Go Big, Go Grand: Toyota’s Three Row Adventure Machine
For families in the Pacific Northwest who have outgrown the standard SUV but aren't quite ready for a full-sized behemoth, the Toyota Grand Highlander arrives as the perfect solution. Available at Toyota of Kirkland, a proud member of the O'Brien Auto Group, this sophisticated three-row SUV is designed to maximize comfort, space, and performance without compromise. Whether you’re navigating the busy streets of downtown Kirkland or packing up for a multi-day ski trip to the mountains, the Grand Highlander offers the presence and capability required for modern life in Washington. It is more than just an extension of a classic nameplate; it is a ground-up reimagining of what a family adventure vehicle can be.
How much cargo space does the Grand Highlander have for local trips?
One of the defining characteristics of the "Grand" designation is the massive increase in utility. While many three-row SUVs struggle to offer meaningful storage when all seats are occupied, the Grand Highlander provides a generous 20.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row. This is enough room for several grocery bags or even a few sets of hiking gear for a day at Bridle Trails State Park. When you need to haul larger items, the interior transforms into a cavernous transport hub. Folding the third row expands the space to 57.9 cubic feet, and with all rear seats down, you have a staggering 97.5 cubic feet of flat loading space. This makes it easy to transport furniture, camping equipment, or DIY supplies for home projects in Kirkland.
Is the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX good for mountain driving?
For drivers who frequently head toward Stevens Pass or Snoqualmie, power is a necessity. The Grand Highlander offers three distinct powertrains, but the standout for our region is the Hybrid MAX. This high-performance system combines a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors to produce a whopping 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. This instant electric boost is invaluable when passing on steep inclines or merging onto the highway with a full load of passengers. Additionally, the Hybrid MAX system is paired with a full-time electronic all-wheel-drive system that proactively manages power between the front and rear wheels, ensuring maximum grip on the wet or snowy roads common to the Pacific Northwest.
How many passengers can fit in the Grand Highlander comfortably?
The Grand Highlander is designed to be a "true" eight-passenger SUV. Unlike many competitors where the third row is reserved for small children, this Toyota features an adult-sized rear section with 33.5 inches of legroom. This means your teenagers or adult friends can sit comfortably in the back even during longer trips to the coast. Depending on the configuration, you can choose between a second-row bench seat to maximize occupancy to eight or luxurious captain's chairs that provide easy "pass-through" access to the rear and seat seven. With 13 cup holders and seven USB-C ports distributed throughout the cabin, every passenger stays hydrated and their devices remain charged, no matter where they are seated.
What are the top safety features of the Grand Highlander for families?
Safety is non-negotiable for a family vehicle, and the Grand Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. This suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies is particularly helpful in the dense traffic around Kirkland. Features include a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, which can help mitigate or avoid frontal collisions. Lane Tracing Assist and Proactive Driving Assist work together to keep the vehicle centered in its lane and provide gentle braking into curves, which is a huge benefit during rainy nighttime drives on WA-522. Available features like the Panoramic View Monitor and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking make maneuvering this large SUV in tight parking garages much less stressful.
How does the Grand Highlander handle Kirkland winter roads?
Beyond its impressive power, the Grand Highlander is built on the TNGA-K platform, which provides a rigid body structure and a low center of gravity. This translates to a composed and stable ride, even when the wind picks up across Lake Washington. For winter driving, the available Multi-Terrain Select system allows you to choose between Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Snow modes. These settings adjust the engine throttle, braking, and torque distribution to optimize performance for the specific conditions under your tires. When paired with its 8 inches of ground clearance, the Grand Highlander gives you the confidence to navigate unplowed neighborhood streets or slushy mountain passes with ease.
At Toyota of Kirkland and the O'Brien Auto Group, we understand that your vehicle is the hub of your family’s daily life. The Toyota Grand Highlander is engineered to make those daily tasks easier and your weekend adventures more exciting. With its combination of refined luxury, massive interior space, and powerful electrified performance, it stands as a leader in the three-row SUV segment. We invite you to visit our showroom to experience the "Grand" difference for yourself and see how this incredible machine can elevate your Pacific Northwest lifestyle. See our inventory here and drop by for a test drive.
*Penned by AI, polished by humans
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Toyota of Kirkland
