Built on Toyota’s versatile TNGA-K architecture, the new Grand Highlander is built on a 96 mm (3.8 inch) longer wheelbase, is 525 mm (20.7 inches) longer, 58 mm (2.3 inches) wider and 51 mm (2 inches) taller than the continuing Highlander. Its dimensions place the Grand Highlander in the XXL crossover category along with vehicles like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer and the former Traverse-Enclave-XT6 triplets from GM. This may signal a realignment of the Toyota crossover lineup which may result in a larger RAV4 and the elimination of the mainstream Highlander when both those vehicles renew.

A slim grille flanked by low-profile headlights sit near the top of the hood, supplanted by a gigantic lower air intake. The extremities of the front fascia are pierced by the indentations so popular at this time. The indentations are punctuated by fog lights. Rear styling, with high-mounted tail lamps, a lower black styling element that sits above a bright accent, is very clean. The side profile is very sleek, with surface tension created by shape rather than applied ornamentation.

The driver faces a configurable TFT gauge package with much crisper graphics than usually seen in a Toyota. A massive, free-standing infotainment screen dominates the top-centre of the dash. The infotainment screen is equipped with the new Toyota infotainment logic system with a single on-off-volume knob, and a touch screen menu on the left of the screen. Experienced in the recently updated Corolla, actions needed to manipulate the infotainment functions like altering sound settings and saving radio presets, are a complete mystery. Like the RX from Lexus, the navigation graphics of the infotainment screen are faint. The substantial front seats are separated by a very high and wide centre console that may make front passengers feel hemmed in. The middle-row seat looks very roomy and the even the third-row seat may have enough room for smaller adults on a moderate length trip. Cargo space, often a sore point with the average-size three-row crossovers, looks reasonable.

The Grand Highlander can be powered by a variety of engines units seen in other Toyotas. Most common will likely be the same 265 horsepower, 2.4L turbo four found under the hood of the conventional Highlander. The mainstream hybrid model is powered by a 2.5L four and electric motor that is rated at 247 horsepower, which may be a bit weak for such a massive vehicle. The top model, the Hybrid Max, combines the efforts of a turbocharged, 2.4L gas engine and the hybrid system to create a stout 362 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard. The 2.4L turbo features a conventional “on-demand” all-wheel drive system. The rear wheels on the hybrid are driven electrically. The all-wheel drive powertrain of the Hybrid Max range-topper distributes the power from the turbocharged gas engine to the front wheels via conventional six-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor, with the rear-wheels driven by a powerful electric motor.

The Toyota Safety System 3.0 incorporates forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure, rear cross traffic and blind spot warnings, steering assist and lane keep assist systems as well as adaptive cruise control.

Driven briefly, the Hybrid Max powertrain delivers vivid acceleration accompanied by a discreet wail that echoes the soundtrack of a traditional Detroit V8. Bizarre. The transmission works without drawing attention to itself and the Grand Highlander drives in a way that will please its intended market. Though it is a very nice vehicle, the Grand Highlander, like other XXL crossovers, may have grown too large to be a practical daily driver in urban-suburban environments.

With the XLE grade being the least-expensive model, there is really no Grand Highlander base model and even the most basic version of the car is a premium-priced product. With heated, electrically-adjustable front seats, wireless cellphone charging and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, the XLE trim is nicely equipped. Stepping up to the Limited adds power-folding door mirrors, fog lights, a dual-panel sunroof, leather seating, ventilated front seats, a memory system, a JBL-branded audio system, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sense wipers, puddle lamps and a 360 degree camera system, but is overpriced. Opting for the 2.5L hybrid powertrain adds $3300 to the price of the XLE and $3500 on the Limited. If you account for its minor additional content over the hybrid Limited, the impressive additional power of the Platinum-exclusive Hybrid Max model is worth about $3500.