As background, we are a Toyota family having had 2 Sienna vans, 2 RAV4s [one hybrid], and 2 CAMRYs [one hybrid]. Added a GGH Limited with pano view, no pano roof - [quieter and less air penetration] mud flaps, tow hitch, bench seat and extra rear area lighting.
Notables:
1. Comfortable seating for 8 on par with our 2015 Sienna 8 seat van. 3rd row space slightly less than van better than all other SUVs we looked at [Telluride, EV9, Palisade, Pilot, Pathfinder, Highlander, TX and CX 90].
2. Superb gas mileage - so far with almost 9,000 miles now averaging around 35 mpg after 10 months.
3. Powerful enough engine - has slightly less power than van's V6 but much quieter while cruising and a bit noisier with full throttle acceleration so we have adapted to a lower thrust on takeoff.
4. Storage capacity very close to being on par with van. [Test drove a 24 Hybrid Sienna van and space is down so it is now even w/GHH]. Fully loaded to beach provides excellent storage of everything we pack.
5. Electronics are great - fully adaptive cruise has us feeling rested and refreshed after 4-5 hours of driving. Lane keep assist very natural feeling without fighting it. Pano view a must, especially helpful when parking.
6. Power options work well together - power memory seats, power windows, auto folding power external mirrors, power trunk with kick action although sometimes it takes more kicks to activate - the quicker the kick the better it works.
7. Touchscreen features change screens quickly and 12.3" touch screen very crisp[ wish it had split view and easier music information] multiple pano views very clear and helpful. There is a volume button on the left which seems asymmetrical with no tuning button on the right.
8. HVAC heats quickly and electric seat warmer/vents are great until HVAC kicks in.
9. Ride is very comfortable, plush and yet handles well for its size.
10. Tow hitch wonderful for towing 2 e bikes using Holiday Destination eBike rack with light bar - highly recommend this combo.
Miscellaneous issues
1. Wind noise on highway can be intrusive on windy days, otherwise it is supremely quiet overall.
2. Gas tank has nice holder feature for cap.
3. Slight shimmer/shake of hood metal and other panels is noted but results in no rattles and hood and doors close with a nice thud so I cannot explain how this exists. Some are bothered by the shimmy.
Recap:
Ride and handling are great for a large SUV. Fit and finish is awesome. Styling fits the family needs. We drive with the 3rd row down and the bench provides us a 5 seater with extended storage - hence the bench was a must. We are extremely happy with the vehicle in this hybrid trim and cannot find anything that would have us part with it or choose the Max engine which delivers much less mpgs, or the Platinum trim which add dealer profit and no substantial features.…
5.0
Grand Highlander Hybrid Max
by 32d2e7d2 | on Monday, May 06, 2024
Awesome all around vehicle. A great combination of comfort, utility and power along with good fuel efficiency.…
5.0
Best hybrid mpg for the size!
by Mati | on Thursday, April 04, 2024
MPG average for a huge 3 row suv: for the last 10k miles 37.8 mpg in South Florida flat roads. Plus great screen, sharp camera, smart lock on phone, lots of room!…
4.5