Automotive Engineering - April 2023 - 14

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Toyota stretches SUV lineup with world debut of Grand Highlander
The new Grand Highlander is a three-row
midsize SUV, just like Highlander. So it's not
surprising that the Toyota siblings share two
powertrains. " Although the core 2.4-L turbo
and 2.5-L HEV engines are common, they are
uniquely tuned and calibrated for each vehicle, "
asserted Craig Payne, chief engineer of
the 2024 Grand Highlander, which made its
global debut on Feb. 8 in conjunction with
the 2023 Chicago Auto Show.
But unlike the 2-row Highlander, the Grand
Highlander also offers a high-performance
hybrid powertrain.
Producing an estimated 362 hp and 400 lb-ft
torque with standard all-wheel drive, the Hybrid
MAX propulsion system pairs electric motors
with a 2.4-L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder. The Hybrid MAX system,
which U.S.-debuted for Toyota's 2023 Crown sedan, is fitted
with dual exhaust on the Grand Highlander. The performance
powertrain also delivers a 5,000-lb (2268-kg) towing capacity.
All three Grand Highlander propulsion options provide
three selectable drive modes (sport, eco and normal). Three
additional driving modes (mud & sand, rock & dirt andsnow)
are provided by the multi-terrain select system that is offered
with models powered by the 2.4-L turbocharged engine or
the Hybrid MAX powertrain.
The Highlander and Grand Highlander share platform attributes.
" Both vehicles are developed considering the TNGA
(Toyota New Generation Architecture) architecture; however,
the vehicles differ based on interior packaging, rear suspension
and the Grand Highlander offers the Hybrid Max powertrain, "
noted Payne.
In the U.S. market, three-row SUVs reflect a burgeoning
competitive segment that includes Toyota Highlander and
The 2024 Grand Highlander has three rows of seating and three available propulsion choices.
Grand Highlander, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Ford Explorer,
Chevrolet Traverse, Hyundai Palisade, and Kia Telluride.
" When you compare with other vehicles, the Grand
Highlander has a long distance between A-off point to backdoor
trim, " Payne noted. Grand Highlander has approximately
98 cubic feet of space with seats folded down.
From a third-row seating perspective, Grand Highlander is a
stretched version of Highlander. " Due to the new multi-link
rear suspension, the floor was able to be lowered, which has
increased the heel-hip dimension, " according to Payne. The
wheelbase increased approximately 6.5-in. (165 mm) from the
2023 Highlander's 112.2 in. (2850 mm). That in turn increased
Grand Highlander's second- and third-row couple distance
(distance between the hip point of occupants in the second
and third row) by approximately 3.74 in. (95 mm). " We have
also increased the third-row headroom compared to the
Highlander by approximately 0.94-in. (24 mm), " noted Payne.
A feeling of roominess applies to occupants in all three
seating rows. " We achieved this by creating a roof headlining
that connects smoothly from front to rear, " Payne noted.
The 2024 Grand Highlander is equipped with the next-generation
Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 3.0). The suite of technologies
includes lane departure alert with steering assist (enabling
detection of certain 3D objects, such as guardrails),
and full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control (adding a
fourth following distance setting from the previously available
three settings). TSS 3.0 also adds a new feature, proactive
driving assist. When certain conditions are met, the proactive
driving assist provides gentle braking into curves, or gentle
braking and/or steering to support distance control between
a vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist.
Assembly of the 2024 Grand Highlander will be at the
Grand Highlander's controls are centered around a standard 12.3-in
multimedia display.
14 April 2023
Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Princeton, Indiana. The
Grand Highlander will be offered in three grades (XLE,
Limited, Platinum). Pricing and sale date will be announced in
late summer.
Kami Buchholz
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING
BOTH IMAGES: TOYOTA

Automotive Engineering - April 2023

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