Toyota has just announced the arrival of an all-new, three-row crossover named the Toyota Grand Highlander for the North American market. Set to premiere early February 2023, this addition to the Japanese automaker’s lineup will serve as a direct rival to the Chevy Traverse.
Not much is known about this brand-new crossover. However, as the name implies, we expect it will be larger than the “regular” Highlander, which itself is also a three-row midsize crossover. As such, we expect the Grand Highlander to offer more room for third-row passengers, as well as increased cargo capacity.
The Toyota Grand Highlander’s potential powertrain is completely unknown. However, the Highlander recently received a new turbocharged 2.4L I4 engine for the 2023 model year. The four-banger develops 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, with reduced emissions compared to the outgoing naturally aspirated 3.5L V6.
Additionally, the Highlander is available with a hybrid powerplant, and an optional AWD system. Due to the perceived similarities between the two models, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Toyota decided to offer the Grand Highlander with these powertrains.
As previously mentioned, the Chevy Traverse is positioned as the upcoming Grand Highlander’s competition. This is interesting, as Chevy’s full-size crossover is set to receive a redesign, which is scheduled to debut during the 2023 calendar year as a 2024 or 2025 model. So, both rivals would be brought to market during the same general time frame.
As a reminder, the current 2023 Chevy Traverse features the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 LFY gasoline engine, rated at 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, and mates to the GM nine-speed automatic transmission.
As for structure, the Traverse rides on the GM C1 platform, which also underpins the Chevy Blazer, the GMC Acadia, the Cadillac XT5, the Cadillac XT6 and the Buick Enclave. Meanwhile, production takes place at the GM Lansing Delta Township plant in Michigan.
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Comments
Similar to the new Toyota Crown, Toyota Sienna, and Toyota Venza, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Grand Highlander be offered only as a hybrid.
The Traverse has always been quieter and better riding than the Highlander. I’ve driven both and would rather spend my money on the Traverse.
And the traverse will be falling apart at 100,000 miles. Unlike the Highlander.
I have a 2013 Traverse with 130,000 miles and it’s been the best vehicle I have ever owned. Other than routine maintenance and the deer that I hit, I have only had to put an engine mount on it. I would def consider buying another one, maybe when I get to 200K, or maybe I’ll get the Cadillac XT6.
Assuming GM does the smart thing and drops the fully-tuned (310 HP/430 lb-ft) 2.7L L3B in the 3-row unibodies — and doesn’t charge an arm and a leg for it — that’s already a GM win. They really would outclass anything in the segment (outside of hybrid-assists) other than the Ford 3.3L turbo and Stellantis 5.7L Hemi ($$$$). If GM leaves the aging 3.6L V6 in these things… then it has a major problem (I for sure won’t be picking one up to replace my 2014 Acadia).
Plus knowing Toyota, it will have abysmal payload ratings, so you can’t actually use all that extra space and/or towing capacity anyway. 3-row crossovers with 1,000-1,300 lbs payloads make me chuckle.
Do it right GM — give us a torque bump, increase towing capacity to ~6,000, and keep payloads 1,600+ lbs. Should be extremely doable with the 2.7L, as long as they don’t butcher the brakes.
(… hope you’ve got another transmission in the works, GM)
I can see the top line 2.7 turbo in the Traverse lineup increasing towing specifications. I’m ok with the transmission with beefed up internals for the torque increase.
Current 9-speed tranny can’t take the torque output of the 2.7L L3B. I doubt they’re able to beef it up to 400+ lb-ft. Hence why I said GM better have a replacement planned.
… Better yet, make them RWD primary like the domestic competition!