Grand Highlander, Hybrid and Hybrid Max

Anyone on here have a Grand Highlander yet? I've seen two in the wild. Looks like the Hybrid Max is just staring to hit lots. Still haven't seen any Hybrids yet.

We are thinking an XLE hybrid AWD may be our next family vehicle. Although, I would want the wheels from the MAX. Our '14 sienna is at 85,000 miles. Just starting to look around.

 

We bought a non hybrid Platinum for my wife & she 100% prefers it to her former 2018 Highlander LE Plus. Rides & handles great, averaging 22 mpg in mixed driving. 3rd row is still a little cramped for adults but fine for kids.

 

May look at one of these if and when the transmission in our Pilot shits the bed.

 

Considering one of these as the other half’s next vehicle. I’m leaning towards the Limited either non-hybrid or hybrid model, but she favoring the non-hybrid Platinum model.

We haven’t started shopping yet, just doing some initial research before hitting the dealer lots to get a real feel for the cars she’s looking at. Hope to see more feedback about the Grands in this thread.

 

I've seen a couple hybrids popping up. One dealer wants to "rent" it to me for 6 months then sell it to me as used for above the original MSRP. Games to get around Toyota policies about markups, no doubt.

They can find another sucker.

Looking forward to those clowns struggling to move steel when the economy cycles.

I wish we could buy directly from Toyota. The dealership model is archaic.

 

Wife has a 2016 Highlander, we really like the Grand Highlander, 3rd row seat seems to be little more foot room. We also looked at the Lexus TX a little more luxurious. I've read the upgraded stereo is not worth it on the Lexus forum.

 

After months of research, just got my wife a XLE Hybird Grand Highlander with pano roof. Only thing we missed from the limited was the heated steering wheel.
So. Much. Room.

 

This is encouraging.

 

Just did a 5 hour road trip with it yesterday. I love that thing. Very little road noise, easy to drive, and super comfortable for me as the driver and the 10 yo in the captain seat in the 2nd row. The stretched 12 in screen takes a bit to get used to, the lane assist sometimes does its own thing and moved the steering wheel which catches me off guard. I think it's something I just need to get used to. Cargo space is insanely good. This is so far my favorite SUV we've had. It's hard to beat for the price compared to other 3rd row vehicles.

 

My mom is putting down a deposit on a Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max, we’ll see how long it takes to materialize. My guess is late summer.

She is currently in a 2021 Lexus RX350, but now that she moved up to SD and lives with us there are a few issues keeping the RX350 from being as practical as she would like.

1.) For starters it ends up being the road trip vehicle when we go on family vacations that she’s along for, and cargo space can get tight.

2.) With 3 adults, a small boy (currently 6 years old soon to be 7) and luggage the 3.5L V6 and 8 speed are on the struggle bus in my opinion when it comes to passing on two lane highways that we are on with some frequency. More power is needed.

3.) When she goes on trips to visit other family, or is running around on her various travels and junkets with friends she would like more space and an occasional 3rd row that is comfortable for 1-2 hours for an adult if needs be. More likely is piling everyone into the car to go get dinner etc.

4.) The nearest Lexus dealer is 5 over hours drive time away, which isn’t a dealbreaker but has to be considered. Something that can be serviced locally would be a plus.

5.) She initially was interested in a TX, but the hybrid is the way best option so it won’t be a penalty box loaded with people and stuff. The TX500h has some asinine 22” wheels standard fitment. Go ahead and scour the internet for tires in that size for the TX. No snow tires. Only two all seasons. The rest are summer high performance tires. Seriously Lexus? What the actual fuck? It’s a 3 row luxury SUV, not a sport sedan. It snows here, an option for a severe snow service rated all season is kind of important.

We looked at a 2023 Toyota Sequoia Platinum but the Sequoia is deeply compromised due to the idiotic cargo are layout, poor outward visibility, and mediocre ride quality. The new iForceMax and 10 speed are damn nice though, too bad the rest of the vehicle is a letdown.