Toyota Grand Highlander: US News & World Report Review

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Toyota Grand Highlander, a vehicle that's been making waves, especially with the US News & World Report giving it some serious attention. If you're in the market for a new SUV, you've probably heard the buzz. But what's the real deal? Let's break it down, piece by piece, just like US News would, but with a more chill, conversational vibe.

First Impressions: What Makes the Grand Highlander Stand Out?

So, what's the initial draw of the Grand Highlander? Well, first off, it's big – but in a good way. We are talking about a seriously spacious SUV that doesn't skimp on comfort or style. The US News & World Report highlights its three-row seating as a major plus, and I couldn’t agree more. Unlike some other SUVs where the third row feels like a penalty box, the Grand Highlander actually offers enough room for adults to sit comfortably. Think road trips with friends, family vacations, or even just carpooling the soccer team – everyone gets to stretch out and enjoy the ride.

Beyond the space, the design is pretty slick. Toyota has managed to blend practicality with a modern aesthetic, both inside and out. The exterior has a bold, confident stance, while the interior is thoughtfully laid out with high-quality materials. It’s the kind of SUV that looks just as good pulling up to a fancy restaurant as it does hauling gear for a weekend camping trip.

US News also points out the various trim levels available, each offering a unique set of features and amenities. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a fully loaded luxury experience, there's likely a Grand Highlander model that fits the bill. This versatility is a big part of what makes it so appealing to a wide range of buyers.

And let's not forget about the tech. Toyota has packed the Grand Highlander with a suite of advanced features, from a user-friendly infotainment system to a comprehensive safety package. We’re talking about things like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking – all designed to make your driving experience safer and more convenient. In today’s world, where we’re constantly connected and bombarded with information, these tech features are more than just nice-to-haves – they’re essential.

Performance and Handling: How Does It Drive?

Okay, so it looks good and has plenty of space, but how does the Grand Highlander actually perform on the road? US News delves into the driving experience, and it’s definitely worth paying attention to. The Grand Highlander offers a smooth and comfortable ride, which is exactly what you want in a family SUV. It’s not trying to be a sports car, but it’s also not a slouch. The engine options provide adequate power for everyday driving, and the handling is surprisingly nimble for its size.

US News notes that the Grand Highlander is available with different powertrains, including a hybrid option. This is a huge plus for those who are looking to save on gas and reduce their carbon footprint. The hybrid model offers impressive fuel economy without sacrificing performance. In fact, some reviewers have praised the hybrid for its smooth acceleration and quiet operation.

One thing that US News highlights is the Grand Highlander's ability to handle different types of road conditions. Whether you're driving on smooth highways or bumpy back roads, the suspension does a great job of absorbing shocks and vibrations. This is especially important for long road trips, where comfort is key. Nobody wants to arrive at their destination feeling beat up and exhausted.

The Grand Highlander also offers available all-wheel drive, which is a great feature for those who live in areas with snow or rain. All-wheel drive provides extra traction and stability, giving you more confidence behind the wheel in challenging conditions. It’s the kind of feature that you might not need every day, but when you do need it, you’ll be glad it’s there.

Interior and Features: What’s It Like Inside?

Let's step inside the Toyota Grand Highlander and see what it has to offer. US News always does a thorough job of evaluating interiors, and the Grand Highlander doesn’t disappoint. As mentioned earlier, the three-row seating is a major highlight. But it’s not just about the number of seats – it’s about the quality of the seats and the overall comfort of the cabin.

The seats in the Grand Highlander are well-cushioned and supportive, making them comfortable for long drives. The front seats offer plenty of adjustability, so you can find the perfect driving position. And the second-row seats are also spacious and comfortable, with available features like reclining and sliding adjustments. This allows you to customize the seating arrangement to suit your needs.

US News also praises the Grand Highlander’s interior design. The materials used throughout the cabin are high-quality, and the overall fit and finish are excellent. It feels like a premium SUV, even in the lower trim levels. The dashboard is well-organized and easy to use, with intuitive controls and a large touchscreen display.

Speaking of the touchscreen, the infotainment system is another highlight of the Grand Highlander. It’s user-friendly and responsive, with crisp graphics and a logical menu structure. It also comes with a variety of features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. These features allow you to stay connected and entertained on the go.

In terms of cargo space, the Grand Highlander offers a generous amount of room, even with all three rows of seats in use. And when you need even more space, the rear seats can be folded down to create a large, flat cargo area. This makes it easy to haul everything from groceries to luggage to sports equipment.

Safety and Reliability: Can You Count on It?

When it comes to buying a new car, safety and reliability are always top priorities. US News puts a lot of emphasis on these factors in their reviews, and the Toyota Grand Highlander performs well in both areas. Toyota has a long-standing reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the Grand Highlander is no exception.

The Grand Highlander comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

These features are designed to help prevent accidents and protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision. In addition to these standard features, the Grand Highlander also offers available features like a surround-view camera system and parking sensors, which can make it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

US News also takes into account crash test ratings from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Grand Highlander has generally performed well in these tests, earning high marks for its ability to protect occupants in a variety of crash scenarios. All of this info provides piece of mind when buying this SUV. It's good to know that you and your family are protected.

The Verdict: Is the Grand Highlander Right for You?

So, after considering all the factors – the space, the performance, the interior, the safety, and the reliability – what’s the final verdict on the Toyota Grand Highlander? Well, according to US News & World Report, it’s a top contender in the three-row SUV segment. And I tend to agree.

The Grand Highlander offers a compelling combination of practicality, comfort, and style. It’s a great choice for families who need a spacious and versatile vehicle that can handle everything from daily commutes to long road trips. It’s also a good option for those who want a vehicle with advanced safety features and a reputation for reliability.

Of course, no vehicle is perfect. The Grand Highlander may not be the sportiest SUV on the market, and it may not have the most luxurious interior. But it offers a well-rounded package that is hard to beat.

If you’re in the market for a three-row SUV, I highly recommend checking out the Toyota Grand Highlander. Take it for a test drive, compare it to other models, and see if it’s the right fit for your needs. You might just find that it’s the perfect vehicle for you and your family.

And that's a wrap, folks! Hope this deep dive, inspired by US News, helps you make a more informed decision. Happy car hunting!