The most UA-camr that I really enjoy watching his videos. No crazy music, no time wasting, no nonsense. Very informative and always on point. Thank you very much.
I drove this recently. The XLE had the smoothest ride of all the trims probably due to the tires. I found the interior a little generic but very nice. I would definitely get this over the Lexus TX. In my mind, the much more expensive Lexus GX still reigns supreme.
I was also extremely shocked it didn't feel under powered. I had to remind myself that this vehicle was a 4 cylinder as it doesn't drive like it in everyday driving. Pleasantly surprised.
Alex, Merry 🎄🎄to you and Team Auto Buyers Guide. As the former owner of a Grand Marquis, I feel well qualified to evaluate a Grand Highlander. 😉 In my opinion, the 34 mpg rating for the regular AWD Hybrid is the grandest thing about the Grand Highlander. The fact the base Hybrid is faster than the 2.4 Turbo just reinforces this view. Choosing the XLE on sensible 18" rims will surely raise the ride comfort score to a solid A. I was heartbroken to learn a full sheet of plywood would not quite fit until I realized, with today's crazy lumber prices, I could not actually afford a full sheet of plywood. 🤣😂
Great mileage and great utility. I've no tolerance for a droning, thrashy Toyota four cylinder, so that would kill it for me, but for someone not sensitive to that, this seems like the top choice in the segment.
Alex, you and your team always nail it out of park reviewing car aspecially going into more detail and bit speaking with a personal point of view. Lately, I have been noticing the video production is great, especially showing Alex first person point of view. During my experience the first point of view video looks very cool and very 3Dmatic visual. Keep it up!
I got to tell you, I have it in AWD, 2.4 liter and it has plenty of power. It also tows up to 5000lbs according to manual, I do not have a tow package with it and I do not have a need to do so. I am getting 22 in town, 24 combined and 26 on highway. I have had the vehicle since November 4, 2023 and have been thrust far well please with it.
Yes, it's the SUV of the year. I'm so thankful that you put these solid reviews together. You answered just about every question I had. Thank you and Merry Christmas.
Alex's videos have helped me through all my most recent car purchases. It is sad that his channel does grow as quickly as other car review channels. And then, there is that useless "car review" channel called TheStraightPipes...
There is more to it than just mileage. The Hybrid is $4000.00 more expensive than the non hybrid and that would take you more than four years to see a savings.
Toyota is awesome. I just prefer Honda/Acura products because more fun and more versatile as Honda is a engineering company first but became more of an accounting company first like Toyota.
Hey Alex, are you sure that you got the right combined legroom figure for the GH? Because 41.7, 39.5, and 33.5 don't equal to 118.8 inches which means that the Telluride still has more combined legroom than the GH.
I looked at the pilot and preferred the 8 seats in the elite however the V6 has cylinder deactivation and would likey be a long term reliability nightmare
I was on the fence between the 2.5 & 2.4T, but I think I'm ready to order the Limited 2.5L now, I'm fine with the below 8sec 0-60mph. Our 22 Rav4 HV LTD has been averaging 42.1mpg at the pump over the last 27K miles. I'm sure I would appreciate the GH HV too! Thanks for the great review.
I’m at 4,xxx miles on the 2.5 hybrid limited. The 34-36 MPG is pretty accurate. If I try and hyper mile in town (light foot, pulse and glide) I can make trips getting over 40mpg. Pretty impressive.
I ordered the XLE hybrid from my local dealer where my family has purchased more than 10 cars from. The sales person thanked me for being a loyal customer and then told me the price is not negotiable and plus a 15% dealer fee. I wasnt happy but both my 01 highlander and 07 sienna arw falling apart. I needed a new car.
Simply walk away, I would not buy any vehicle that has mark up or dealer fee. Luckily, my Pilot is still reliable, it has just over 60k miles, and no major problems so far. Just regular maintenance like oil change, battery replacement, and new tires.
If you’re gonna pay markups pay them on a superior car to the gh. For example I would pay markups on a telluride because it doesn’t change the fact that it’s still best in class
Alex, thank you for commenting on how the Hybrid Max drives. I think you're the only reviewer to say it has any issues. I also think you're the only one to mention that it isn't as soft as, say, the Telluride. It will be almost impossible to test drive one since they seem to be pre-sold, so us regular people out here rely on you and your peers to steer us straight. Thanks again, and Merry Christmas!
I’ve seen some of his older ones. They’re funny. My favorite one is his old review of the 2015 bmw x4 and the current generation Lincoln aviator I won’t ever forget those quotes: Bmw X4: “And an emergency releeeeaasssssssse” “ 🎶 the third row doesn’t power when the hatch is closed 🎶” 😆😂
@@charliesmash 😂😆🤣. I love that one. I also love how in some of his older videos he sings in the end. It’s hilarious and his voice is surprisingly good
Merry Christmas! We currently have a 2019 Traverse, and to be honest I don't think any of the competition we recently looked at can touch the 2nd row leg room. Granted, I've been waiting for this and the TX, but we looked at everything from the Defender 110 to the Grand Cherokee L to the X7, none are as roomy. I'm looking forward to checking out one of these as well as the refreshed 2024 Traverse, especially now that SuperCruise will be available! Appreciate your reviews and opinions as always, keep up the great work!
This is one situation where a review of the autosteering features would be even more useful - since you cannot get a Platinum trim in the regular hybrid, do all the features still work well?
@@AAutoBuyersGuide is lane centering a better term to utilize? Because that's what I meant. The Toyota website suggests the Limited lacks some of driver assistance technology, so it'd be great to really understand what that difference is.
Thank you, Alex! Are you planning to test drive Lexus TX (preferably on smaller wheels) on similar road conditions any time soon? Really interesting to hear how similar or different the TX is in terms of ride comfort compared to the Grand Highlander and others in its class!! Best seasonal greetings 🌅
There really no difference 😂. Neither the grand Highlander or Tx compare favorably to rivals such as the telluride palisade pilot cx90 grand Cherokee MDX aviator q7 xt6 traverse Acadia etc
22:14 Ehhhh....I see more headaches than user-friendly. The 2018 traverse has more cargo room than that. And a much better layout that just made sense. The performance on those highlander are less than adequate for an suv.
Comparing this to a Sienna don't forget the rear captains chairs in a Sienna do not fold flat and these do. There is a ton more room in the highlander for Stuff than in the Sienna. That is why I went with the Grand Highlander.
I wonder if the difference in tow ratings between the smaller 2.5 L hybrid and the larger 2.4 L turbo hybrid are due to the transmissions. I wouldn't be surprised if they used a more robust transmission for the higher horsepower and torque version.
Just, finally got the paperwork with vin number and everything. They’re saying sometime the ladder part of march. Same model, same colors very excited. No moonroof, just the unit, psnoview foolrmats and mudguards.
We bought the pilot elite this year due to the fact you can get the 8 seater bench seat. They also offered to us at 500 below MSRP, some toyota dealers in the PNW up charged between $2300-$8100 on after market protection packages we didn’t want. Simply wasn’t worth the hassle or fuel savings if a hybrid once we factored in the mark up. Overall pretty happy with the Pilot minus the real world 16MPG average.
Interesting opinion about the styling. I agree, it looks like a big RAV4. So Toyota copy their own design rather than Hyundai/Kia copying everyone else.
When you put the 2x8 sheet, was the driver seat adjusted for your height and could you have pulled the front seats forward to fit the sheet and close the hatch?
I was in front of one of these yesterday and the driver did not have the high beams on and the headlights are obnoxious! I will be interested to see how this plays out as more of the Grands get on the road. I imagine non Grand drivers are going to start complaining and contacting Toyota.
So I have a 17 RAV4 ice I just surpassed 100,000 Mi on it and all my ball joints tie rod ends are tight it has never had an alignment and goes dead straight down the road. Now it's just too bad they did away with the access panel to the fuel pump
Never really address the resale issue which is one of the best reasons to buy a Toyota product. Very good revue though. I own a Grand Hylander Max Platinum. Maybe I don’t have much to compare to but I think it shifts and drives very smoothly. In addition it feels very powerful and responsive. Do I need a Max,no, but it sure is fun.
Why would the older Telluride "rightfully so" sell more than the new Pilot? That is an interestingly unqualified statement. It may sell more - but "rightfully so"?
because the Pilot has gotten Ugly.. decadent.. fallen from former glory.. but Alex is being nice and doesn't want to spell it out like that 😅.. plus they had ample time for there redesign instead of playing catch up at this point..
@@georgesnyder5337sit in a cx90 or Telluride, then sit in a Pilot. Lots of black on black on black, large plastic surrounds on the instrument cluster. Small infotainment screen. It's utilitarian for sure and the most disappointing interior of the Asian entries in this segment.
Hi alex, happy new year ! Great review. You made it clear why picking the regular GH hybrid is the best choice over gas and max. What color was your interior ? Was it black leather or light gray leather ? It looked like dark leather but not sure given it looked a bit on the lighter shade of black.
Alex, maybe it differs on location, but the high end price of Pilot for me is showing $53855 with destination ($52480 before destination), which is about $1500 less than what your video is showing?
The standard Hybrid is really the Goldilocks choice of any Toyota that offers it. As for design, I think the GH is just midpack in the segment, behind the Telluride/Palisade, Grand Cherokee L, and Pilot, on par with the CX-90, but ahead of the Atlas and Ascent. The regular Highlander could pass off as a Subaru at first but ultimately, it's just an evolution of the 3rd gen's styling. Prefer the looks of the Highlander over the Grand, which seems like a RAV4 XXL. Thoroughly agree that there's little reason to get the TX over the GH.
I have a Sept of 2021 Highlander Platinum Hybrid with only 13,800 miles on it. I noticed that you said you didn't see much reason to upgrade to the Lexus TX, but doesn't the Lexus have better insulation for quietness and a much more luxurious interior? Yes, it does cost more, but look at what you're getting. A better audio system, better acoustic glass, and better interior / material. Not to mention the self parking feature it offers. I guess for me, it will come down to the amount of equity I will have in my 2021 Highlander to add to the down payment for the Lexus TX 500H. I've been driving Toyota's since 2010 and was thinking of upgrading to Lexus. Thank you for your in-depth review of the Grand Highlander. 😊
I wish they offered the base hybrid with a turbo engine. Even if it didn't make more power, having more down low torque (which means more average/available power) would keep the engine from screaming on the highway. Otherwise this looks solid
How does the hybrid perform with a full vehicle? That is my biggest concern. Also, the only reason to upgrade to the TX is the PHEV system (albeit at a significant price premium). Hoping for a PHEV Highlander at some point.
No it’s not. The tx is not worth it no matter what version you choose The tx is the perfect example of why choosing the competition instead of the tx is an absolute no brainer
I just finished watching 2 of your videos. 1. I rewatched this Grand highlander video, and the 2nd video was of tbe Nautilus. I know the Lincoln is in the luxury category, but if you simply had to choose, which vehicle version would you want? The Nautilus reserve 3 luxury? The fully loaded Black Label? Or the Limited Grand Highlander optioned out with the 36 mpg hybrid. Or its Hybrid Max? Thanks for any opinion you can offer.
@@Ryan2022 front crash rating. They probably didn't add enough reinforcement for how heavy it is. Tbh for such an enormous vehicle it almost doesn't matter, but it's an embarrassment for Toyota
May I ask you about the arm rests in the third row? They look like they protrude quite a bit. Does that affect the actual width and comfort of the third row? I wish it had the sliding second row like the Honda Odyssey. That would solve a lot of child car seat issues and getting into the third row.
Both Toyota & Hyundai are following a unique strategy by offering a smaller 3 row SUV alongside the larger 3 row sibling giving buyers more flexibility. Clever strategy imo.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide Some are suggesting the regular Highlander is being phased out. One thing is or sure, Toyota's Indiana plant does not have the ability to build Siennas, Highlanders, Grand Highlanders and Lexus TXs as fast as people want to buy them. 🤨
can you explain how the AWD version with the added electric motor in the rear has the same horsepower as the FWD version which is lacking the rear motor?
@@AAutoBuyersGuide: Toyota used air cooled li-ion on some gen4 Prius. In any case, a liquid cooled li-ion would be a lot smaller size (more room for cargo space), and charges/discharges at a higher rate for better performance. Nickel battery smells like Toyota trying to keep some older production line busy…
The issue is still cost and air cooling performance. An air cooled lion battery wouldn’t have the benefits of a liquid cooled lion design, and the size and weight difference for a 1kwh battery is so small it doesn’t really have much of an effect once you consider the packaging. By the time you get over 3-4 kWh then nimh makes much much less sense. At these sizes however, nimh is quite logical
Alex is the Toyota of the car reviewer video world, the best. I'm a huge fan of Toyota but they're not perfect. That front end looks like the Berlin Wall with poor approach angle. Is the center console still a wide Beast that intrudes into knee room?
4Runner is definitely in a weird spot now. Wondering if they make it more off road oriented, closer to the Bronco/Wrangler with maybe a removable top? One can dream
Agreed. I knew the interior would be garbage Indeed it is. This now has the worst interior in the class Pilot telluride palisade cx90 traverse Acadia pathfinder grand Cherokee all beat it in spades
The Kia Carnival will carry a 4x8 sheet of plywood lying flat. Can't they make a sunglasses holder for two pair of glasses? My wife and I are almost always together so who do we favor the driver or the passenger?
Anyone know if Toyota plans to offer a Capstone trim for the the Grand Highlander? Would be nice to have an option to make it a bit more luxurious, similar to GMC's Denali trim.
I can't see any reason why someone SHOULD get the non--hybrid, but I some people look at the bottom dollar and it is cheaper so that's why they would. -Travis
@@AAutoBuyersGuideone reason anyone would get the turbo is if they don’t want to have to replace their hybrid batteries in 10 years which can cost thousands of dollars.
@@robbygates1 well, assuming no mark up, everything is MSRP, I think the difference is only $1500 to $2000. So in such case, spending extra 2k is worth it.
It's good car but in this condition I'll never buy any toyota until greedy dealers stop market adjustment plus high interest rate it's not worth it to trade in your car
My guess is the price. He also left out the Pathfinder / QX60 twins, which are pretty close to the Pilot in size, the former actually a skosh longer. The QX60 also is in the pricier, more luxury arena, but you could argue some overlap with the GH and maybe others on the lower trims. The Nissan offers the full middle bench on the higher trims if you check the right boxes, and the Infiniti can come close by fully optioning the second to top trim (with bench) within 95% of the top. Unlike the Pathfinder, the Infiniti only offers two seats in the third row I believe, because of zippier exterior styling toward the back. The Nissan / Infiniti pair also have child seat friendly middle row, that can be flipped forward with seats in place (no child in them of course I assume!).
@@AAutoBuyersGuide I get that, and, on my part, re my comment about "left out...", I was just pointing out the technically there are others that folks might want to compare and check out on their own, not expectation... and I believe you did briefly refer to the Grand Cherokee L in some manner.
The most UA-camr that I really enjoy watching his videos. No crazy music, no time wasting, no nonsense. Very informative and always on point. Thank you very much.
I'm glad you drove the 2.5 hybrid. Most people are reviewing hybrid Max trims.
I drove this recently. The XLE had the smoothest ride of all the trims probably due to the tires. I found the interior a little generic but very nice. I would definitely get this over the Lexus TX. In my mind, the much more expensive Lexus GX still reigns supreme.
I was also extremely shocked it didn't feel under powered. I had to remind myself that this vehicle was a 4 cylinder as it doesn't drive like it in everyday driving. Pleasantly surprised.
Yes, big fan of 18" rims vs the larger offerings--- 🎉
I agree 55 profile makes for a harsher ride and less protection of your rims
Alex, Merry 🎄🎄to you and Team Auto Buyers Guide. As the former owner of a Grand Marquis, I feel well qualified to evaluate a Grand Highlander. 😉 In my opinion, the 34 mpg rating for the regular AWD Hybrid is the grandest thing about the Grand Highlander. The fact the base Hybrid is faster than the 2.4 Turbo just reinforces this view. Choosing the XLE on sensible 18" rims will surely raise the ride comfort score to a solid A. I was heartbroken to learn a full sheet of plywood would not quite fit until I realized, with today's crazy lumber prices, I could not actually afford a full sheet of plywood. 🤣😂
Funnily enough I am in the market for a Grand Marquis as a daily so I can keep my Mustang out of the snow, they are great cars
@@tednugent1100 Mine was the last of the boxy ones, a 1991 with the 302 V8. Good luck in your search. 😁
For your 4x8' sheet of plywood needs, I suggest a 2001 Ford Excursion 🤪
@@theglowcloud2215 Agreed!! That splits the difference perfectly between my old Mercury Grand Marquis and this new Toyota RAV6!
Keep your hybrid
Great mileage and great utility. I've no tolerance for a droning, thrashy Toyota four cylinder, so that would kill it for me, but for someone not sensitive to that, this seems like the top choice in the segment.
Alex, you and your team always nail it out of park reviewing car aspecially going into more detail and bit speaking with a personal point of view. Lately, I have been noticing the video production is great, especially showing Alex first person point of view. During my experience the first point of view video looks very cool and very 3Dmatic visual. Keep it up!
I got to tell you, I have it in AWD, 2.4 liter and it has plenty of power. It also tows up to 5000lbs according to manual, I do not have a tow package with it and I do not have a need to do so. I am getting 22 in town, 24 combined and 26 on highway. I have had the vehicle since November 4, 2023 and have been thrust far well please with it.
Yes, it's the SUV of the year. I'm so thankful that you put these solid reviews together. You answered just about every question I had. Thank you and Merry Christmas.
Thank you for watching, glad we can help. Happy holidays and safe travels! -Travis
Alex's videos have helped me through all my most recent car purchases. It is sad that his channel does grow as quickly as other car review channels. And then, there is that useless "car review" channel called TheStraightPipes...
Alex as always you kill it on the car reviews. 🤙🏻
The Grand Highlander Hybrid is the best of the bunch.
There is more to it than just mileage. The Hybrid is $4000.00 more expensive than the non hybrid and that would take you more than four years to see a savings.
Toyota is awesome. I just prefer Honda/Acura products because more fun and more versatile as Honda is a engineering company first but became more of an accounting company first like Toyota.
Honda drives better and has better visibility, ergonomics.
Straight on the money! We just picked ours up. First day with the grand baby and there you were to help. OUTSTANDING video. Thanks
Hey Alex, are you sure that you got the right combined legroom figure for the GH? Because 41.7, 39.5, and 33.5 don't equal to 118.8 inches which means that the Telluride still has more combined legroom than the GH.
I looked at the pilot and preferred the 8 seats in the elite however the V6 has cylinder deactivation and would likey be a long term reliability nightmare
I was on the fence between the 2.5 & 2.4T, but I think I'm ready to order the Limited 2.5L now, I'm fine with the below 8sec 0-60mph. Our 22 Rav4 HV LTD has been averaging 42.1mpg at the pump over the last 27K miles. I'm sure I would appreciate the GH HV too! Thanks for the great review.
Thanks for watching and I'm glad we could help! -Travis
I’m at 4,xxx miles on the 2.5 hybrid limited. The 34-36 MPG is pretty accurate. If I try and hyper mile in town (light foot, pulse and glide) I can make trips getting over 40mpg. Pretty impressive.
I have a highlander and I've been thinking on selling and getting a grand highlander. This is the most helpful video I've found so far. Thanks
I ordered the XLE hybrid from my local dealer where my family has purchased more than 10 cars from. The sales person thanked me for being a loyal customer and then told me the price is not negotiable and plus a 15% dealer fee. I wasnt happy but both my 01 highlander and 07 sienna arw falling apart. I needed a new car.
Simply walk away, I would not buy any vehicle that has mark up or dealer fee. Luckily, my Pilot is still reliable, it has just over 60k miles, and no major problems so far. Just regular maintenance like oil change, battery replacement, and new tires.
If you’re gonna pay markups pay them on a superior car to the gh. For example I would pay markups on a telluride because it doesn’t change the fact that it’s still best in class
@naveenthemachine haha🤣🤣🤣🤣 that was the funniest thing iv heard in a while!
Alex, thank you for commenting on how the Hybrid Max drives. I think you're the only reviewer to say it has any issues. I also think you're the only one to mention that it isn't as soft as, say, the Telluride. It will be almost impossible to test drive one since they seem to be pre-sold, so us regular people out here rely on you and your peers to steer us straight. Thanks again, and Merry Christmas!
I miss the day he usually get in the trunk and close it. 😂
I’ve seen some of his older ones. They’re funny. My favorite one is his old review of the 2015 bmw x4 and the current generation Lincoln aviator
I won’t ever forget those quotes:
Bmw X4: “And an emergency releeeeaasssssssse”
“ 🎶 the third row doesn’t power when the hatch is closed 🎶”
😆😂
And en emergency releeeeeease
@@charliesmash 😂😆🤣. I love that one.
I also love how in some of his older videos he sings in the end. It’s hilarious and his voice is surprisingly good
Glad you’re talking more about reliability!
Merry Christmas! We currently have a 2019 Traverse, and to be honest I don't think any of the competition we recently looked at can touch the 2nd row leg room. Granted, I've been waiting for this and the TX, but we looked at everything from the Defender 110 to the Grand Cherokee L to the X7, none are as roomy. I'm looking forward to checking out one of these as well as the refreshed 2024 Traverse, especially now that SuperCruise will be available!
Appreciate your reviews and opinions as always, keep up the great work!
Wish they’d just put the plug in hybrid system from the TX in the grand Highlander instead of the hybrid max
I wouldn't be surprised if we saw that down the road but it's not going to be needed to move units for a few years. -Travis
Alex. Amazing review as always. We are coming from a Tucson HEV and looking to go slightly bigger. This review is super helpful deciding.
As soon I saw you bust out the 2x8 wood panel I knew I had to instantly subscribe. Great review!
Thanks for the sub!
This is one situation where a review of the autosteering features would be even more useful - since you cannot get a Platinum trim in the regular hybrid, do all the features still work well?
It only has lane centering. There is no “auto steer” in Toyota’s lineup
@@AAutoBuyersGuide is lane centering a better term to utilize? Because that's what I meant. The Toyota website suggests the Limited lacks some of driver assistance technology, so it'd be great to really understand what that difference is.
You should do another 3rd row comparison video
Thank you, Alex! Are you planning to test drive Lexus TX (preferably on smaller wheels) on similar road conditions any time soon? Really interesting to hear how similar or different the TX is in terms of ride comfort compared to the Grand Highlander and others in its class!! Best seasonal greetings 🌅
There really no difference 😂. Neither the grand Highlander or Tx compare favorably to rivals such as the telluride palisade pilot cx90 grand Cherokee MDX aviator q7 xt6 traverse Acadia etc
That would be great, it's just a matter of us being able to get our hands on the TX! -Travis
22:14 Ehhhh....I see more headaches than user-friendly. The 2018 traverse has more cargo room than that. And a much better layout that just made sense. The performance on those highlander are less than adequate for an suv.
Why don't you have pilot in the comparison?
^^ savagegeese’s suv of the year and no mention
We can’t compare everything
ya why not Pilot? the most direct competition and best sellers
Comparing this to a Sienna don't forget the rear captains chairs in a Sienna do not fold flat and these do. There is a ton more room in the highlander for Stuff than in the Sienna. That is why I went with the Grand Highlander.
I wonder if the difference in tow ratings between the smaller 2.5 L hybrid and the larger 2.4 L turbo hybrid are due to the transmissions. I wouldn't be surprised if they used a more robust transmission for the higher horsepower and torque version.
Just, finally got the paperwork with vin number and everything. They’re saying sometime the ladder part of march. Same model, same colors very excited. No moonroof, just the unit, psnoview foolrmats and mudguards.
Great through review of what is likely going to be the most popular trim of the Grand Highlander. I am planning on getting one. Thanks.
I just wish you’d include fuel consumption in liters per 100km for us Canadians and Europeans
We bought the pilot elite this year due to the fact you can get the 8 seater bench seat. They also offered to us at 500 below MSRP, some toyota dealers in the PNW up charged between $2300-$8100 on after market protection packages we didn’t want. Simply wasn’t worth the hassle or fuel savings if a hybrid once we factored in the mark up. Overall pretty happy with the Pilot minus the real world 16MPG average.
16 MPG is pretty horrible tbh.+1 for the GH
@@joelc9329 tell me about it pal! We just couldn’t wait any longer
@@joelc9329 on the bright side, gas is down to 3.80 ish
Interesting opinion about the styling. I agree, it looks like a big RAV4. So Toyota copy their own design rather than Hyundai/Kia copying everyone else.
🙌🙌
When you put the 2x8 sheet, was the driver seat adjusted for your height and could you have pulled the front seats forward to fit the sheet and close the hatch?
Amazing review Alex!
I was in front of one of these yesterday and the driver did not have the high beams on and the headlights are obnoxious! I will be interested to see how this plays out as more of the Grands get on the road. I imagine non Grand drivers are going to start complaining and contacting Toyota.
No one cares especially Toyota.
Great review. Please do a Highlander vs TX comparison.
They’re literally the same thing
I think the exterior looks great.
So I have a 17 RAV4 ice I just surpassed 100,000 Mi on it and all my ball joints tie rod ends are tight it has never had an alignment and goes dead straight down the road. Now it's just too bad they did away with the access panel to the fuel pump
Never really address the resale issue which is one of the best reasons to buy a Toyota product. Very good revue though. I own a Grand Hylander Max Platinum. Maybe I don’t have much to compare to but I think it shifts and drives very smoothly. In addition it feels very powerful and responsive. Do I need a Max,no, but it sure is fun.
Time for Mitsu to bring back Pajero as a PHEV.
I still don’t understand what are they waiting for 😂
Except the crash test safety rating isn't as good as the regular Highlander.
Hopefully Toyota will fix that with the next model year of Grand Highlander.
And even more hopefully not by just patching it.
Why would the older Telluride "rightfully so" sell more than the new Pilot? That is an interestingly unqualified statement. It may sell more - but "rightfully so"?
Maybe because he is not a racist car buying shopper like you?
because the Pilot has gotten Ugly.. decadent.. fallen from former glory.. but Alex is being nice and doesn't want to spell it out like that 😅.. plus they had ample time for there redesign instead of playing catch up at this point..
@@joebrown9621not sure what you are on about. The pilot was just redesigned. Even in Elite trim I would call it “decadent”.
@@etvowthat doesn’t make a lick of sense.
@@georgesnyder5337sit in a cx90 or Telluride, then sit in a Pilot.
Lots of black on black on black, large plastic surrounds on the instrument cluster. Small infotainment screen. It's utilitarian for sure and the most disappointing interior of the Asian entries in this segment.
will pick Telluride if they offer hybrid.
Hi alex, happy new year ! Great review. You made it clear why picking the regular GH hybrid is the best choice over gas and max. What color was your interior ? Was it black leather or light gray leather ? It looked like dark leather but not sure given it looked a bit on the lighter shade of black.
Alex, maybe it differs on location, but the high end price of Pilot for me is showing $53855 with destination ($52480 before destination), which is about $1500 less than what your video is showing?
I get the sense Alex doesn't care for the Pilot and seems to discount it on the whole., I would suggest consuming Savage Geese for an alternate view.
Did you add the extra charge colors? MSRP can change from time to time as well. Top trim + optional colors + destination
With the optional color charge, it is $54310 after destination.
Great review. Thank you Alex!!!
I would prefer Telluride with Pilot driving dynamics.
Rav4 after going to gym
The standard Hybrid is really the Goldilocks choice of any Toyota that offers it.
As for design, I think the GH is just midpack in the segment, behind the Telluride/Palisade, Grand Cherokee L, and Pilot, on par with the CX-90, but ahead of the Atlas and Ascent.
The regular Highlander could pass off as a Subaru at first but ultimately, it's just an evolution of the 3rd gen's styling. Prefer the looks of the Highlander over the Grand, which seems like a RAV4 XXL.
Thoroughly agree that there's little reason to get the TX over the GH.
To no one’s surprise Toyota failed to outclass the competition 😂
I knew this was gonna happen 😂😁
The GH is a dud
I have a Sept of 2021 Highlander Platinum Hybrid with only
13,800 miles on it. I noticed that you said you didn't see much reason to upgrade to the Lexus TX, but doesn't the Lexus have better insulation for quietness and a much more luxurious interior? Yes, it does cost more, but look at what you're getting. A better audio system, better acoustic glass, and better interior / material. Not to mention the self parking feature it offers. I guess for me, it will come down to the amount of equity I will have in my 2021 Highlander to add to the down payment for the Lexus TX 500H.
I've been driving Toyota's since 2010 and was thinking of upgrading to Lexus.
Thank you for your in-depth review of the Grand Highlander. 😊
I have a 2022 regular Highlander, did you end up figuring out how much you had to add for Lexus TX? Or even Grand Highlander?
Amazing video Alex.
Sorry nothing looks closer to telluride. kIA absolutely nailed with telluride
Alex, does the hybrid max trim comes with active noise cancelation ?
I wish they offered the base hybrid with a turbo engine. Even if it didn't make more power, having more down low torque (which means more average/available power) would keep the engine from screaming on the highway. Otherwise this looks solid
How does the hybrid perform with a full vehicle? That is my biggest concern. Also, the only reason to upgrade to the TX is the PHEV system (albeit at a significant price premium). Hoping for a PHEV Highlander at some point.
No it’s not. The tx is not worth it no matter what version you choose
The tx is the perfect example of why choosing the competition instead of the tx is an absolute no brainer
I would get Hyrbid only if Toyota can manufacture it in time. Currently, the waiting time for Hybrid is over 1 year.
I just finished watching 2 of your videos. 1. I rewatched this Grand highlander video, and the 2nd video was of tbe Nautilus. I know the Lincoln is in the luxury category, but if you simply had to choose, which vehicle version would you want? The Nautilus reserve 3 luxury? The fully loaded Black Label? Or the Limited Grand Highlander optioned out with the 36 mpg hybrid. Or its Hybrid Max?
Thanks for any opinion you can offer.
Great review. Will you do a detailed review on Lexus tx?
Unfortunate for a family hauler, it missed the Top Safety Pick award. Probably Toyota will come out with a fix in a few months.
Why did it miss
@@Ryan2022 front crash rating. They probably didn't add enough reinforcement for how heavy it is.
Tbh for such an enormous vehicle it almost doesn't matter, but it's an embarrassment for Toyota
@@joa8593 OK because I thought you were going to talk about that ridiculous offset test
Wonderfully reviewed
May I ask you about the arm rests in the third row? They look like they protrude quite a bit. Does that affect the actual width and comfort of the third row? I wish it had the sliding second row like the Honda Odyssey. That would solve a lot of child car seat issues and getting into the third row.
Both Toyota & Hyundai are following a unique strategy by offering a smaller 3 row SUV alongside the larger 3 row sibling giving buyers more flexibility. Clever strategy imo.
An emergency 3rd row is great to have in a lot of cases as long as it doesn't take up too much rear storage capacity. -Travis
@@AAutoBuyersGuide Some are suggesting the regular Highlander is being phased out. One thing is or sure, Toyota's Indiana plant does not have the ability to build Siennas, Highlanders, Grand Highlanders and Lexus TXs as fast as people want to buy them. 🤨
can you explain how the AWD version with the added electric motor in the rear has the same horsepower as the FWD version which is lacking the rear motor?
This is the handsome Squidward of Toyota Highlander
I hate moonroofs so wouldn't miss it with this vehicle
Why the NiMH battery though? Do any trims come with the Li ion battery?
NiMH batteries are less expensive, don't need to be liquid cooled, and can have lifetimes and performance similar to a lithium battery on a hybrid.
@@AAutoBuyersGuide: Toyota used air cooled li-ion on some gen4 Prius. In any case, a liquid cooled li-ion would be a lot smaller size (more room for cargo space), and charges/discharges at a higher rate for better performance. Nickel battery smells like Toyota trying to keep some older production line busy…
The issue is still cost and air cooling performance. An air cooled lion battery wouldn’t have the benefits of a liquid cooled lion design, and the size and weight difference for a 1kwh battery is so small it doesn’t really have much of an effect once you consider the packaging. By the time you get over 3-4 kWh then nimh makes much much less sense. At these sizes however, nimh is quite logical
Whats up with the hood pop rod? Hood struts are cheap! Smh
Alex is the Toyota of the car reviewer video world,
the best. I'm a huge fan of Toyota but they're not perfect. That front end looks like the Berlin Wall with poor approach angle. Is the center console still a wide Beast that intrudes into knee room?
10 inches longer than a 4Runner, 7 inches longer than the new Land Cruiser. I question where the 4Runner fits in now.
4Runner is definitely in a weird spot now. Wondering if they make it more off road oriented, closer to the Bronco/Wrangler with maybe a removable top? One can dream
Why is hiproom about same as regular highlander even GH is wider?
Should have called it the SuperRAV
El Grande Highlandé 🌮🌮🌮🌮
Hi, do you know if an allocated unit can have the captains chairs replaced with a Bench Seat?
Do you have to use premium gas in these turbo 4 cylinders ?
no
No, but you should do very frequent 3k-5k oil changes to keep those Turbos happy.
I have yet to hear anyone say that the Grand Highlander is reminiscent of the 2nd generation Highlander, am I the only one???
The interior of the high lander is not good the kia tlr Hyundai pls and Mazda cx 90 are way better
Agreed. I knew the interior would be garbage
Indeed it is. This now has the worst interior in the class
Pilot telluride palisade cx90 traverse Acadia pathfinder grand Cherokee all beat it in spades
I think I recognize that road. Is that in salem oregon?
So did you get the basic 4 cyl turbo? this is hybrid still kind of expensive.
He reviewed the limited, one trim up from the base model hybrid (XLE).
Anybody know the measurements of the lowest point of the cargo space when entering?
The Kia Carnival will carry a 4x8 sheet of plywood lying flat. Can't they make a sunglasses holder for two pair of glasses? My wife and I are almost always together so who do we favor the driver or the passenger?
For almost 60k the grand highlander interior looks so cheap compared to telluride, palisade, cx90
Gee only now you just figured that out LOL!?😂
Anyone know if Toyota plans to offer a Capstone trim for the the Grand Highlander? Would be nice to have an option to make it a bit more luxurious, similar to GMC's Denali trim.
With the limited trim options available at the moment it might be a few years before we see more variety. -Travis
If the capstone trim of the sequoia or tundra are anything to go by then you’ll be very disappointed 😂
will a 4X8 fit in the new Traverse?
Needs better fog lights and front facia, the kaiju face with fish mouth is not good to look at
Just buy sienna is way better option
V6 is way more reliable than the 4cyl turbo garbage
Regular hybrid is quicker 0-60 than the 2.4L turbo? For real? If so, why should anyone buy 2.4L turbo?
I can't see any reason why someone SHOULD get the non--hybrid, but I some people look at the bottom dollar and it is cheaper so that's why they would. -Travis
@@AAutoBuyersGuideone reason anyone would get the turbo is if they don’t want to have to replace their hybrid batteries in 10 years which can cost thousands of dollars.
@@robbygates1 well, assuming no mark up, everything is MSRP, I think the difference is only $1500 to $2000. So in such case, spending extra 2k is worth it.
Should have called it "RAV6"
I wonder if that was ever considered... -Travis
Wish we'd change the name to grand rav4 already.
Come on man, no V6, no thanx.
Hi Alex, merry Christmas 🎄
Can you review the Tx 500h by Lexus
Please thanks 🙏🏻
Just watch the grand highlander hybrid max review. Take that car and give it lipstick
That’s literally the TX
It's good car but in this condition I'll never buy any toyota until greedy dealers stop market adjustment plus high interest rate it's not worth it to trade in your car
It's never fun hearing that dealers so drastically effect consumer purchase decisions. -Travis
Bro how tall are you?
Bad build quality, the front grill is very loose.
Alex, You left out the grand Cherokee L.
My guess is the price. He also left out the Pathfinder / QX60 twins, which are pretty close to the Pilot in size, the former actually a skosh longer. The QX60 also is in the pricier, more luxury arena, but you could argue some overlap with the GH and maybe others on the lower trims. The Nissan offers the full middle bench on the higher trims if you check the right boxes, and the Infiniti can come close by fully optioning the second to top trim (with bench) within 95% of the top. Unlike the Pathfinder, the Infiniti only offers two seats in the third row I believe, because of zippier exterior styling toward the back. The Nissan / Infiniti pair also have child seat friendly middle row, that can be flipped forward with seats in place (no child in them of course I assume!).
We can’t compare everything
@@AAutoBuyersGuide I get that, and, on my part, re my comment about "left out...", I was just pointing out the technically there are others that folks might want to compare and check out on their own, not expectation... and I believe you did briefly refer to the Grand Cherokee L in some manner.
haha it IS an enormous Rav4