Grand Highlander and ditch the 3rd row for more cargo space? That would be the vehicle I'd want. I guess wait and see and if not the Honda Passport refresh is around the corner.
i am just guessing no as they have rav4 and the land cruiser now with no 3rd row.
would you trade in your hybrid ford maverick for this? if you needed more space to haul people for example
Not likely
Is this 4wd or awd ?
Or 2wd with electric 2wd ?
AWD. Rear axle is electric.
@@TestDrivenTV thank you
Materials are too basic. I dislike that Toyota no longer blacks out the metal frame around the window inside the door. They use to cover it with a black sticker. Gives more quality look.
Toyota needs to make the Highlander back a 2 row SUV.
That seems like a likely scenario.
Yea it’ll compete w Mazda new CX70
Nice but weird review. I have used the Toyota website to build my own Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited AWD. The base model (the one driven by Sam Haymart) is $51,410. He says his version is missing a panoramic roof. This is an option Sam. I have it selected and it added $1,950 to the base price. So I'm not sure why Sam makes a big deal about this when he could've test driven one with a panoramic roof. The price with the panoramic roof is $53,360 - not that much more considering how nice the roof will be!
My main concern is the interior cabin noise. I've seen some reviewers say that when using the Hybrid Limited. Take Top Electric SUV. The reviewer says: "The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is available in 245 hp and 362 hp variants. Those who have tested the SUV would also tell you that the base variant doesn’t feel very powerful, but it’s not sluggish either, and it impresses on fuel economy, which I think is its core purpose. It manages to accelerate to highway speeds and climb up mountainous roads decently, but it tends to get noisy." I've contacted a company who does "sound deadening" in vehicles and the owner says he can make a difference.
The other thing that I'm concerned about is the audio system. My understanding is that the JBL "premium" version is adequate but, as someone who is a bit of an audiophile, I may upgrade this a bit as well.
Anyway - just my two cents..... Looking forward to getting a new vehicl. Plan to purchase in 2025 but am waiting on the Kia Telluride Hybrid (due out soon) before deciding which one to go with.
One more thing - the $1,950 panoramic roof option includes the panoramic view monitor. Sam complains that his model did not have the panoramic view monitor and roof but both are available as an option for $1,950.
The point is for the as tested price, those items are absent. Sure they are optional but at the price many competitors have those things included. It's a comparison.
where can I buy this for $53K please? I live in Texas and it's at $58K plus TTL
No roof or camera but you won't find them on lots. 55k best you'll be able to do usually, even those hard to find
@@eriklp10 360 camera and panarama sunroofs are both options available on limited trim. The camera makes shopping difficult having to pull up the sticker window or every vehicle.
"The interior space of the highlander is the most important space..."
What a profound statement 😂😂
If they dropped a V-6 into it, and tightened up the braking system, I'd have one sitting in my driveway. Those two issues are keeping me away.
@LivingInAnInverseReality 2023 Ram 1500 Bighorn crew cab 4×4. I was looking at one for my wife.
A V6 would cut the city MPG from 36 to 18 or 20
@@alexmassengale433 Would be about what I get with my truck. Solid vehicle for my wife.
$53k, u get bigger space and hybrid MPG and maybe Toyota reliability? definitely not the safety >