The Toyota Grand Highlander is the long-awaited reply to those that’ve lamented the common Highlander’s smaller-than-average measurement. Though it did get greater with its most up-to-date redesign, the development nonetheless continued, and the Highlander does certainly have one of many least helpful cargo areas behind its third-row seat (which can also be fairly small).
Whereas the Highlander has 16 cubic-feet of area behind its third row, the Grand Highlander lives as much as its identify with 20.6 cubic-feet. That might be the identical because the Volkswagen Atlas, and only a whisker shy of the phase’s present Baggage Take a look at champ, the Kia Telluride at 21 cubes even. On paper, the Buick Enclave/Chevy Traverse has essentially the most area within the phase at 23.6 cubic-feet, and whereas there is a respectable probability that may maintain true in a baggage take a look at given Zac’s unofficial take a look at out in Michigan, I’ve by no means had the chance to check them with my commonplace set of baggage.
OK, in order that’s the sphere. Let’s have a look at if the Grand Highlander is simply grander than the Highlander or grander than your complete discipline.
So that is what you are working with again there. The size is clearly a bit higher than common, and the D-pillar/liftgate angle is upright. Each of those are inclined to yield good baggage take a look at outcomes.
The Telluride and Pilot handle to be the present baggage take a look at phase leaders because of an ample quantity of usable underfloor storage. The Grand Highlander doesn’t take pleasure in such a profit. There’s sufficient room for the jack, the cargo cowl (at all times appreciated) and some odds and ends, however clearly, it does not unlock additional cargo space peak. What you see up there within the first two pics is what you get.
On to the luggage, then. As with each Baggage Take a look at, I take advantage of two midsize curler suitcases that may must be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 vast, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that simply barely match within the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that matches simply (23L x 15W x 10D). I additionally embrace my spouse’s fancy in a single day bag simply to spruce issues up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).
First, I merely crammed it as much as the again seat line. Some notable issues right here …
- These are the 4 greatest baggage.
- That might be the 2 greatest baggage positioned end-to-end on the underside. Which means the Grand Highlander’s cargo space is wider than each three-row crossover I’ve examined. I can not be 100% positive, nevertheless it does appear that even the Tahoe and Expedition cannot do that. The Jeep Wagoneer does, nonetheless.
- There may be clearly some room up excessive, let’s examine if I can match extra.
Wow, this actually shocked me. That might be all my baggage behind the raised third row. The liftgate closed advantageous and though the flamboyant bag is collapsed as a result of it is empty, it nonetheless would’ve match if full.
Congratulations Toyota Grand Highlander! You are the brand new Three-Row Crossover SUV Baggage Take a look at champion! You additionally beat the Chevy Tahoe/GMC Yukon and Ford Expedition, whereas coming in solely second to the Jeep Wagoneer, which has a bit more room leftover. And keep in mind, the Grand Highlander did this with out additional underfloor storage. It large.
Now, it have to be stated that minivans and extended-length SUVs crush the entire above, however I do not take a look at these trigger I simply haven’t got sufficient stuff to do it. (OK, except I’ve all my stuff.)
“BUT WAIT!!!” you are saying. “You almost nearly stacked to the roof! What about your guidelines for security and visibility?!?”
Superb query, and I used to be conscious of that when doing the take a look at and making the above proclamation. First, the pinnacle restraints and seatbacks would maintain the luggage in place so we’re good on the security entrance. As for visibility …
Above you’ll be able to see the rearview with the mirror in addition to with this Grand Highlander trim stage’s rearview digital camera mirror. I hereby deem visibility ample with the mirror, and the digital camera principally makes any concern a moot level.
We’ve a brand new chief. Now if solely GM would put the Traverse and Enclave within the press fleets once more …
