The 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid will carry the same engine configuration as its sibling. The nameplate unveils some things about the new SUV, but there are still some things we need to figure out.
The Grand Highlander is going to be positioned between Highlander and Sequoia. Still, both existing vehicles are coming out with a three-row layout. The upcoming SUV is there to provide more room to passengers at the back, which was one of the biggest downsides of the standard Highlander. The old model could also become a two-row SUV, making more room for the Grand Highlander. But, it is more likely that the new version is going to be with a longer body and extended wheelbase eventually.
The hybrid configuration will carry over a 2.5-liter four-pot engine as the main source of power. Still, the new Highlander hybrid sacrificed some energy to achieve better gas mileage. The 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid will be larger and heavier, so it definitely won’t return 35 mpg. Some say a system based on the V6 is also possible.
What We Know So Far?
The 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is a surprising project, having in mind that the Japanese company has a wide lineup of crossovers and SUVs available. The focus is now on electrification. Still, delivering Grand Highlander Hybrid could mean that the regular SUV could go after the PHEV configuration – Highlander Prime. Nevertheless, those are all speculations and the company is not confirming plans. The 2023 Grand Highlander could be a sort of replacement for the Land Cruiser, which is being removed from the US dealerships. But, that is a different topic. Anyway, it can affect the production level of the Grand Highlander.
2023 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Specs
There are two versions of rumors. The first one is that the 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is going to carry the same system as the regular Highlander. That is a 2.5-liter petrol engine combined with electric motors. Still, about 250 hp could not be enough for the mid-size SUV. This configuration is criticized on the regular Highlander Hybrid ever since it replaced an old setup with more than 300 ponies. Let’s not forget the main gain – the gas mileage is 35 mpg. Well, the 2023 Grand Highlander Hybrid will be heavier, consuming slightly more fuel. Still, for this class and such a big vehicle, everything above 30 mpg is the superb output.
This system replaced a hybrid based on a 3.5-liter V6 engine. It was good for 308 hp. Lack of power on the current system is the main reason why the company could think again about bringing back the old one. Even the gas mileage is pretty respectable, returning 28 mpg in the previous version of the regular Highlander. A 3.5-liter V6 will be the base configuration for the extended SUV.
Interior and Exterior
The name suggests that the vehicle is going to be larger than the base version. Another interpretation could be – more luxurious, which was the case with Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. Sources report it is more likely that the first theory is more likely to happen. One thing makes it reasonable – the base Highlander lacks space in the third row. The extended body will provide extra room behind the middle row, both for passengers and cargo. As with every larger vehicle, this means the handling is going to suffer a bit. Still, we don’t expect extraordinary agility by a mid-size three-row SUV.
The rest will be the same as for the standard Highlander Hybrid. The Grand version is going to be available in four trim levels. Toyota might add some additional package to make the offer more interesting. Still, the LE, XLE, Limited and Platinum are the base lineup for the 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. Keyless entry and tri-zone climate are the highlights of the entry-level vehicle. The XLE adds a sunroof, heated front seats, and roof rails. The Limited is equipped with ventilated seats and an 11-speaker audio system. The high-end Platinum adds a digital rearview mirror, HUD, and captains’ chairs in the middle row.
2023 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Release Date and Price
Since the 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is not officially confirmed yet, the release might be delayed. Still, our sources claim that bosses want to see this model as soon as possible. There are a lot of pros, and especially cons, but Toyota will proceed with the idea. The price will go up compared to the standard Highlander and Highlander Hybrid. The model with a petrol engine will start around $37,000, while the hybrid version won’t be under $43,000. Platinum version is already above $50,000 and the Grand Highlander with a hybrid unit will be close to $55,000. A PHEV is also an interesting idea, but at this moment, Toyota will deliver such configuration only for compact crossovers, Rav4 and Lexus NX.
Source: The Drive
