Latest news with #ToyotaGrandHighlander
Miami Herald
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander: Is It Worth $40,860? My In-Depth Guide to Its Upsides & Downsides
I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical when the Toyota Grand Highlander debuted a couple of years ago. In my mind, I thought that the regular Highlander was enough for the masses and their love for all things SUV. After all, the reliable people hauler has grown over the years and now comes in both regular and hybrid flavors, so what more could people want? Apparently, they want just a little more. Typical Americans. But after spending a few days in the 2025 Grand Highlander Hybrid, I came away impressed with everything it had to offer. Yes, that includes the added space that the "grand" in the moniker entails. For the record, the Grand Highlander is 6.5 inches longer, 2.3 inches wider, and two inches taller than its non-grand stablemate. That makes it 201.4 inches long compared to the standard Highlander's 194.9 inches, so you'd better measure your garage space before signing the dotted line for one of these things. Since the Grand Highlander I drove was a hybrid model, it had plenty of low-end power with its electric assist while churning out some surprising fuel efficiency numbers. Needless to say, by the end of my time spent with the three-row SUV, I was pretty much sold. It's too bad I don't have a family to cart around, or much of a need for a large SUV, in general. However, despite everything I liked about the SUV, I noticed there were a couple of cons. As such, here are three pros and two cons I found during my few days with the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. Toyota has stepped up its game in the past five years by giving its vehicles more appealing and comfortable cabins, and the Grand Highlander is no exception. Keeping with the "grand" theme, the plus-sized Highlander boasts 149 cubic feet of passenger volume, which is 8 cubic feet larger than the regular version. It's also 8 cubic feet larger than the Mazda CX-90's interior, which is its closest competitor. My tester for the week also came equipped with second-row captain's chairs, which cut down the seating capacity to seven from eight. If you don't need eight spots, then this configuration works well as the two lucky passengers in the second row will be treated to plenty of space, their own climate controls, heated seats, and a couple of cupholders. The third row is large enough for tall passengers as well, but the middle seat is better reserved for short ones or children. In addition to a host of driver-assist features, the Grand Highlander Hybrid has all the in-cabin tech features that drivers want. This includes a large 12.3-inch infotainment screen with an intuitive interface, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium JBL sound system featuring 11 speakers. There are also plenty of comfort features to keep everyone happy, including a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and rear window sunshades to keep the sun from intruding into the cabin. Lastly, a 12.3-inch digital dash display sits in front of the driver to keep them informed of the car's vitals, and there are seven USB-C ports around the cabin to keep everyone's phones charged up. The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid's two main competitors include the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and the Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid. The Santa Fe Hybrid offers slightly better gas mileage (36 mpg combined) and a lower starting price point, but the Highlander Hybrid offers a little more in its standard form, which could justify its higher $40,860 starting price. The Mazda, on the other hand, has a starting price of $49,945 and does not offer the same type of fuel economy as the Toyota. However, it does have an all-electric driving range of 26 miles, which could be useful for some commutes. Regardless, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is priced well in the weird three-row hybrid SUV segment and provides a middle-of-the-road choice for buyers looking for a balanced and well-priced family hauler. There are two different engine choices for the Grand Highlander Hybrid: a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a HybridMax turbocharged 2.4-liter engine. Both engines are connected to a pair of electric motors, but the former produces 245 horsepower while the upgraded version produces 362. Don't get me wrong, the base engine does a great job at pulling the SUV around town just fine, but it's a little sluggish when accelerating and can feel a little slow during passing maneuvers. In that case, I would recommend the up-level engine if power is more important than gas mileage, as the larger engine will dip fuel economy into the high 20-mpg range. Although Toyota has stepped up its game when it comes to the interiors of its vehicles, the Grand Highlander doesn't feel as premium as its competition. I liked the soft faux leather and soft-touch materials on the dash and door panels, but the Mazda CX-90 and Hyundai Santa Fe's interiors are a little nicer and most lavishly laid out. Ultimately, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is an excellent choice in the three-row SUV segment. After spending time with it, I came away thoroughly impressed with its fuel economy, interior space, and well-mannered driving dynamics. It might not be the cheapest or most-premium-feeling kid on the block, but if you need a large SUV to tote around your family and their stuff in a fuel-efficient manner, the Grand Highlander Hybrid is worth checking out. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 SUV brings style and tech to electric family haulers
SAVANNAH, Georgia — The 2026 Ioniq 9 three-row electric SUV is a dual-threat, with style and features to compete with premium brands like Acura, Audi, Buick, Lincoln and Tesla, but priced to take on upcoming three-row EVs from the likes of Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, and Toyota. The six- or seven-seat SUV has room for families, youth soccer and the like, but feels a step-above once you log a few miles. The Ioniq 9 is on sale now. Prices start at $58,955 ― about $3,000 more than the top models of gasoline mainstream branss like the Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia and Toyota Grand Highlander. The Ioniq 9 seats six or seven, depending on whether the middle row is a bench or captains seats. The SUV's wheelbase and overall length ― 123.2 and 199.3 inches, respectively ― are nearly identical to Hyundai's Palisade internal combustion SUV, but the Ioniq looks tidier, lower and sportier, thanks to clever proportions and an elegant design that leans into elliptical shapes and body lines inspired by traditional Korean dress. A descending roofline and tapered 'boattail' rear end contribute to a sleek and upscale appearance. The base rear-drive model has a single motor that generates 215 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque rated 335 miles on a charge in EPA tests. Midlevel all-wheel-drive models have a motor on each axle, 333 hp, 446 pound-feet and 320 miles range. The top three trims also have AWD and are rated at 422 hp, 516 pound-feet and 311 miles. A big 110.2 kWh battery can accept DC fast charging up to 350 kW and change from 10%-80% in 24 minutes at a CCS charger. The same charge at less powerful Tesla NACS chargers takes 41 minutes, still pretty good. Most owners generally charge overnight at home at 240v. That takes nine hours, 40 minutes 10%-80%, enough to ensure starting most days with a full battery. Ioniq 9 RWD S: $58,995 Ioniq 9 AWD SE: $62,765 Ioniq 9 AWD SEL: $66,320 Ioniq 9 AWD Performance Limited: $71,250 Ioniq 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy: $74,990 Ioniq 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Design: $76,490 Source: Hyundai Prices exclude new import tariffsand $1,600 destination charge. Say what you will about Joe Biden ― and we all have ― the former president knew how to create manufacturing jobs and reduce prices. Hyundai built its 'Metaplant America,' a $7.6 billion assembly and battery complex in response to incentives in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which encouraged U.S. manufacturing by offering tax credits on vehicles, batteries and materials sourced domestically. Before the IRA, Hyundai planned to supply the U.S. with EVs and batteries built in South Korea for years before building any here. Motivated by thousands of dollars per vehicle, the Metaplant plant shot up like a weed, building its first vehicle ― the smaller Ioniq 5 EV ― less than two years after groundbreaking. It's building 9s now, too, and will add other EVs or hybrids at a later date. The plant will eventually be able to build 500,000 vehicles annually. A battery plant on the formerly wooded 2,906-acre site in Bryan County near Savannah will bring employment to 8,500 jobs paying 25% more than the county average, according to Hyundai. Hyundai's also building a second joint-venture battery plant in Georgia, raising total investment in the state to $12.6 billion, thanks to incentives passed into law years before the current flurry of tariffs. The current administration has threatened to eliminate the incentives. Buick Enclave Ford Explorer Jeep Grand Cherokee L Kia EV9 Lincoln Aviator Rivian R1S Tesla X Volkswagen ID Buzz Volvo EX90 The Metaplant's workforce includes two eerie but likable dog-like Boston Dynamics robots – both called 'Spot' – that inspect vehicle bodies with bright, digital eyes. Management emphatically shot down social-media rumors they plan to replace humans with an all-robot workforce. Employment is rising, not falling, as demonstrated from a training center under construction and a welcome center that will include wings for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis, all of which are slated to build vehicles there. Automatically guided vehicles that look a bit like self-driving card tables carry parts and vehicles through much of the plant, raising or lowering them as needed at each assembly station. Other automated equipment welds and positions heavy parts. Up to 335-mile range Rear- or all-wheel drive Charges at up to 350 kW NACS charging port and CCS adapter More: 2025 GMC Acadia Denali AWD is better than previous generation, with 1 exception I drove a loaded AWD Ioniq 9 Performance Calligraphy from the narrow cobblestoned streets of old Savannah over modern highways to its assembly plant, then on the winding, oak and marsh-lined country roads of the atmospheric Low Country. It's surprisingly maneuverable for a vehicle the same length as Hyundai's hulking Palisade. The steering is responsive and direct. The suspension kept the SUV stable and level when accelerating, stopping and rounding curves quickly. The Ioniq 9 is exceptionally quiet, thanks to active road noise cancellation, acoustically windshield and first- and second-row windows. The seats are comfortable and accommodating, include a roomy second row and usable rear set. Cargo space is good. A small front trunk has room for charging cables or a little gym bag, but not much more The displays are big and clear. Physical dials and buttons control temperature, volume, tuning and a handful of other features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is wireless charging. The Ioniq 9 has few shortcomings. I wouldn't mind a few more buttons in lieu of flat-panel touch points for climate control. The base model's power output ― 215 hp, 258 pound-feet of torque ― is unimpressive for a vehicle whose lightest model tips the scales at 5,507 pounds. Even peak output ― 422 hp, 516 pound-feet ― is mild compared to many EVs with flashy max-output settings. The Performance Calligraphy I drove was more than capable in the kind of urban and highway driving most owners will do ― and I suspect few owners will use other EVs cutely named but range sapping overdrive settings A flood of appealing EVs has hit the market in the last year, but few SUVs with three rows of seats. That's a surprise, given how popular those family haulers are with the public. The electric competition is limited to the Kia EV9, Rivian R1S, Tesla X, Volkswagen ID Buzz and Volvo EX90. The Ioniq 9's looks, comfort and advanced features should make it a leader in that class. Rear- or all-wheel drive midsize three-row SUV Seats six or seven Base price: $58,955 (All prices exclude import tariffs and $1,600 destination charge) On sale now Model tested: AWD Performance Calligraphy Price as tested: $74,990 Power: One electric motor on each axle Output: 422 hp; 516 pound-feet of torque Transmission: Single-speed direct drive Battery: 110.3 kWh lithium-ion EPA estimated range on a charge: 311 miles Maximum charging speed: 350 kW DC; 11.5 kW 240v AC Charging time: 10%-80% in 24 minutes at 350 kW; 41 minutes at Tesla Supercharger; nine hours 40 minutes at 240v. Wheelbase: 123.2 inches Length: 199.2 inches Width: 78 inches Height: 70.5 inches Ground clearance: 6.9 inches Passenger volume: 163.5 cubic feet Cargo volume: 21.9 cubic feet behind rear seat; 46.7 behind second row, 86.9 behind front seat Curb weight: 6,000 pounds Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds Assembled in Ellabell, Georgia Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@ Follow him on Twitter mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 challenges Tesla X for electric family-hauling Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Boston Globe
09-04-2025
- Automotive
- Boston Globe
How much will car prices go up with tariffs? New England buyers aren't waiting to find out.
'Business is brisk,' said Balise, president of Balise Auto Group, which operates 26 dealerships in western Massachusetts. 'People that were thinking about buying a car are definitely advancing their shopping. We saw it in March and we've seen no slowdown in April.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Related : Advertisement Tariff fears helped boost US new car sales by 11 percent in March, according to research firm Wards Intelligence. And throughout Massachusetts thrifty consumers are scrambling to buy now. Vaccine development scientist Annette Ferrari said she and her husband Rob Colonna had been in no hurry to replace their 2015 Mini Cooper. But then came the tariffs. 'I don't want to get caught, three months from now, needing a new car when prices are up 25 percent. It would be vastly more expensive,' said Ferrari, who lives in Boston's South End. 'If we had more time, we'd be more thoughtful, but we really feel like we have to do it now.' Advertisement They weren't looking for a Ferrari; instead they considered three promising Volvo models they'd spotted on the website of a nearby dealership. But by the time Ferrari and Colonna got there, the cars were already gone. Ferrari said they'd lined up visits to two other Volvo dealerships on Tuesday evening and that they expected to buy a car that day. 'We're lucky that this is something we're able to do, but it's still jarring,' she said. Ethan Warren, a novelist from Norwell, just took delivery of a Toyota Grand Highlander ordered last year with a host of options. The vehicle arrived at Braintree Toyota last week. 'We felt really lucky that we acted in this timeline,' said Warren. 'We would've been in a very different situation even just a week later.' Warren described the feeling as movie hero Indiana Jones grabbing his hat from under the door at the last possible second. How many tariff-free vehicles are still available? 'It's different, brand by brand,' said Sean Tucker, lead editor at car market research firm Cars are seen at a Toyota dealership in Houston, Texas, on March 27. RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images Kevin Roberts, director of economic and market intelligence at Boston-based online car retailer Advertisement But shoppers who resign themselves to the tariff may not feel its full weight. Karl Brauer, executive analyst at Brauer is also betting that the pain won't last. 'I think there's a good chance that the tariffs will be adjusted in a relatively short time span,' he said. That would be good news for buyers of new and used cars, said Brauer, because elevated new car prices drive shoppers to buy used vehicles, thus driving up their prices. According to ISeeCars research, nationwide used car prices declined in March, the first dip in over a year. And according to Kelley Blue Book, average used car prices in New England declined in March from a year ago. slipping from $29,161 to $28,663. In Massachusetts the year-over-year average for March edged upward from $29,161 to $29,336 But Kelley Blue Book's Tucker said he's seeing the first signs of an uptick, as wholesale auction prices for used cars have begun to creep higher in recent weeks. 'That means about six to eight weeks out we're going to see a spike start,' he said. And the used car spike will be especially sharp if the Trump tariff lingers through the year. Balise, who is also president of the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association, said automakers are all over the map in responding to the tariff threat. 'We've had a couple manufacturers with a long-term outlook that have come right out and said, 'Listen guys. We're not increasing prices anytime soon ... don't panic. Don't worry, we're going to be smart.'' Balise declined to identify those carmakers. Advertisement But Balise said another manufacturer, also unnamed, is telling dealers it will pass along the tariff cost, and slap labels on its new cars so consumers see why the price has gone up. 'It just sounds to me like they're over-reacting quicker than they have to,' Balise said. That's because Balise, like Brauer, thinks the tariffs will soon be reduced, as the Trump administration cuts deals with the EU, Canada and Mexico. If that happens within the next couple of months, the damage will be minimal, said Balise. But if the tariffs last much longer, it'll be a serious problem, as prices soar and auto imports slump. 'A lot of people are saying, are you panicked?' said Balise. 'Well, give me 60 days and then maybe I'll be panicked.' Hiawatha Bray can be reached at
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Our Toyota Grand Highlander Goes Way Past Empty Before It's Out of Gas
Welcome to Car and Driver's , where we zoom in on the test numbers. We've been pushing vehicles to their limits since 1956 to provide objective data to bolster our subjective impressions (you can see how we test ). Our long-term Toyota Grand Highlander with the new 362-hp Hybrid Max powertrain has been the subject of an ongoing mystery amongst our staff. One of the most common complaints leveled at the otherwise great three-row SUV is a relative lack of range on road trips. Part of the issue is that most hybrids—this one included—don't achieve their EPA highway fuel-economy figures when traveling at real-world interstate speeds of 75-plus miles per hour. In our highway fuel-economy test, which we run at a steady 75 mph, the Grand Highlander averaged 24 mpg versus the EPA's 27-mpg figure. But on the real road trips our staff has undertaken, with speeds sometimes higher, and through frigid winter weather with knobbier all-weather Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 tires installed, we often see mpg averages in the low 20s. But that doesn't entirely explain why we are regularly stopping to refuel at increments less than 300 miles, and we've never made it more than 400 miles on a tank. Toyota's published specifications state that it has a 17.2-gallon fuel tank, but our regular fill-ups, even when running dangerously close to zero miles on the indicated trip computer, are in the high 13- to low 14-gallon range. It's not just us, either, as we've seen plenty of similar discussions on owners' forums. There are two possible explanations: The GH's fuel tank is smaller than the published value, or the trip computer is exceptionally conservative. So, we finally went for broke, pushing through all of our healthy fears of getting stranded and really ran it all the way down. After our GH showed an indicated zero miles of range, we did another 60 miles at near-80-mph highway speeds and then circled our local Shell station for the final three miles until the tank ran dry. During this experiment, we also discovered another interesting feature: Even after the gas tank is empty, the GH lets you drive a little further (0.6 mile in our case) on the remaining energy left in the hybrid system, which allowed us just enough to get to a pump. We pumped 16.498 gallons using our typical "three-click" method of three automatic shutoffs separated by a five count in between. But continuing to top off until we saw fuel in the filler neck got the tally to 17.402 gallons, slightly more than the stated capacity. When we asked Toyota about this, the company responded with a fairly boilerplate statement: "We are aware of the field concern and we are investigating the matter on how to best address customer concerns." While we wait for the fix, we now know we can push aside our fears and keep driving well past the point that it indicates empty. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2025 Hyundai Palisade: 5 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice
Three-row family SUVs aren't exactly uncommon these days, which means the segment has some major competitors going head to head every year. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade is one of the most value-oriented models around, but while its value may be great, there are a couple of potential issues that could push buyers away. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade gets a handful of changes sprinkled across its lineup. The SEL Premium trim is new for the 2025 model year and replaces the optional Premium package from last year. Several safety systems, like the surround view camera, now come standard on the XRT trim. While three-row SUVs aren't exactly cheap, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade lands on the more affordable side of the scale. Starting at $37,100, the Korean SUV undercuts several of its biggest competitors, including the Toyota Grand Highlander, which starts from $40,860, and the Honda Pilot, which starts at $40, base-level SE trim comes equipped with plenty of innovative tech, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. The Palisade also comes with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Side mirrors with LED turn signals and athletic 18-inch wheels come standard. In terms of comfort, second-row automatic HVAC controls and one-touch second-row seat access make the Palisade plenty comfortable for rear passengers. Seating for up to eight passengers is the standard for three-row family SUVs, and the Hyundai Palisade proves to be a competitive model. In addition to eight-passenger seating, the 2025 Palisade offers 155.3 cu. ft. of passenger space, whereas the Mazda CX-90 offers just 141.6 cu. ft. The 2025 Hyundai Palisade also features plenty of cargo space to go around. With all rows upright, the Palisade offers 18 cu. ft. of cargo space. Folding the third row down increases space to 45.8 cu. ft., while folding down both rear rows maximizes cargo space at 86.4 cu. ft. The Mazda CX-90 pales in comparison to the Palisade's cargo space. Mazda's largest SUV offers just 15.9 cu. ft. of space with all rows upright, while folding down both rear rows increases cargo space to 75.2 cu. Hyundai Palisade is available in seven trim levels, which means there's an SUV to fit almost any driver's preferences. The base SE trim starts at $37,200 and packs in plenty of standard features, including eight-passenger seating and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. The XRT trim, available from $43,050, offers numerous off-road additions, including standard all-wheel drive and 20-inch wheels exclusive to the trim level. The new-for-2025 SEL Premium trim adds a surround-view monitor and athletic 20-inch wheels to the equation. View the 11 images of this gallery on the original article The Calligraphy trim is at the upper end of the range and starts at $51,000. This upscale trim is complete with Nappa upholstery and an Ergo-motion driver's seat. The Calligraphy Night trim tops the range with a $54,500 MSRP and wields a blacked-out aesthetic, including 20-inch black liquid wheels and a dark chrome front grille. The Hyundai Palisade has plenty of space for the whole family, and it can carry plenty of gear for camping or a day at the lake. When properly equipped, all 2025 Palisade models can tow up to 5,000 lbs. The Mazda CX-90, which starts at $37,845, can only tow up to 3,500 lbs. when properly equipped. If you want the CX-90 to match the Palisade's standard 5,000-lbs. towing capacity, it'll cost you $46,400. The Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander also offer a 5,000-lb. towing 2025 Hyundai Palisade comes backed by the Korean automaker's 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also known as America's best warranty, Hyundai's powertrain warranty coverage applies to the original owner of the vehicle. The powertrain warranty is known as America's best warranty for a reason. Almost every other competing automaker, including Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, and Toyota, offers a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Even though family SUVs are better than ever, they still lack a critical feature, especially for those living in northern states. Only a handful of three-row SUVs come equipped with AWD as a standard feature. If you want AWD on the Hyundai Palisade, it'll cost you an additional $2,000. The Mazda CX-90 is one such example of a three-row SUV with standard AWD across all trim levels. While the Hyundai Palisade is a great value, the Korean automaker's choice to go with a V6 engine instead of a turbo four puts the SUV behind competitors when it comes to fuel economy. The FWD Palisade earns up to 19 city mpg and 26 highway mpg. AWD models see highway fuel economy drop to 24 mpg. The Toyota Grand Highlander, with its standard turbo four, tops the Palisade in efficiency, earning up to 21 city mpg and 28 highway mpg. The Mazda CX-90, which features a mild hybrid powertrain and AWD, is rated for 24 city mpg and 28 highway mpg. The Hyundai Palisade is a great value for the money, and its drawbacks aren't all that serious, but some drivers could be turned off if they prioritize efficiency or capability on slick roadways. Before you head off in a new Palisade, make sure to take the Kia Telluride and Mazda CX-90 for a spin. Love reading Autoblog? 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