Grand Highlander, Palisade, Telluride, or Pilot?
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0:00 - Intro
BAD:
0:33 - Price*
So here’s the thing, I’m gunna level with you. This is the only thing on the con-side of the video because it’s the only place that I can black and white say - yes this thing is more expensive than the others
But that’s it, the only place I can conceivable ding this thing - now let’s talk about all the places it’s brilliant
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GOOD:
1:41 - Efficiency & Power
Hybrid Max engine here
2.4 Turbo w/ hybrid system
You DONT get a hybrid in the Pali or Telly
265 hp
310 lbft
Awd w/ dynamic torque control
Mpg 20/26
0-60 in 7.5 ish
Can get 2.5 n/a hybrid for less power but over 30 mpg comb
2:49 - Size & Cargo space
The GH is 6.5 in longer than the Highlander
It’s got a normal SUV shape which maximizes headroom and cargo space
The trunk is HUGE, almost 21 cu ft with the third row up
With it down, you’re approaching 60 cu ft
4:00 - Third row
This third row now has 5.5 inches MORE LEGROOM than the normal Highlander…that’s huge difference
You also get a myriad of toys and amenities back here
This now feels like a competitive space against the Koreans if not bigger
4:38 - The Drive
So it’s big, great it needed to be
But we were also recently in the Mazda CX90, which is also big…for a Mazda, but it had a VERY different driving philosophy
The Mazda missed the point of who the buyer is and what the product is
This doesn't
This is SO CUSHY - there’s not a hard edge anywhere, everything is smooth
We also have a Wrangler 4XE this week and it’s night and day the hybrid handoff refinement from the jeep to the Toyota system
Everything is smooth from power to steering to suspension to cabin refinement
I’m honestly really impressed behind the wheel
Not because it’s fast or it’s fun - which it kinda is, but because it’s EXACTLY what it needs to be
This is a very self aware product and i give it big points for that
5:46 - Towing
This one with the hybrid max powertrain maxes out at 5000 lbs of towing. That’s what a 4runner tows
6:25 - Second Row
Yanno how the third row gets 5.5 extra inches of legroom over the normal highlander? Well the second row gets an extra inch too
It’s perfect back here - the seats slide and recline
You can get heated and cooled rear seats like the CX90 and Pali
You got window shades
BUT my favorite thing is the removable center cupholder thing
Still has gold accents, very posh - but it fits my big bottles
This is like teh 4th car ever to fit my big bottle and the first time ive ever seen it in the back seats
7:12 - The Storage
There’s storage everywhere and it’s huge
Center console? Huge
Phone area in front of cupholders? Also huge
Plus wireless charger
PLus again cupholders big enough for my big bottle - big points
A dashboard cubby? Also huge AND with thoughtful charging port
7:55 - The Ritz
Your whole interior gets this really expensive looking gold accenting
AND it’s paired with this black textured pattern
And it’s integrated everywhere
DOes it feel as expensive or premium as the CX90? No, of course not.
But it feels great for a Toyota, it feels expensive, and it feels like it’ll be durable
Plus you have things like suede in the seats
You have heated and cooled seats frnt and rear
Heated steering wheel
8:35 - Tech & Safety
This is toyota’s updated system we’ve seen in everything since the new Tundra
Wireless ACP, AA
Dual bluetooth connection
Great graphics, very responsive, etc
360 cameras are good and fill in under you
Turn off when you go into drive tho
Can change color of car
Still has stupid egg view
Full digital cluster - nice! That’s tops in class
HUD only on Platinum trims
Safety
TSS 3.0 standard on all trims
First to include driver monitor
Brilliant, but wont change lanes for you
9:33 - Looks
You’ve got a weird Salvador Dali chrome mustache, but the rest of it looks fantastic
Agressive front design with a grille that hints expensive Lexus
Sharp LED runners
Boxy and muscular side profile design that isn’t too busy
And a rear design that’s clean and almost too subtle with its body colored grand highlander script
10:06 - POV Drive
13:00 - Sadie's Take
14:23 - Conclusion