Toyota, a market giant in automobile manufacturing, has lifted the veil on its new flagship crossover in the US - the 2023 Grand Highlander. This top-tier crossover serves as a magnificent upgrade to the conventional Highlander, often referred to as the Kluger in other markets. Assembling of this impressive model will be held at Toyota's manufacturing facility located in Princeton, Indiana. While the launch date is yet to be confirmed, Toyota has provided an extensive rundown of the Grand Highlander's specifications.

In a statement from Toyota Australia, it was mentioned that while there are no current confirmations, they are always open to incorporating innovative models in their line-up. Insiders believe that the Grand Highlander might be considered for the Australian market, although a formal decision remains to be made.

What sets the Grand Highlander apart from its Highlander sibling is not merely an expansion in size but also distinct design features. Thanks to Toyota’s California design studio, the Grand Highlander does not come across as a mere extended version of the Kluger but stands out with its own unique design. Notable aesthetic aspects include a prominent "trapezoidal, hammerhead" front grille, a more geometric side profile, and refined creases and details adorning the rear end.

Powering the Grand Highlander are three different four-cylinder powertrains. Options include a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a 2.5-litre hybrid, and the premier Hybrid Max. The latter boasts a staggering 270kW power and 542Nm of torque, claiming a 0-60mph speed in just 6.3 seconds and offering a towing capacity of 2268kg. The Hybrid Max is exclusively paired with an all-wheel-drive system, with unique bumper designs distinguishing it from the rest.

On the inside, the Grand Highlander offers a square, sleek look. It features a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen across all models and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, except for the base variant which uses a 7.0-inch screen. This infotainment system, equipped with over-the-air updates, a voice assistant, cloud-based navigation and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, aims to enhance the user experience.

Aesthetically, the interior sports leatherette, leather, or Ultrasuede and leather upholstery, depending on the model. Toyota ensures a generous 2775L of luggage space, promising an "adult-sized" third row, and a multitude of conveniences including 12 cup holders, seven USB-C outlets, smartphone/tablet storage space and individual USB ports for the third-row passengers.

The 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander is 5137mm long, 1778mm high and 1981mm wide, making it 165mm longer than the regular Highlander and slightly shorter than the Sequoia. It is also 51mm taller and 58mm wider than the Highlander, with 102mm of wheelbase bringing the total up to around 2946mm.

The safety system of the Grand Highlander employs the 3.0 generation of Toyota Safety Sense. It integrates numerous safety features, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a newly introduced Proactive Driving Assist. This addition supports “gentle braking” and steering to help maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists.

The competition for the Grand Highlander includes contenders like the Hyundai Palisade and Jeep Grand Cherokee L. There are rumors of an imminent Lexus counterpart - the TX, to be launched later in the year. The Grand Highlander is slated to reach US showrooms by the end of the year. However, despite speculation, there is currently no confirmed plan for its introduction to the Australian market.