Toyota Grand Highlander teased with new Hybrid Max drivetrain

The brand new Toyota Grand Highlander — an extended variations of our Kluger — will likely be unveiled early subsequent yr, and it’ll include new styling and, in all probability, a turbocharged hybrid possibility.

Toyota says the Grand Highlander will likely be unveiled on February 8, 2023 on the Chicago motor present, and describes the automobile as “all new”.

Whereas we would quibble about the usage of the phrase all, given the automobile will use the identical TNGA-Ok structure, it appears as if there will likely be important variations between the longer and extra spacious Grand Highlander, and the present Highlander, which is constructed within the US and offered in Australia because the Kluger.

It’s unknown if the Grand Highlander will make its manner into showrooms Down Beneath.

Within the teaser picture launched in a single day, we will see the Grand Highlander’s rear, which makes use of a unique tailgate design that’s a lot squarer and extra sharply creased than the common Highlander/Kluger.

As a substitute of the Kluger’s rounded and natural shapes, the Grand Highlander has an oblong rear glass panel, and the tail-lights appear to share extra in widespread with the RAV4 than the Highlander.

This appears to point the Grand Highlander can have loads of styling variations from its smaller sibling, or that the shorter Highlander/Kluger is due for a big facelift or an early regeneration.

One other attention-grabbing factor to notice from the teaser is the Hybrid Max badge on the Grand Highlander’s rump.

Toyota hasn’t stated something about Grand Highlander’s drivetrain choices, however the badge signifies the massive crossover will out there with the identical excessive efficiency 2.4-litre turbocharged hybrid system that’s out there in Crown sedan crossover mashup.

The Crown Hybrid Max setup eschews the corporate’s traditional e-CVT system for a six-speed automated. The six-speed transmission is attached to the two.4-litre turbo and drives the entrance wheels, whereas an electrical motor is positioned on the rear axle.

All up, the Crown Hybrid Max has a complete of 254kW and 542Nm. A extra highly effective 273kW model of this drivetrain is fitted to the newest Lexus RX500h.

A report earlier this yr instructed there will likely be a Lexus model of the Grand Highlander, which will likely be often known as the TX.

MORE: Every thing Toyota Kluger