2025 Toyota Grand Highlander XLE Review: Is it Better Than a Honda Pilot?

Exterior Design and Features

• 🎨 The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander XLE is presented in a unique "Stormcloud" color, featuring a distinct front grille design that aligns with Toyota's modern aesthetic.
• 💡 Exterior additions include LED headlights, LED daytime running lamps, and functional corner air curtains, with chrome trim accents on the XLE trim.
• 📏 Compared to the standard Highlander, the Grand Highlander is longer and wider, contributing to its increased interior space, particularly noticeable in the enlarged quarter glass.
• ⚙️ The XLE trim comes with standard 18-inch bright metallic silver wheels and 255/55 series tires, with flat black fender openings.

Powertrain and Performance

• 🚀 Under the hood, the Grand Highlander XLE features a 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
• ⛽ Fuel economy is rated at 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway, with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs.
• 💨 While not offering a V6, the turbocharged engine provides ample pep, with a 0-60 MPH time of around 7 seconds, and it's well-mated to the 8-speed automatic transmission.

Interior Comfort and Technology

• 🛋️ The interior boasts soft-tex material, a clean and simple design, and a generous 13 cup holders and at least seven USB-C ports.
• 📱 A 12.3-inch infotainment system screen is easily accessible, featuring familiar icons for climate control and other functions, though the backup camera resolution could utilize the full screen size.
• 💺 The XLE trim includes three stages of heated seats, a power shade with a panoramic sunroof, and electric assist for both driver and passenger seats.
• 🛣️ The steering wheel has a manual tilt and telescoping function, complemented by a 7-inch digital display that offers various driving modes (Sport, Normal, Eco, Snow).

Second and Third Row Space

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The second row offers a bench seat that reclines and slides, with full soft-tex material, large seatback pockets, AC controls, two USB-C ports, and a 12V outlet.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Access to the third row is made easy with a handle and USB-C ports, along with large cup holders, and the seats manually recline for added comfort.
• ⬆️ The Grand Highlander provides ample legroom and headroom in the third row, with knees at a comfortable height, making it a significant advantage over standard midsize SUVs.

Cargo Capacity and Driving Experience

• 📦 With the third row up, the cargo area offers 21 cubic feet of space, expanding to 58 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a maximum of 98 cubic feet with the second row folded.
• 🚗 The vehicle drives smaller than its dimensions suggest, with a composed and responsive chassis that minimizes body roll and road noise, creating a quiet cabin experience.
• 🌟 The 2.4L turbocharged engine's lighter weight contributes to better front-end balance, and the overall driving experience is comfortable and versatile, making it a strong contender in the midsize crossover SUV segment.