Watch Before you Buy - Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Lim., 12 Points You Really Should Know!
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- Опубліковано 21 лип 2024
- UPDATE - Posted a follow up video on the fuel capacity and range here: • Toyota Grand Highlande...
I made this video, because I wish I had found a video like it prior to purchase and I hope that it will help someone make a more informed decision. I cover some general info and 12 key points you likely won't find in other review videos. I found @CarConfections to be very helpful with all their videos.
**I would like to add that we are overall very happy with this vehicle minus the fuel capacity thing, for us, its near perfect for all we want. If Toyota fixes/updates and makes it better in the next year, we may just trade in and get the next iteration.
I hope Toyota will make the fuel capacity thing right and pay attention. Make sure if you are considering buying one of these hybrids you do some research and check it when you test drive it!
Top 10 Things we love/like about the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Max Limited:
1. Size/Cargo/Passenger Capacity. 2. Overall Comfort and Convenience. 3. Lane Keeping Assist. 4. Ride Comfort. 5. Road Noise is Fairly Low. 6. Cupholders/Storage/Charging. 7. Keyless entry all doors and remote start. 8. Hands Free Tailgate lift and close features. 9. MPGs - this is debatable until I have a solution on fuel capacity and range, so far averaging about 25 MPG total for about 1600 miles. 10. Stereo System and HVAC system is great (except the front center vents don’t close)
11 Things we’d like to see in next iteration in no particular order: 1. more color options interior, like a cream color would be great. 2. More Space under the center front area where the shifter is. 3. More responsive and stronger braking system. 4. Better MPGs / range and accurate fuel capacity and range. 5. Softer touch on the trim inside, too much plastic now. 6. Seat extender for driver at least. 7. Seats that allow car seats and to easily get to 3rd row. 8. Hood that doesn’t vibrate. 9. Make it so interior trim doesn’t vibrate with strong bass/sound from stereo. 10. Passenger side memory. 11. Vents that close in the front center.
Update 19 Nov 23: I’ll say, after a few weeks now of driving it, I/we are really overall happy with it, it’s not too big that it’s a pain to park or go places, it’s not too luxurious that I have to worry about expensive maintenance and be so careful with it, but it sure is comfortable and a joy to ride. As I mention in the video, pound for pound, the whole package, we are very happy -- Toyota just need to address the fuel capacity, and of course, for future versions, perhaps they can address some of the other nuances i mentioned in the video, and in the previous paragraph.
Also, the case manager called me again and said Toyota engineers opened up a case to investigate it further and are thinking it could be software related, like not properly calibrated, and if they find something, they will contact me and have me bring it in to dealership. Not holding my breath at this point as it sounds like I’m being blown off.
14 Nov 23 UPDATE on Toyota Case: I heard from the case manager today. She said from what she is reseraching it shows that while it is a 17.2 gallon tank, that 3 - 5 gallons of that may be used as reserve and not accessible. She said that she still looking into it and iwll contact me in a couple days. If that is the case, they need to FULLY disclose this prior to purchase. They are at minimum MISLEADING people advertising 17.2 gallon tank fuel capacity with 460 - 480 miles range. I read on one site a range of over 600 miles - WTH?
#grandhighlander #toyotagrandhighlander #buyerbeware #consumeraffairs #falseadvertising #truth #suv #hybrid #2024grandhighlanderhybrid
![2023 Toyota Grand Highlander [Hybrid Max] - 23 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/jrCv7p5iDe0/mqdefault.jpg)
Great video. Really mentioned things no one else is talking about. Just ordered a hybrid max can't wait.
Thanks for the honest review and appreciate you posting your experience which points that other videos don't address.
Glad it was helpful!
This is a GREAT review. I really like a review like this when things were talked about from the owner perspective. Greatly appreciate it.
Glad it was helpful!
My wife and I just bought a hybrid max, this review is GREAT. Appreciate the insight from another owner!
Yes, Thanks for your honest review. Looking into the GH Hybrid and Hybrid Max.
It’s a really great SUV, truly enjoying having it. I posted an update video on the fuel capacity, link in description.
Great review! I have the platinum non hybrid version and the first thing I didn't like was the hood vibrating however not a deal breaker but it does seem cheap or jinky as you said. Overall our family really like the GH
Thanks for sharing your experiences and taking the time to comment, we digging the GH too!
My previous 2019 Subaru Ascent had the air dam duct underneath the hood for the turbo intercooler which caused hood vibration.The hood was made of aluminum to reduce weight.
Thanks for the review.
youre welcome, another one coming, just dropped the GH off at the dealership a few days ago for service and seems i need a new transmission, which since its such a new vehicle, won't have the part for perhaps months, could be she said. they gave me a nice rental, but still.... that being said, thats why we have warranties eh?
Great freaking review
I have a Grand Highlander and I love it. If you are coming from an old beater like many people do, these things are not noticeable and would not be annoying or even noticable. I think the Toyota Grand Highlander is a great car and I would not buy anything else, especially an expensive Mercedes.
Agree 100 on breaking feel like you have to press all the way down to even slow down
Exactly!
Appreciate the honest review. I see that some of these points were also mentioned by some other car review channels as well. However, I want to ask why you didnt use the latch anchors for the second row instead of the seat belts? Wouldnt that help you move the 3rd row by sliding the second row?
I don't remember, but I think it was safety thing and I didn't ever look at another option. Anyway, we're using them now! Thanks :)
Highlanders have had this problem for a long time. I have a 2021 and on empty with a 17 gallon tank I can only put 14gallons in.
The range display is based on the non hybrid version. My range on my 2014 avlon has alway been more than what is displayed.
The reason the hood is thin like that is due to EPA fuel requirements, they are trying to make the vehicles lighter and lighter. All vehicles are using lighter weight materials in everything on them trying to get better and better MPG. Also, the hood is not going to help you in a crash, the design of the car with air bags etc.. I have A GH and it is only the turbo 4 and on ECO it still has plenty of pick up and go, though I do live along the coast which is flat terrain. There is not going to be a perfect vehicle, but I believe Toyota's overall does a good job.
Thanks for the info, and overall, yeah, really do like the GH, enjoying it even, just wish the fuel capacity / range thing gets worked out…
You get to be realistic, if it is a $40k car or suv, you can say that, however, this is over $60k, and this is completely an incompetence and excuse.
Good honest review thank you. I test drove the grand and I did kinda get a cheap vibe. I have to admit Toyota has got it all wrapped up with the size thing they’re hitting all the buttons. My wife is all about the hybrid, I really like the CX 90, Kia and the Hyundai sport Ute. Oh yeah, one last thing they’re not exactly giving them away at 60,000.
Yeah, my limited Rav 4 from a couple years ago seems more luxurious, but pound for pound, I’ll still take this over the other vehicles. Hopefully Toyota does better next year
I got myself a Toyota GH hybrid limited and you're right about that hood. It feels like a metal mixed with plastic and kinda wobbly when driving. I dont know how that mpg is calculated and mine was off. Over the weekend I got 423 miles of coverage after filling up the tank and did a 120 (60 inbound and 60 outboud) mile trip. It's still showing 392 upon return. I actually called toyota about this, but they said they've not received any complaints yet. Besides that, it's s a great car and I enjoy driving it. It's quiet and very smooth.
Great POV/review by the way.
One thing I try remind you toyota and lexus they are very reliable car company in the world take care
I'm looking into the grand Highlander and reading through Reddit and other forums people are having issues it sounds like Toyota is issuing fixes and taking care of some of them like the hood shaking but are getting kind of ignored when they talk about how the windows are wet for 3 to 4 days after a car wash or rain when rolling them up and down.
FYI. I got the Limited Hybrid NOT Max.
I get 34-35mpg and 550 range with Refuel showing up around 480. My range seems to keep going up with every new gas fill up regardless of how soon or later i fill it. If i refuel when it says to refuel, i can put in about 13 gallons. So i drive past refuel for another 50 miles more or less. I have driven 100 miles past 1 time and even then i still had filled 15.5 gallons. My odometer is at 5000 miles and just got my first service yesterday. I recommend paying extra for an oil change at 5000 not just the tire rotation. To break in the car, you need an oil change earlier. My engine is not as fast or has your torque numbers but i rarely need that and put it in sport mode if i need. The drone of the cvt sucks. The grand highlander for me had the best bang for buck. I agree, the size, roominess was the biggest factor. I got 4 kids. I got the grand to keep my manhood as the next option was the sienna. If i cared more about pweformance, i would if got the CX90 mazda. If it was about quality of the materials less plastic with hydraulic hood, i would have gotten the Kia Telluride. Im in California where gas is close to $5 and so it had to be a roomy hybrid for me. My wife has the tesla y, but i still like the hybrid. My next car will probavly be a plug in hybrid before we all go electric. ✌️
I totally get it, pound for pound, as of today or whenever we recently bought our vehicles, its a really great family SUV that looks good and gets in your case great MPGs, and my case, decent MPGs, and just overall outweights vehicles such as CX90 or say the Palisade or Honda Pilot. Thanks for sharing! Hopefully the next iteration they improve milage, performance and other quirks.
@elementsoflightandmusic Agreed!
Even if nothing really changed in 2025 except for adding a plug-in hybrid like the TX 550H+ that would be huge! I think the range in the 550H+ is 33 miles on electricity only, which for a Toyota I can see that number going to 35 or 40 miles EV only. That would be awesome if your commute was under 30 miles back and forth. You'd basically never have to use gas!
@@bryana8383absolutely!
How many mpgs do you get on long freeway driving?
@ATAKER66 33 mpg and 500 miles total on 1 full gas tank. One day I pushed to 560 miles and ran out of gas. Toyota had to send a tow with 2 gallons for me to get off the freeway. Now I refill when I get to 500 or close to it. Check engine light will come on at 450, but it's way too early.
They say that if you drive on the streets primarily, you can get up to 600 miles with 35mpg.
Thank you
I don't think that add on dash cam has anything to do with the digital rearview mirror. With the trim level you have, you should already have the digital rearview mirror. :) You can also get that dash cam if you want from the dealer as it is something they would install for you, it doesn't come from the plant.
I test drive the hybrid xle 4 wheel drive for out the door $50k didn’t buy it cause the interior color was too light so it gets dirty easily
Like u mention flimsy hood, noisy interior plus too much plastic for interior and Acceleration and transmission was not good.
Thanks for your insights. Yea the vibrating hood seems cheap, I think Lexus RX did that also on autogefuhl review… I guess its a Toyota thing
My pleasure - hope it was helpful enough!
Great review!
How long did you wait to get the GH?
Here in my city is around 1 year :/.
Thanks again for this amazing review.
Thank you! I guess we sort of got lucky, because I texted the salesman who sold us the Rav4 we have to see if they had any GH's, they had this one, we went to the dealership, test drove it, and the rest is history... I guess good thing is, you'll probably get a 2025 model and hopefully it will be improved!
I ordered my GH XLE hybird in september. The salesman said its 6 month wait here in NYC. Price was not negotiable and a 15% dealer fee WILL to added.
Have you checked nationwide? May be able to find a dealer that won’t mark up and ship it say for under a grand - check Colorado, Fort Collins area, South Carolina, Hilton Head area, various places.. there are dealers that won’t shaft you.
Dude, Toyota rav4 had the same tank issue, you can only fill 80% if your tank due to a design issue. My rav4 was recalled to get the tank replaced
I got the tank replaced in my 20’ RAV4 Limited Hybrid and there was no improvement. Very disappointing
Wireless charger sucks. You make a hard right and it comes off. They corrected the design in the TX making it horizontal.
That makes sense, I haven't had a problem with it, but i have it in a phone case so thats probably why.
@elementsoflightandmusic that's awesome! You gave me a great idea of getting a less slippery phone case. I also have mine in a phone case but it is one of those clear hard plastic ones and so plastic on plastic the phone just slips off. Maybe silicone or rubber or that TPU thing might keep the phone on the wireless charging pad 👍
I have at 2018 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum and the average Fuel level is just an average based on your driving habits.
Well, yeah, sure, the average MPG's you're going to get is based on your driving habits, but the actual physical capacity of the tank is not. It advertises 17.2 gallons fuel capacity, and best I can tell after trying it all out is, per the display on the dash, from full to E, you're going to be able to fill it about 12ish gallons at all the way empty. Thats 5 gallons of fuel you don't have access to. That should be disclosed, people expecting to get 460 miles of range and in reality will get high 3's based on the display. If you run it under empty, you'll get around 400.
I think you don't need to worry about the fuel gate is normal I already owned a 2022 venza hybrid but you are complaining about cheap material inside the grand highlander you know why because toyota is very smart car company because the reason they don't want to compete with the lexus TX is you want premium interior materials buy lexus TX instead thanks for your video take care bye from milton Ontario Canada
I will complain and I feel like I have every right since Toyota advertises 17.2 Gallon tank with 460 Mile range, which they do not disclose you won't have access to the 17.2 Gallon tank and additionally, you won't achieve 460 mile range. Totally unacceptable. They are falsely promoting their vehicle features and luring customers in with this false advertising. I traded in a vehicle that achieved nearly 500 mile range thinking I'll get something similar to that, and I'm not. Thanks for your comment.
What u pay is what u get buddy I ordered the grand highlander hybrid limited the sales man said I need to wait for 7 months 😢
Yeah, its tough to get them still... I think Toyota is buffering them, whether it be intentional or supply chain issues or chip issues or what...
I'm stuck between choosing the Grand Highlander or waiting for the 2025 Chevy Tahoe with all new redesign. Since the Highlander is a 4 cylinder turbo that scares me because that means the engine is too small for that SUV and the engine has to work harder than a V6 or V8. So even though it is a Toyota, I question the reliablity of the Highlander. I might just have to wait for the Chevy Tahoe. What is your opinion on the toyota so far since owning it?
The max hybrid Toyota engine boasts 362hp with 400lb torque as I understand. It feels robust, but, I haven’t driven up any major significant / steep inclines or had to tow anything. For everyday driving and road trips around the southe east coastal area and such (no major mountains) it’s absolutely fine. It’s definitely worth a test drive if you haven’t driven it, but I would only recommend this hybrid max engine, not the others, because they are weaker and if you want to compare horsies, IMO the max hybrid is the way.. As for wait on Tahoe, I never really looked into it, that is a bit larger than we want and honestly, I have a Rav 4 that we’re very happy with and historically, any Toyotas I’ve driven have been reliable and fun to drive. Though, historically I have purchased European makes mostly. My opinion overall is that we like it a lot, pound for pound, EXCEPT the fuel capacity and range issue. If this thing is only getting 300ish miles range, and there is no fix for it, I’m going to be very upset. It should be getting at least 450ish if not more. It’s very comfy, rides comfortable, not luxury, but nice enough and it definitely has get up and go. Lots to love about it, I actually drove a platinum while servicing my Rav 4, and after I drove it, I was like, why do I need this expensive ass Benz, because we were already trying to Figure out how to either sell or trade in and get something bigger, and it just so happened that GH Hybrid max was available to test drive. I’m sure the Tahoe is sweet, I saw it can get some pretty nice MPGs with diesel too. I’d make sure and drive them both, do some good research, and ultimately, go with your gut. Happy to help/answer any other questions you may have and I hope this was helpful. Thank uou
I did watch a comparison review video between the Traverse and GH max Hybrid and between the two reviewers, one chose the Chevy and the other the Toyota. I think that is worth a look too, the Traverse for comparable to the GH
You make the choice but I will go for Toyotas any day due to reliability and resale value. I like the fact that for toyotas, basic things that could cost an arm and a leg could sometimes be done by yourself at home. Unlike chevy and other American made cars, the work alone to replace headlight bulb is usually not easy. I've heard if some toyotas last over a million miles. Good luck!
@@yawk1683 a 4 cylinder engine with a turbo that is put into an suv is not going to make that engine very reliable. A 4 cylinder engine has no business being in an suv only a V6 or V8. That engine has to work twice as hard because of that. Not good in my opinion
@@Paintball1212but it’s a 4 cylinder engine with hybrid system, not a conventional entire engine make up, who knows 🤷🏻♂️
So did you end up finding out gas tank capacity?
Sort of, I had to fill it because I didn’t get to drive it but about 13 miles more after the refuel light came on, and I refilled the tank, it took 12.8 Gallons, on below empty reading. I wanted to drive another 50 miles or so, but I was in a situation where I needed to not be late and couldn’t take a chance of running out of gas. I will post a video, but yeah, at a fully empty tank reading on the display, it took just under 13 gallons. Hope this tank I’m working on now I can drive it under the empty for further and see how it does. The interesting thing will be how many miles I actually get with the full tank. It said on the display on the full tank about 370 miles. It’s already behind…. Soon as I get a chance I’ll post a follow up.
@@elementsoflightandmusic my max is coming in hopefully within next month or so. I see some comments in forum that you have to manually pump 1-2 gallons more after pump clicks. Apparently a lot of Toyota do this? I tried this with my Prius and instantly overfill and spilled… But full tank 370 mile range is going to be an issue…
@@JOONSSSSSI saw that too, but, there’s a reason they say not to overfill as can damage some parts, as I’ve found, but seems a lot of people do it anyway, I don’t know, personally, armed with this information, if you want to continue purchase, upon pick up, I’d make them verify fuel capacity and if doesn’t line up, you have choices to make, from that point… Like normally, tank is about empty at the dealers, so you can watch them fill it or something. I would have wanted to make sure. I don’t know, the whole thing is stupid, Toyota needs to make it right. I’m sure you have come across in Reddit and Toyota nation forums several people having same issue.
The Toyota Case manager assigned to me called today and said that their engineers are researching the issue now and supposedly suspect a software issue, such as, its not calibrated right for the tank or something. She really doesn't know, just was relaying information and said if they do anything, they'll be in touch and have me take it in to implement whatever the solution is. It's better than the other day when the case manager called and was giving me the party line "milage can vary" -- after i spoke in depth though, sounds like they are at least looking into it. We shall see!
Yes! Video link in description
I have the GH platinum Max Hybrid - this review is bizarre - my vehicle is super smooth, no jerking, none of the stuff he is referring to. It feels like he is looking for "annoyances" (his favorite word).
Glad you're not having that problem, but I am. So when you are stopped, and you press the gas pedal with any sort of pick up, you have smooth transition as it speeds up? Mine literally feels like it is stuck in a gear many times until i let go of the pedal and recompress. If you baby it, it is fine, but when you're trying to get out into moving traffic, you can't baby it or you'll be there for hours. I'm not gunning it either...
I'm not looking for this stuff, it literally is there appearing as I'm using it from day to day. I do enjoy the vehicle overall and happy with the purchase compared to what is out there. But it could use some improvements, thats my take anyway, thanks for your comments.
@@elementsoflightandmusic sorry to hear. I tested this out during test drive: I accelerated snail, normal or speedy during take-off, seeing how the car reacts and it ran smoothly without any hesitations. Bought it, now I have 3.5k miles on it, runs flawlessly. I assume yo went to your dealer regarding this?
Glad you're not having the same thing, not yet, the dealer is a bit of a hike for me, so kind of waiting till my service appointment then i'm going to have them hopefully address a few of these things.
@@waltereichnerlynch2574
Toyota cars are less and less worth it every year with how much the price increases. Reliability isn't even a selling factor anymore since most people don't keep their cars for more than 7 years if even that. If you do, you'll save even more money buying depreciated 5-yo cars and upgrading every 5 years instead of buying a new car and keeping it for 10 years.
Also Toyota reliability comes at the cost of simply removing features and functions, but charging the same price or more of competitors. Just doesn't feel worthwhile to purchase their cars anymore for me.
They are definitely pricey! There should be more “luxury” features for the prices for the higher trim levels
Could not agree more. Toyota is like a spoiled kid. They think what ever they throw on customer, foolish customers will suck it.
As you drive you get more range.
As you drive, your display on the dash will update numbers, but if you're averaging 25MPGs and you're only able to access 12 gallons of the 17.2 gallons of fuel, your actual range will not improve.
@elementsoflightandmusic I see what you're saying, which is true, but you misunderstand what I was trying to say. I guess I wasn't really making a comment on what you experienced. Basically, as I drive the car and whenever I fill up I have seen my MAX range increase significantly, which to me was weird.
The best way i can say this is if you filled your tank 3 consecutive times and each time it only needed 12 gallons to fill up the 17.2 gallon gas tank, you would see that your range meter after filling up would increasingly get higher. The first fill up might give you a 350 range, the second will say 380 and the 3rd will say 400 mile range.
With each consecutive fill up that I've been having my range keeps going up for some reason.
That being said, I too am having the same issue that you have been having where it says refuel, but it is in nowhere close to needing refueling.
I don't think that issue gets corrected, we just have to learn what "refuel" actually means.
Right now with me, I am at work and I have driven five miles after "refuel" has come up. I could refuel now, but I am going to wait and travel my 30 me back home on refuel and then I will fill up. I'll let you know what happens. I will probably fill up more gallons closer to the 17.2 and I am pretty sure again my max range will go up.
Toyota is a cheap brand so most of the things mentioned in the video are expected.
😂😂😂😂