The Toyota dealer near Riverside California said that there is a rumor out there that Toyota is coming out with a bigger version of its already massively built Highlander!
All the forums are claiming to have found evidence of Toyota trademarking a new name: Grand Highlander. Dealers near Riverside Ca have come to the conclusion that the Grand Highlander is going to be a bigger version of its already existing Highlander because of the name.
And the Toyota dealer near Riverside Ca does have a point. If you look up the word ‘grand’ in the dictionary, you get the definition of “having more importance than others” or as “large and striking in size.” So, yay, it seems like the Grand Highlander is going to be impressively big and important, or should we just say ‘grand’?
Why Does Toyota Want A Bigger Highlander?
Many customers ask the Toyota dealer near Riverside Ca why Toyota would be thinking about producing a bigger Highlander when it had redesigned the SUV for 2020. The reason for such a quick revamp of an already modified model could be to beat out the competition. Lately, competitor car manufacturers have come out with bigger SUV models, so it seems like an attempt from Toyota to keep up with this ongoing trend in the car market.
The Japanese car company filed for the trademark on December 2020 and it is expected to arrive for the mid-cycle refresh a few years from now.
What To Expect From The Grand Highlander?
At the moment, the Highlander competes in the three-row mid-size SUV segment, however, the third row is lacking in space. This row is usually reserved for small children or for passengers the driver despises. So, there is a good possibility that the Grand Highlander is going to have an extended wheelbase, which should help to fix this drawback.
When it comes to the size of this new vehicle, there is the belief that the Grand Highlander will fit nicely in between the Highlander and the full-size, body-on-frame Sequoia. Also, there is the possibility that it will cost a few thousand dollars more than the Highlander.
Moreover, the Grand Highlander will most likely share its TNGA-K underpinnings with the ordinary Highlander, however, the forthcoming model may have an elongated wheelbase and/or a redesigned rear end that helps to add more cargo and third-row seating space. With a change like this, Toyota will be able to move the highlander’s third-row bench back a bit, which should improve the notorious legroom issue.
What Do You Get With The 2021 Toyota Highlander?
Regardless of Toyota’s need to create another segment of the Highlander, the 2021 Highlander does a good job of being a three-row SUV. You can select from the standard V-6 engine or you can opt for the fuel frugal hybrid. Either way, both options have powertrains that are available in all-wheel-drive.
Inside the vehicle, there are three seats, and as mentioned before the seats furthest to the rear are ideal for children or anyone small enough to fit there comfortably. The cabin is adequately equipped with infotainment features and attentive storage solutions.
More than that, Toyota equips every Highlander with an extensive suite of standard driver-assistance features to provide an extra layer of safety.
What’s New For 2021 Toyota Highlander?
The 2021 Highlander gets a welcomed XSE trim level addition to add some sporty flair to the Highlander’s lineup. The XSE Highlander has more aggressive exterior styling, unique 20-inch wheels, black exterior accents, and a sportier calibration for the suspension.
Every trim receives LED projection headlamps which are now a standard feature and all models get additional driver-assistance features that consist of semi-automated emergency steering technology that’s designed to help a driver avoid collisions.
If you want the crème de la crème trim, it is recommended that the XLE is your number one pick. You can’t go wrong with this trim since it has heated front seats, a wireless smartphone-charging pad, and a power sunroof, among other desirable goodies.
It is also suggested to splash out on the Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation package, which brings in-dash navigation and an upgraded stereo system.
2021 Highlander’s Performance And Engine
The Highlander is a powerful beast of a machine with its 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6, which pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. This V-6 can handle short-on ramps without stressing out and the all-wheel-drive vehicle can do 60 mph in 6.7 seconds.
The hybrid powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and has two electric motors team up for a combined 243 ponies. The Highlander Hybrid comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and a choice between front- and all-wheel drive.
Toyota has had the upper hand when it comes to hybrid technology, and this powertrain gives drivers more fuel-efficiency than the standard model. However, you have to sacrifice the Highlander’s acceleration power since the hybrid has a lower horsepower rating and the model uses a CVT rather than the non-hybrid’s eight-speed automatic. The hybrid model does 60 mph in 7.3 seconds.
2021 Highlander’s Comfort
The base L and mid-range LE models can seat eight passengers with its bench seats in the second and third rows, however, there is a seven-seat arrangement with second-row captain’s chairs is available on higher trims.
If you have owned a Highlander before, you will notice that in the 2021 model the materials used throughout the cabin have improved significantly. The Upscale Limited and Platinum models offer the most creature comforts that everyone desires.
2021 Highlander’s Technology
An 8.0-inch infotainment system comes standard on most trims, but the Highlander Limited and Platinum receive a 12.3-inch display. Also, an 11-speaker JBL audio system is available. Toyota provides a SiriusXM satellite radio, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration for all models.
In any case, Toyota has yet to confirm the Grand Highlander, but fortunately, we have the 2021 Highlander in the meantime. We should expect this new model to make an appearance 2023 or 2024 model year.