If we can trust the latest reports, the Japanese manufacturer will expand its lineup in the next year, with the model called 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander. The new SUV will fill the gap between the standard Highlander and body-on-frame Sequoia, which seems pretty big, considering the size of these two models. At this point, we still don’t know the details, but we presume that the main difference compared to the Highlander will be in terms of size. Other aspects of the vehicle shouldn’t be much different.

This means that we expect to see the same styling, same powertrain options and general mechanics. Also, keep in mind that we will probably see a facelift in the near future, so the stretched version would also come with these aesthetical novelties. Of course, the main benefit of this version will be more space in the third row, as well as more cargo volume.

2023 Toyota Grand Highlander Design

When it comes to base design characteristics, the 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander will have a lot of things in common with the standard version. It will also ride on the company’s contemporary TNGA platform and the key difference will be in terms of size. The standard model measures 112.2 inches in wheelbase, which is less compared to most rivals. That’s why we expect the Grand Highlander to add a few more inches between the wheels, as well as in terms of the total length. That would certainly bring benefits in terms of interior space, but we will get on that in a minute.

In terms of aesthetics, the 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander will have most things in common with the standard version. This refers to all parts of the vehicle, while the front end should look the same. What’s important to keep in mind is that we expect to see a facelift in the near future, so the stretched version should adopt new styling as well.

Interior

As you may presume, the biggest benefits of the stretched wheelbase will come on the inside. With a couple of more inches in wheelbase, there is no doubt that the new version will be able to offer much more space in the third row, which is currently pretty tight, even by the standards of a mid-size crossover. We also count on improvements regarding cargo space. For reference, the standard version offers 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48.4 behind the second row and 84.3 cubic feet behind the first row of seats.

On the other hand, the dashboard and the overall cabin design shouldn’t change too much. We count on the same dash design, which still looks nice and which offers pretty good overall quality. The materials are nice, while the sound insulation is also pretty good. Finally, there is a pretty generous list of standard and available equipment, and we presume that the Grand Highlander will be pretty much the same in this aspect.

Features

As we’ve just mentioned, the list of standard equipment should be pretty similar to the standard Highlander. The current version comes equipped with goodies like tri-zone climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, five USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a six-speaker stereo, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Also, you can get upgrades like a 12.3-inch touch screen, wireless device charging, navigation, 11-speaker JBL premium stereo, a moonroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal garage door opener, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster display, ambient interior lighting and many more.

When it comes to safety features, all models should come standard with forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, lane trace assist, traffic sign recognition, a rearview camera, and a rear-seat reminder.

2023 Toyota Grand Highlander Engines

We expect no surprises under the hood and the 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander should come with two familiar powertrain options on the offer. Of course, base models should come equipped with a 3.5-liter V6, which puts out around 295 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and which comes in pair with 8-speed automatic transmission.

Of course, there is also a hybrid version, based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with a total output of 243 horsepower. Unlike the V6, this powertrain comes in pair with a CVT gearbox.

Some sources also speculate about the plug-in hybrid version, which would come with the same setup as the RAV4 prime. However, the officials are still quiet on this matter.

2023 Toyota Grand Highlander Release Date and Price

We believe that the 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander will arrive either in late 2022 or in early 2023. At this point, it is still early to speculate about the price, but something like 40.000 dollars for the base model sounds quite likely. Key competitors would be models like Chevy Traverse, VW Atlas etc.