The arrival of the Toyota Grand Highlander in Australia marks a significant expansion of Toyota’s SUV lineup, offering families a compelling blend of space, comfort, and capability. Positioned above the regular Highlander (known as Kluger in Australia), this extended variant addresses the growing demand for larger family SUVs that can handle everything from school runs to outback adventures.
Dimensional Advantage
The Grand Highlander’s increased dimensions immediately set it apart from its smaller sibling. The extended wheelbase and overall length translate to meaningful improvements in passenger space and cargo capacity, particularly noticeable in the third row and rear cargo area. This extra space proves invaluable for Australian families who regularly travel with full loads of passengers and luggage.
With 2,775 litres of cargo space with all seats folded, the Grand Highlander offers practical versatility for everything from hardware store runs to camping trips. Even with all seats in use, the 593-litre boot space easily accommodates the family’s luggage, sports equipment, or weekly shopping.
Powertrains for Australian Conditions
Toyota offers the Grand Highlander with a choice of powertrains suited to different needs. The 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers strong performance with 198kW of power and 419Nm of torque, providing confident acceleration and capable towing capacity. The hybrid powertrain option combines efficiency with performance, particularly appealing in urban environments where fuel economy is a priority.
The eight-speed automatic transmission, standard with the petrol engine, provides smooth shifts and responsive performance. The hybrid variant’s electronic CVT has been refined to deliver natural-feeling acceleration while maximizing efficiency. Both powertrains are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, allowing buyers to choose based on their specific needs.
Advanced Technology Integration
The Grand Highlander’s technology suite reflects modern Australian family requirements. The 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen offers crisp graphics and intuitive operation, while the digital instrument cluster provides clear information display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.
The JBL premium audio system, available in higher grades, delivers impressive sound quality throughout the cabin. Multiple USB ports and wireless charging capability keep devices powered, while the tri-zone climate control ensures comfort for all passengers – particularly valuable during Australian summers.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Toyota’s commitment to safety is evident in the comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense package. The system includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. These features have been calibrated for Australian conditions, providing effective assistance without becoming intrusive.
The blind-spot monitoring system proves particularly useful given the vehicle’s size, while the surround-view camera system aids maneuvering in tight spaces. Parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert add further confidence in urban environments.
Interior Comfort and Practicality
The cabin design prioritizes comfort and functionality. The front seats offer excellent support for longer drives, while the second-row captain’s chairs (available in higher grades) provide premium comfort for middle-row passengers. The third row accommodates adults comfortably – a notable improvement over many competitors.
Storage solutions abound throughout the interior, from the large centre console to numerous cup holders and device storage areas. The power-operated tailgate includes hands-free operation, particularly useful when approaching the vehicle with arms full of shopping or sports equipment.
Ride and Handling
Despite its size, the Grand Highlander demonstrates impressive road manners. The suspension setup effectively balances comfort and control, managing typical Australian road conditions with composure. Road noise is well suppressed, creating a quiet environment for long-distance travel.
The steering offers good feel and appropriate weighting, while the brake pedal provides confident modulation. The all-wheel-drive system, when specified, adds security in wet conditions and capability on unsealed roads – important considerations for Australian buyers.
Towing and Practical Capability
With a braked towing capacity of up to 2,500kg (depending on variant), the Grand Highlander meets the needs of families who regularly tow boats, caravans, or trailers. The Trailer Sway Control system adds confidence when towing, while the powerful engine options ensure adequate performance even when fully loaded.
The 203mm ground clearance provides practical capability for mild off-road use, such as accessing camping sites or navigating rough tracks. While not designed for serious off-roading, the vehicle handles typical Australian recreational requirements competently.
Value Proposition
In the competitive large SUV segment, the Grand Highlander presents a strong value proposition. Standard equipment levels are generous across the range, while Toyota’s five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty provides peace of mind. The capped-price servicing program helps owners plan maintenance costs effectively.
Running costs remain reasonable despite the vehicle’s size. The hybrid option offers particularly impressive fuel economy, while service intervals of 12 months or 15,000 kilometres suit typical usage patterns. Toyota’s strong resale values add to the long-term ownership proposition.
Environmental Considerations
The hybrid powertrain option demonstrates Toyota’s commitment to reducing environmental impact without compromising capability. The system’s efficiency particularly shines in urban driving, where stop-start traffic allows frequent use of electric-only operation.
The vehicle’s construction incorporates recycled materials where possible, while the manufacturing process follows Toyota’s environmental guidelines. The platform’s design allows for potential future electrification options as market demands evolve.
Market Position
The Grand Highlander occupies an interesting position in Australia’s SUV market. It offers more space than typical mid-size SUVs but greater efficiency and maneuverability than traditional large 4WDs. This positioning appeals to buyers seeking practical family transport without excessive bulk or fuel consumption.
Future Outlook
As Australian families continue to demand versatile, comfortable transport solutions, the Grand Highlander appears well-positioned for success. Toyota’s commitment to regular updates and improvements suggests the model will continue to evolve with changing market requirements.
Living with the Grand Highlander
Day-to-day life with the Grand Highlander reveals thoughtful touches that enhance usability. The power-folding third row makes reconfiguring the space effortless, while the hands-free tailgate operation proves invaluable during busy family activities.
The multimedia system’s voice control functions work effectively with Australian accents, while the navigation system includes up-to-date mapping for both urban and rural areas. The climate control system handles Australian conditions effectively, with powerful cooling performance for summer heat.
A Compelling Family Option – Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander represents a thoughtful response to Australian family needs. It successfully combines space, comfort, and capability in a package that remains manageable and efficient. While not revolutionary, the vehicle’s careful evolution of proven Toyota attributes creates a compelling option for buyers seeking practical, reliable family transport.
From school runs to outback adventures, the Grand Highlander demonstrates the versatility modern Australian families require. Its blend of space, technology, and Toyota reliability ensures its position as a significant player in Australia’s competitive large SUV market.