Latest news with #GrandHighlander
Edmunds
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Edmunds
2026 Toyota RAV4 Revealed: America's Best-Selling Car Goes Hybrid-Only
Major interior upgrades The RAV4's instrument cluster is now fully digital and now measures 12.3 inches. It also uses a completely new design — nothing like what you've maybe seen in the Camry, Prius or Grand Highlander. It can display a vast array of usable information and is where you monitor things like the safety warnings and adjust the adaptive cruise control. The other big change is the center display, which is better integrated into the design of the dashboard. A 10.5-inch infotainment screen is standard, but higher trims get a larger 12.9-inch display. There's a brand-new multimedia system built in, with multiple pages that can show a wide array of car info. There are also dedicated buttons for key features and a home icon to take you back to the main screen whenever you need to. There's one small issue, though: The vast majority of the climate controls have been moved into the screen. The last RAV4 had knobs and buttons, but the new car only has buttons for the temperature and the defrosters. The rest of the climate controls — fan speed, A/C, heated seats, heated wheel and more — have all been moved into a dedicated climate control display in the center screen.
Car and Driver
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2025 Toyota RAV4: We Compare Their Specs
For 2026, Toyota drops the RAV4's gas-only powertrain, offering a choice of hybrid and plug-in hybrid setups. The redesigned model takes design cues from the latest Camry and the Grand Highlander. A new GR Sport model, offered exclusively with the plug-in-hybrid powertrain, joins the RAV4 lineup for 2026. Toyota continues its mainstream hybrid push with the 2026 RAV4 crossover SUV. Like the latest Camry, the new RAV4 will be hybrid-only, but unlike the family sedan, the compact crossover will offer both hybrid and plug-in-hybrid options. Toyota is also expanding the trim lineup for the bestselling RAV4, and the new model debuts fresh software systems. To give you a better idea of what has changed on the RAV4, we've collected the important specs and details for the 2026 and 2025 models, highlighting what's different in the new generation. toyota View Exterior Photos Toyota Design and Dimensions Toyota offers enough versions of the RAV4 for the 2026 model year that it saw fit to break them out into subcategories. Each style, as the automaker calls them, has its own look. Core includes LE, XLE, and Limited trim levels and features a body-color grille and black fender flares. Rugged, which is just the updated Woodland trim, has a split black grille featuring LED lights from Rigid Industries as well as raised roof rails. And Sport models—including SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport—will be available with two-tone paint and come with colorful stitching for the upholstery. Regardless of trim or style, the new RAV4 looks blockier than its predecessor inside and out, with the front- and rear-end treatments reminiscent of the Camry and Grand Highlander's designs. The 2026 RAV4 has the same 105.9-inch wheelbase measurement as the outgoing 2025 model. Overall length is unchanged for most trims at 180.9 inches, while the Woodland and GR Sport are slightly longer, measuring 181.8 inches long due to differences in bumper design. Interior and Cargo The 2026 RAV4's standard infotainment setup uses a 10.5-inch center touchscreen, compared to an 8.0-inch screen in the 2025 model. The new model's upgrade option is a 12.9-inch screen, which handily outdoes the 2025's available 10.5-incher. Both systems feature a new version of Toyota's Audio Multimedia System software, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are once again standard. Toyota is also including a 12.3-inch digital gauge display on all 2026 RAV4s; for 2025, digital gauges were available or included only on upper trims. Toyota View Interior Photos Toyota Toyota hasn't shared interior measurements or cargo capacity for the 2026 model yet, but we expect numbers similar to the 2025's, which are pretty competitive. In our testing, we were able to fit 10 carry-on suitcases behind the current RAV4's back seat and a max of 22 with that seat folded. Powertrains Prior to 2026, the RAV4 Hybrid was available only with all-wheel drive. Now that the gas-only version has been dropped, making the hybrid the base powertrain, Toyota added a front-drive version of the RAV4 Hybrid. That model makes 226 horsepower, 23 more than a 2025 front-drive gas model, while opting for all-wheel drive adds a motor on the rear axle and raises system output to 236 horsepower, 17 horses up on the 2025 AWD hybrid. The updated plug-in-hybrid system in the 2026 RAV4 generates up to 320 horsepower, which is 18 better than the 2025 PHEV. All-wheel drive will once again come standard with the plug-in powertrain. All-electric range on the plug-in increases from 42 miles on the 2025 model to 50 miles for 2026, thanks in part to a larger battery capacity. On the XSE and Woodland trims, the PHEV will now be able to use a DC fast-charger via a CCS charging port. However, the SE and GR Sport have a different charge port and aren't fast-charge eligible. toyota View Exterior Photos Toyota We don't yet have fuel-economy ratings for either powertrain, but it's a fair bet they will meet or beat the 2025 model's figures. The current hybrid returns at least 38 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive, while the 2025 plug-in comes in at 40/36 mpg city/highway on gas or 94 MPGe combined with the electric motor contributing. Trims and Price The 2025 RAV4 is available in LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Woodland Edition, SE, XSE, and Limited trims. For 2026, the LE and XLE will be offered with the hybrid powertrain and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, while the Limited combines the hybrid with standard AWD. The Woodland and XSE will come with all-wheel drive and a choice of either powertrain. SE models offer FWD and AWD with the hybrid and are also available with the AWD-only plug-in powertrain, and the GR Sport will exclusively pair with the plug-in-hybrid setup and AWD. No word yet from Toyota on pricing, but the 2026 model should come in pretty close to the 2025's base MSRP of $30,645. We anticipate the GR Sport will command a premium over other trims, likely somewhere around $51K. David Gluckman Contributing Editor Ever since David was a wee Car and Driver intern, he has kept a spreadsheet listing all the vehicles he's driven and tested. David really likes spreadsheets. He can parallel-park a school bus and once drove a Lincoln Town Car 63 mph in reverse. After taking a break from journalism to work on autonomous vehicles, he's back writing for this and other automotive publications. When David's not searching for the perfect used car, you can find him sampling the latest in gimmicky, limited-edition foodstuffs. Read full bio
Car and Driver
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Tested: How Rooftop Boxes and Hitch Carriers Affect Fuel Economy
In working to find the best hitch-mounted cargo carriers, we tested to see how roof boxes and hitch-mounted carriers affect fuel consumption We ran back-to-back tests with our long-term Toyota Grand Highlander, first carrying a Yakima EXO SwingBase hitch carrier, then a Thule roofbox. The hitch-mounted carrier was the clear winner, returning 25 mpg compared with 21 mpg for the rooftop carrier. Welcome to Car and Driver's Testing Hub, 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 here). If you've ever looked at an electric car and wondered why so many of them have flush-mounted door handles, the reason is to reduce aerodynamic drag. It's the same reason you see cyclists wearing funny helmets and Olympic speed skaters wrapped in skin-tight spandex. It's also why hitch-mounted cargo carriers are generally viewed as a more fuel-efficient alternative to rooftop carriers. Since our Gear Team was already working on a test of the best hitch-mounted carriers, we decided to put the numbers to the test to see just how much more fuel a roof box burns. See Long-Term Photos Michael Simari To keep things fair, we ran back-to-back highway fuel-economy tests on our long-term Toyota Grand Highlander. For the hitch-mounted test, we selected the Yakima EXO SwingBase carrier equipped with Yakima's GearLocker. The carrier and locker weigh 93 pounds combined and together measure 59.5 inches wide. As for the roofbox, we pulled an older Thule model down from the storage rafters in our HQ garage and then mounted it to a set of Thule SquareBar Evo crossbars. The box itself weighed 42 pounds and measured 90.0 inches long. The test results were clear: The Grand Highlander averaged 25 mpg with the hitch-mounted carrier but only 21 mpg with the rooftop box attached, a significant 4-mpg difference. Michael Simari Michael Simari We ran a similar test on our long-term 2022 Kia Carnival back in 2023. After continuing to be disappointed by subpar fuel-economy figures, we decided to do some digging and test the Carnival with and without the factory crossbars. With the crossbars attached, our initial highway fuel-economy test returned 25 mpg. With the bars removed, that number jumped to 28 mpg. Jack Fitzgerald Associate News Editor Jack Fitzgerald's love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn't afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. Read full bio
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Tired of Touchscreens? These 6 Cars Offer the Best Physical Controls
If carmakers' return to physical controls isn't evidence enough that screens are distracting, there is also mounting outcry from car buyers, as well as push from safety regulatory bodies like Europe's NCAP (European New Car Assessment Program for the return of essential physical controls. In today's automotive market, big touchscreens and digital interfaces dominate the cabin experience, often at the expense of usability and safety. While these features offer a high-tech aesthetic and access to a virtual library of fancy features, they also increase the time to execute the most basic automotive operations, like adjusting climate and audio. Fortunately, a few automakers still understand the value of intuitive physical controls-dials, knobs, and buttons placed within easy reach of the driver. We laud certain manufacturers in 2025 for their commitment to driver-focused ergonomics, blending modern tech with excellent switchgear that makes life behind the wheel simpler and safer. From compact SUVs to versatile pickups, these vehicles strike an ideal balance between innovation and intuitive operation. The Mazda CX-50 ($30,500) offers one of the most attractive and driver-centric interiors in the industry. Mazda continues to focus on great physical controls, even for its latest vehicles, because at the end of the day, the brand is still about the driving experience. While many automakers are moving toward tablet-style screens and capacitive buttons, Mazda has held the line on usability by preserving a rotary infotainment controller and a smart, well-organized dashboard layout. The CX-50 is a standout, not because it's got the fanciest cabin in the Mazda stable but because its physical controls are nearly peerless. The CX-50 exemplifies how physical controls can enhance the driving experience without sacrificing modern tech. Physical Control Highlights: Rotary Dial for Infotainment: The CX-50's rotary Commander controller, located on the center console between the front seats, allows users to navigate menus without reaching for the screen. It has satisfying action and can be operated without a touchscreen, which Mazda tends to eschew in order for drivers to focus on the road. The knob is right-sized and knurled for easy gripping and operation. There's also a convenient audio knob parked right next to it. Dedicated Climate Control Panel: The CX-50 has grippy temperature adjustment knobs and a simple line of physical buttons for dual-zone climate settings that remain easily accessible on the center stack. They're also precise and well-placed for easy reach while driving. Steering Wheel Controls: Buttons are located above and below toggle switches, and they control audio, cruise, and phone functions without confusion or accidental activation. They're well-placed and hard to mash accidentally, a big bonus. It was high time Toyota built the three-row Grand Highlander ($40,860). It's big, attractive, and tremendously practical. It even comes in a hybrid variant. We continue to marvel at the Grand Highlander's cabin, not just because of its space and comfort but also because it has some of the best physical controls for a 7-passenger family SUV. Toyota's Grand Highlander isn't just a larger variant of the popular Highlander-it's a three-row SUV that impresses with thoughtful design and real-world functionality. In fact, its physical controls are even better than the regular Highlanders. Despite offering a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen in higher trims, Toyota wisely keeps the most essential functions tied to physical controls, and the result pays off for the driver. Toyota's approach is simple: keep tech available, but never let it become a barrier to core vehicle operations. That makes the Grand Highlander a top pick for families seeking ease of use. Physical Control Highlights: Big Climate Controls: The central climate command controls are 100% physical. Two large temperature adjustment knobs are front and center. The row of switches between them manages the remainder, and they're all easily accessible and and Ventilated Seat Buttons: The climate control knobs are flanked by seat heat/ventilation buttons instead of being parked behind layers of menus on the touchscreen. Additional climate control buttons and toggles on the panel make adjustments a cinch. A Simple Audio Knob: A staple feature that Toyota retains, making quick audio adjustments seamless. It's right on the frame of the infotainment screen, adjacent to the driver's right hand. Of course, you can also use the steering wheel audio control, but it's nice to see a physical audio knob right where it belongs. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 ($29,250) is about to get redesigned for next year, but the current model is still a bastion of ergonomic brilliance. It remains one of the best-selling vehicles in America, and part of that success lies in its highly functional cabin with some of the best physical controls in any crossover at any price. The moment we used the rubberized, turbine patterned audio knob grips, we were in love. Though not as luxurious as other entries on this list, the RAV4 delivers consistent, intuitive control placement across all trims, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. Whether you're commuting or road-tripping to the country, the RAV4 ensures you don't have to guess which part of the screen adjusts your fan speed. Physical Control Highlights: Rubberized Climate Knobs: Large, textured knobs with integrated temperature displays make them easy to operate-even with gloves. They're large and protrude dramatically for no-brainer grip. The set temp is clearly displayed right next to them with hot and cold bars for easy interpretation. A great traditional shift knob: We love that there's no shift buttons for the transmission. Instead, Toyota keeps a right-sized physical shift knob that's not too stubby nor too tall. It's still doesn't take up a lot of real estate, so there's room for the drive mode selector. Physical Drive Mode Selector: No screen controls here. Just a large, easy-to-use drove mode control knob that toggles between Eco, Normal, and Sport modes. Push the center of the knob to go back to Normal without even looking. The sixth-generation Honda CR-V ($30,100) is a marvel and not just for its handsome exterior and wonderful hybrid variant. Honda's latest CR-V cabin redesign embodies the same great thinking behind its sheetmetal with one of the best-executed interiors in its class. The look, the feel, and the ergonomics just make sense. The interior is refreshingly analog in the best way, offering an ideal mix of screen-based features and physical switches. While we wish the infotainment system was better, the physical controls shine through. It seems like nothing escaped scrutiny because it's echelons better than its predecessor. The CR-V interior feels familiar and functional, which is a welcome change in a market drifting toward overly complicated interfaces. Physical Control Highlights: Separate HVAC Controls: Real knobs and push buttons govern the climate system, laid out cleanly beneath the central honeycomb patterened vents. The triple knobs that are well-sized and nicely spaced control temperature and fan speed. They don't require any interpretation when driving, and they actuate with precision. The line of climate buttons occupies the lower row, and they're big and simple, just the way we like 'em. Tactile Audio Controls: On the left portion of the infotainment screen frame lies physical audio controls: a volume knob, tuning buttons, and a home and back button for easy operation. .Conventional Gear Selector: Unlike its own Pilot and Passport stablemates, the CR-V gets a real PRND shift lever. It's much more intuitive than the pushbutton setup in other Honda SUVs, and you don't even have to look at it to shift. It's so simple, it's brilliant. The redesigned 2025 Hyundai Kona ($24,550) bears almost no resemblance to its predecessor. The second-generation model has taken a huge leap forward in style and technology, yet it retains an emphasis on tactile control to the same degree, but with way better looks. Even in higher trims with dual 12.3-inch screens, Hyundai balances the digital with superb analog controls, making the cabin accessible for drivers of all ages and tech comfort levels. The center stack is awash with clean knobs and buttons, as is the center console. We think it's even better than the revised interior of the pricier Tucson. The Kona's success lies in not overwhelming the driver with unnecessary complexity. It provides just enough buttons to make control intuitive without feeling cluttered. Physical Control Highlights: Dedicated HVAC Panel: A panel of actual buttons controls temperature, airflow, and fan speed independently of the infotainment. The Kona's climate buttons are simple, easily reached, and fuss-free. Superior Audio Controls: The clean line of audio controls is spaced perfectly above the climate control panel. The contoured buttons and backlit knobs provide quick control of audio functions, and they look as good as they work. Intuitive Column-Mounted Shift Lever: Hyundai uses a stalk for gear shifts. While it doesn't move up and down like an old-school version, it's large grooved rectangular shape rotates forward for drive, back for reverse, and pushes in for park. Easy peasy. It's way better than most column-mounted versions. Who would've imagined Ford would revive an old nameplate from a '70s compact car and turn it into a hot-selling compact pickup truck? The 2025 Ford Maverick ($28,145) is everyday practical with its 54-inch bed length, great storage choices, and up to 42 mpg city from the hybrid model. It also has some of the easiest physical controls found in any truck, and Ford did them right by not making them complex or overwrought. Although the 2025 Maverick upsizes its formerly 8-inch infotainment screen to a much larger 13.2-inch version, it still makes use of great, knobs and buttons to control climate and audio. Whether you're hauling lumber or navigating city streets, the Maverick's physical controls allow you to focus on the task at hand without fiddling with screens or menus. Physical Control Highlights: Simple HVAC Interface: There are two large climate control knobs, one for fan speed and the other for temperature with an easy readout embedded within. Between those knobs are buttons for seat temperature and other climate adjustments. They're right below the big center vents and within easy reach. They're also big just like a proper pickup truck's should be. Easy Audio Control: Parked just below the infotainment screen are excellent audio controls. Knobs and a line of buttons make for quick audio adjustment. The fact that they are angled upward toward the driver makes operation that much easier. One of Best Rotary Shifters: Some might malign non-traditional shift knobs, but the rotary version on the Maverick is one of the best. Its easy-trip trim and satisfying click make it intuitive to shift gears without even looking. The center park button is also a cinch to use. Final thoughts In an era of increasing digitization, physical controls offer a tactile and distraction-reducing alternative to fully touchscreen-based interiors. The Mazda CX-50, Toyota Grand Highlander, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Kona, and Ford Maverick prove that automakers can-and should-strike a balance between innovation and usability. These six vehicles demonstrate that physical controls still play an essential role in making driving safer, easier, and more enjoyable. We can't wait to see what other automakers will bring to the table when they return to physical controls of their own. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Edmunds
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Edmunds
2026 Hyundai Palisade vs. Toyota Grand Highlander: How Do These Midsize 3-Row SUVs Stack Up?
Hyundai has a new Palisade on the way for 2026, and with it comes the model's first hybrid powertrain. The three-row crossover will continue to offer a gas V6 in base form, adding the new gas-electric setup as an option. It just so happens that one of several Toyota three-rows — the Grand Highlander — lines up nicely with the updated Hyundai; it also comes standard with a gas engine, while Toyota offers a pair of hybrid powertrains with its people-hauler. To see just how nicely, and where each has an advantage, we've gathered all the available specs for the Hyundai and Toyota. You'll note that the tables below are missing fuel economy numbers for the Palisade. Hyundai hasn't shared specific ratings for either of the model's powertrains.
