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Peugeot has given a makeover to the 208 and e-208 models, introducing a fresh design, new powertrains, and advanced technologies for both the fully electric and petrol versions. The 208 has been the best-selling car in Europe in 2022, and these updates aim to keep it a popular choice among buyers. Orders for the new 208 and e-208 will open in October 2023.

When it arrives later this year, the new Peugeot 208 will bring the following enhancements:

More Allure: with a captivating sporty look featuring a modern Peugeot light signature.
More Emotion: with an enhanced digital Peugeot i-Cockpit® that enhances the driving experience.
More Excellence: with electrification at its core, including the new e-208 with a range of 248 miles (pending approval), new hybrid powertrains (HYBRID 100 and HYBRID 136), and the latest generation of Peugeot infotainment systems.

Since its launch at the end of 2019, over a million 208 models have been sold, with the 208 being the top-selling car in Europe in both 2021 and 2022. A significant part of this success can be attributed to the fully electric e-208, which became the best-selling electric car in the B segment in Europe in 2022.

Jérôme Micheron, Peugeot Product Director: “Working on an iconic and successful model like the 208 is always a challenge. Our goal was to take the design and performance of the 208 to a higher level while preserving the essence of this model to remain a leader in the B-segment sales in Europe. The new 208 is more 208 than ever: more stylish, more fun to drive, more technologically advanced, and ultimately, more irresistible.”

Allure: Eye-catching, Athletic Design

The designers at Peugeot faced the task of delivering a new level of modernity and freshness to the 208 while preserving the distinctive and alluring characteristics that have made it a success. They achieved this through the following new features:

New Peugeot Front Light Signature: Previously introduced on the 9X8 Hypercar, the new 508 and 508 SW, and most recently on the new 2008, the new Peugeot light signature now adorns the new 208 and e-208. The signature features three long vertical light claws integrated into the gloss black inserts on the bumper, adding to the car’s broader appearance.
All new 208 models come with this new front light signature. On GT versions, this feature is even more striking, as the three light claws are integrated into the full LED headlamps using three independent optical modules.
A New Look for the Front End: All new 208 models come with a redesigned front end, showcasing Peugeot’s new logo at the center. The grille features an evolving body-colored pattern that extends into the bumper, creating a seamless look.
A Redesigned Rear Light Signature: The new 208 features a reinvented rear light signature with three individual red claws arranged horizontally. These elegant lines of LEDs extend across the black strip around the boot lid, giving the car a more commanding rear view and a sense of greater width. GT variants also come with LED reversing lights and indicators.
New Striking Colors: The new 208 and e-208 are available in seven body colors, including two new additions: Agueda Yellow (new for 208) and Selenium Grey. The other colors available are Cumulus Grey, Nera Black, Bianca White, Elixir Red, and Vertigo Blue. Additionally, all new 208 models feature gloss black door mirrors, regardless of the chosen color, while GT variants come with gloss black wheel arches as standard.
New Wheel Designs: The new 208 features new alloy wheel designs inspired by the new 408. The designs include 16-inch ‘NOMA’ diamond-cut two-tone wheels for ALLURE trim and 17-inch ‘YANAKA’ diamond-cut two-tone wheels with inserts for GT. All alloy wheels come with a new four-spoke center cap that prominently displays the Peugeot shield, discreetly concealing the wheel bolts.
New Peugeot Brand Identity: The new 208 showcases Peugeot’s updated brand identity with new lettering finished in a Basalt Grey color on the front, side, and rear nameplates. At the rear, the Peugeot lettering spans the entire width of the black panel connecting the rear LED lights. The e-208 comes with a new ‘E’ badge featuring a two-tone Dichroic and White finish.
Elegant New Fabrics: All trims of the 208 feature refreshed interior ambience with new fabrics and stitchings. GT models also introduce a new optional seat fabric with Black Alcantara® and Adamite Green stitching, complementing the Adamite Green stitching on the dashboard.

Emotion: Enhanced Peugeot i-Cockpit® for an Improved Driving Experience

The first-generation 208 introduced Peugeot’s iconic i-Cockpit®, which has now advanced to become more connected, ergonomic, and technologically advanced. It remains a central element of the driving pleasure offered by the new Peugeot 208 and e-208. Here are the enhancements:

New Design for the Digital Instrument Panel: The digital instrument panel is conveniently located at the driver’s eye level and features a digital display on ALLURE and GT versions. The generous 10-inch digital screen has a redesigned look and comes with a 3D display as standard on GT versions. Drivers can customize the color, layout, and presentation of the display. On ACTIVE variants, the new 208 retains an analog instrument cluster with a 3.5-inch color screen.
i-Connect: The 208 ALLURE and GT models now come standard with Peugeot i-Connect, which can be upgraded to i-Connect Advanced for live TomTom navigation and natural voice recognition.
10-Inch Touchscreen Across All Models: A large 10-inch touchscreen is now standard on all 208 models, a significant improvement over the previous 7-inch screen. On ALLURE and GT models, the 10-inch touchscreen is upgraded to high-definition and is paired with Peugeot’s next-generation i-Connect infotainment system. The quick access toggles for features such as climate control and ADAS remain beneath the central screen for easy access.
Compact Steering Wheel: The compact steering wheel at the heart of the Peugeot i-Cockpit® offers agility and precision. It now features the new Peugeot shield at its center and, if applicable, the GT logo on the lower part of its rim. The controls for the multimedia system, audio, telephone, volume, and voice control are conveniently housed on the steering wheel for optimum ergonomics.
Dynamic Ambient Lighting on GT Versions: Drivers can choose from eight colors to set the interior ambience to suit their preferences.
Revised Gear Shifter Design: New 208 models equipped with PEUGEOT’s five and six-speed manual transmissions come with a redesigned gear shifter for improved ergonomics. E-208 and 208 automatic versions retain the elegant ‘e-Toggle’ design introduced last year.

Excellence: Taking Electrification to the Next Level

For the first time, Peugeot 208 customers have the choice between all-electric, hybrid, and petrol variants.

Improved Electric Range: The new e-208 models are equipped with Peugeot’s new 115kW (156bhp) electric motor and a 51kWh battery, offering a range of up to 248 miles between charges (WLTP certification pending approval). All e-208 models come with a standard 7.4kW single-phase charger, with an optional three-phase 11kW charger available. Rapid charging with a 100kW charger can charge the battery from 20% to 80% in less than 25 minutes, while a 7.4kW charger takes approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes.
New Hybrid Powertrains: The PEUGEOT 208 is now available with two new 48V Hybrid powertrains. These include the latest-generation PureTech 100bhp and 136bhp petrol engines combined with the e-DSC6 dual-clutch electrified six-speed automatic gearbox, which includes an electric motor. This technology provides extra torque at low revs and reduces fuel consumption by up to 15%. In urban driving, the new 208 HYBRID 100 and HYBRID 136 can operate in 100% zero-emission electric mode for more than 50% of the time.
Efficient Petrol Engines: The PEUGEOT 208 continues to offer efficient petrol engines with two options: the PureTech 75 with a five-speed manual gearbox and the PureTech 100 with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Technology: Added Features and Value

As part of the updates, Peugeot has introduced new technologies and features in the 208 and e-208 models.

More USB Sockets: The ALLURE and GT versions now come with three USB-C sockets as standard (two in the front and one in the rear) and one USB-A socket in the rear.
More Powerful Wireless Charging for Smartphones: GT models are equipped with a new 15W induction wireless charger for smartphones as standard, an upgrade from the previous 5W system. It is available as an option on ALLURE models.
High-Definition Parking Cameras: The new front and rear parking cameras on the 208 offer high-definition image quality. The 360° camera technology is also available, depending on the trim level.

Driving Aids: Comprehensive Range of Driving Assistance Technologies

The new 208 and e-208 are equipped with various driving assistance and safety technologies, including:

Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function and adjustable vehicle distance settings.
Automatic emergency braking with collision warning: capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists day or night, at speeds from 4mph up to 87mph (where allowed).
Extended road sign recognition and display on the digital instrument cluster, capable of detecting stop signs, one-way streets, and other road signs in addition to speed limit signs.
Active lane departure warning with lane correction.
Driver attention alert.
Blind-spot monitoring.

Simplified Line-up: To make it easier for customers to choose the right model, Peugeot has streamlined the choice of trims for the 208 and e-208. Both models are now available in ACTIVE, ALLURE, and GT trims.

ACTIVE variants feature the new front and rear light signatures, a 10-inch central touchscreen, and Wireless MirrorScreen technology as standard.
ALLURE models include 16-inch ‘NOMA’ alloy wheels, a body-colored grille, front and rear parking assistance, and electrically folding door mirrors. They also feature a 10-inch digital instrument panel, a 10-inch HD central touchscreen, and Peugeot i-Connect.
GT variants come with Full LED headlights, 17-inch ‘YANAKA’ alloy wheels, a high-definition reversing parking camera, Peugeot Open & Go keyless entry and start, and customizable eight-color ambient lighting.

Featured

Mahindra Scorpio Nameplate Reaches 9 Lakh Production Milestone

June 30, 2023 Prafful Singh

The production milestone includes both the Scorpio Classic and Scorpio N models

Mahindra introduced the Scorpio SUV more than two decades ago.
The Scorpio is currently available in two versions: the Scorpio Classic and the new-generation Scorpio N.
As of May 2023, Mahindra had over 1 lakh units of Scorpio on order.
The Scorpio nameplate is still behind the Bolero in terms of lifetime sales, as the Bolero has already crossed the 14 lakh unit mark.
The Scorpio duo is priced between Rs 13 lakh and Rs 24.52 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The Mahindra Scorpio nameplate has achieved another milestone, with a total production of 9 lakh units. The Scorpio was introduced by Mahindra in 2002 and has been popular due to its high-seating position, road presence, and all-terrain capabilities. Recently, Mahindra launched the facelifted Scorpio Classic and the new-generation Scorpio N, both of which have contributed to reaching this milestone.

However, the Scorpio nameplate is still behind the Bolero in terms of lifetime sales. The Bolero, one of Mahindra’s best-selling vehicles for over a decade, has already sold more than 14 lakh units.

Recent Numbers

In May 2023, Mahindra produced nearly 8,000 units of the Scorpio (including both the Classic and N models).

The Scorpio is one of the most sought-after models in Mahindra’s lineup. As of May this year, there were more than a lakh bookings pending delivery for the Scorpio Classic and Scorpio N. With plans to increase production, Mahindra could produce the next lakh units of Scorpio in less than a year.

Prices And Rivals

The Mahindra Scorpio Classic is priced between Rs 13 lakh and Rs 16.81 lakh, while the Scorpio N ranges from Rs 13.05 lakh to Rs 24.52 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi).

The Scorpio Classic provides a rugged alternative to monocoque compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Skoda Kushaq, while the Scorpio N competes with the Tata Harrier, Safari, and Hyundai Alcazar. The new-generation Scorpio N also offers a four-wheel-drive option and serves as an off-road-capable alternative to the Mahindra XUV700.

Also Read: Yami Gautam Adds BMW X7 To Her Luxury Car Collection

Read More on : Mahindra Scorpio N on road price

Technology

Popular Free Channels Every Roku Streaming Stick User Should Install

June 29, 2023 David

Tubi provides a wide range of free TV shows and movies, including both new releases and classics. Although you will encounter advertisements at regular intervals, the extensive content library makes it worth it. Tubi offers a diverse selection of options, from the original “Transformers: Generation 1” to the former HBO Max series “Lovecraft Country.”

The occasional ads can be a bit distracting, but they are similar to what you experience when watching cable television. Tubi claims that ads typically appear every 15 minutes. While it may be perfect for TV show enthusiasts, watching a movie on Tubi can be slightly bothersome due to the interruptions. In addition to TV shows and movies, Tubi also features a limited selection of live TV channels, including local news and a few sports channels. Considering its vast content library, Tubi is considered one of the top streaming services available, which explains its increasing popularity year after year.

Featured

2024 Skoda Kodiaq Engine And Gearbox Details Revealed

June 28, 2023 Prafful Singh

The second-generation Skoda Kodiaq will be offered globally with both petrol and diesel engines, along with a plug-in hybrid as well

Skoda will globally debut the second-gen Kodiaq soon.
Powertrain options include 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 2-litre diesel engines.
To be provided with both front-wheel-drive and AWD drivetrains.
Will get a plug-in hybrid option for the first time with a claimed EV-only range of 100km.
Features on board include a 12.9-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display.
India launch expected in 2024; to command a premium over the existing model.

The Skoda Kodiaq will soon be globally introduced in its second-generation avatar, and the carmaker has already been releasing important details about the SUV. The latest update reveals the powertrain details of the new Kodiaq, along with some of the key features. Let’s take a look:

Petrol, PHEV And Diesel Engine Options

Skoda will continue to offer the global-spec Kodiaq with both petrol and diesel engines, as well as a plug-in hybrid version. Here’s a look at the specifications:

Specification	1.5-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid	2-litre turbo-petrol	2-litre diesel	2-litre diesel	1.5-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid
Power	150PS	204PS	150PS	193PS	204PS
Transmission	7-speed DSG	7-speed DSG	7-speed DSG	7-speed DSG	6-speed DSG
Drivetrain	FWD	AWD	FWD	AWD	FWD

The Kodiaq will be offered in a plug-in hybrid version for the first time.
It will have a 25.7kWh battery pack, which will allow for an electric range of up to 100km, and will also support DC fast charging of up to 50kW.
Skoda India has decided not to include diesel powertrains in the second-gen India-spec Kodiaq.

A Brief Overview Of The Design

Skoda has released more images of the second-gen Kodiaq still covered in camouflage. From what we can see, the new model’s design is more of an evolution rather than a complete overhaul. The SUV retains the same butterfly-shaped grille (albeit slightly larger), LED headlights with integrated LED DRLs, and a redesigned front bumper with the ADAS radar in the center.

In profile, the SUV looks similar to the current model, except for the longer wheelbase and new alloy wheels. Notable features at the rear include sharper LED taillights and a raked windshield.

Also Read: Get Ready To Pay Increasingly Higher Tolls Each Year

Here are the dimensions:

Dimensions	2024 Skoda Kodiaq
Length	4758mm
Width	1864mm
Height	1657mm
Wheelbase	2791mm

The SUV is 61mm longer than the current-gen model and has a luggage capacity of up to 910 litres (depending on the chosen variant). It will be available in both 5- and 7-seater layouts.

What Tech Does It Get?

Although Skoda hasn’t revealed all the features of the new Kodiaq, it has announced some key equipment. This includes a touchscreen unit measuring up to 12.9 inches, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, an optional heads-up display, and remote parking assist. Among the new features will be a cooled, dual phone box in the second row for charging two smartphones simultaneously at 15W. It will also have a cleaner for the touchscreen displays, and the umbrella and ice-scraper will be made from sustainable materials.

Also Read: These Are The 10 Upcoming Car Launches In The Second Half Of 2023

India Launch Details

Skoda may bring the second-gen Kodiaq to India next year with a significant price increase compared to the current model (which is priced between Rs 37.99 lakh and Rs 41.39 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi). The new Skoda Kodiaq will continue to compete against the MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, and Toyota Fortuner.

We Took The Toyota Hilux On An Off-road Expedition!

June 11, 2023 Prafful Singh

The premium pickup is quite a desirable lifestyle offering, we find out how it handles itself on both tarmac and dirt

The Toyota Hilux legacy began around 55 years ago and the iconic pickup truck only graced our shores in early 2022. It arrived with a hefty price tag well over Rs 30 lakh even with localised assembly as a CKD kit, putting it beyond the reach of many. As such, the Hilux has become a highly desirable lifestyle vehicle. So when Toyota invited us to join them on their first-ever Great 4x4Xpedition for a short road trip, we were thrilled to get the keys to the Hilux for all of it.

What is the 4x4Xpedition?

Given its popular range of premium off-road vehicles, Toyota has kickstarted an event that would allow its customers to experience their cars to the fullest. Hence, the creation of this new experiential event, the “Great 4x4Xpedition”.

As of now, this event is not exclusive to Toyota customers and open to all who wish to participate with their 4×4 cars. In this first iteration itself, the convoy of 30-odd cars included a few Mahindras too (Thar and Scorpio N). There was even a kitted-out Isuzu D-Max V-Cross.

There were over ten Toyota Hilux pickups in our convoy, showing its popularity despite the pricing. They were all the top-spec variants which cost almost Rs 40 lakh on-road. Many joined us in their Fortuners while Toyota even brought along a company-owned Land Cruiser LC300.

What was the plan?

The route for this event would take us around 200 kilometres away from Bengaluru and into the hills. There, the Japanese carmaker had organised an off-road course that would showcase the full potential of the Hilux’s rugged capabilities.

This expedition gave us a chance to experience the Toyota Hilux pickup in a variety of driving conditions, similar to how most of its owners would use it, and more.

On the highways

The pickup is offered with a 2.8-litre diesel engine and the one we were piloting was the 6-speed manual transmission. In this variant, the diesel plant has plenty of grunt on offer, at 204PS and 480Nm. Although a manual, the torquey delivery of the powertrain made for a smooth and relaxed cruise for the 150+ kilometres of highway driving.

The pickup does offer cruise control, but there was rarely a chance to implement it given Indian driving conditions. It even gets an iMT function, but we chose to drive the Hilux as a proper three-pedal manual offering.

Thanks to its height, the Hilux has a very commanding driver’s position with a great view of the road ahead. The rear leaf springs do make the ride a bit stiff, especially for the rear passenger.

In terms of convenience, the Hilux is a fairly premium and well-equipped offering. Its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system was easy to use but it really should offer wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well. As the top-spec High variant, it offered the comforts of dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and leather seat upholstery.

In the hills

The Hilux is big, and that size is even more noticeable when you take it into the narrow hilly roads. It is surprisingly dynamic through the corners despite its long body with the spacious truck bed behind the cab. Once again, the torquey nature of that large diesel engine is plenty sufficient for overtaking even on an incline. Even when the tarmac runs out, the Hilux just keeps going undeterred.

Taking a few wrong turns meant getting familiar with the Hilux’s turning radius in those narrow spaces. Thanks to its high ground clearance, small ditches do not limit you from making room to do a full U-turn in an otherwise cramped spot.

Through the trenches

The Toyota Hilux gets 4WD as standard with on-the-fly switching. We got into the automatic variant for the off-roading course, to make life a little easier. The course was dug up specifically to be completed by the participating vehicles.

The first thing to do was to turn the drive control dial from 2H to 4-low to engage the low-range gearbox. It started off easy with a positive-side incline (the car is tilting towards the passenger side), followed by driving in and out of a deep ditch, and then a negative-side incline (the opposite of the first one). These are relatively mild off-roading obstacles that show off the car’s ground clearance, its approach, break-over and departure angles, and its overall stability.

Next was the articulation test which shows off the Hilux’s body rigidity. For this test, we had to engage the electronic rear differential lock. This ensures that there is no loss in power delivery when the system detects a lack of grip on any of the four wheels. With a little guidance from the experts regarding steering input to keep us from getting stuck, the Hilux makes easy work of this test. You can even stop in the middle and balance the pickup with only one tire of each axle on level ground.

Going up!

We kept the differential lock on for the next challenge as well – the hill climb. The gradient of the incline was approximated at 45 degrees with only a dirt path, but it’s not a problem for the Hilux whatsoever. Just pick your line of ascent and keep your foot down in 4-Low till you reach the top of the hill.

What goes up…

The last challenge required the least driver input – the hill descent. The rear differential lock was disengaged and we switched on the Downhill Assist Control (or DAC as the button’s label).

Simply feather the throttle till the ground falls below your eye line and feel the car tilt over the drop, and then take both feet off the pedals. The DAC electronically applies the brakes to make sure you descend the hill in a slow and controlled manner. You can just focus on steering it in the right direction. In the case of a long descent, while driving an automatic, it is advised to switch to manual gear selection and lock it in first gear to retain maximum vehicle control.

Through every obstacle, the Hilux gave plenty of confidence with the heavy steering and the 4WD system. It was so easy, that even my colleague who’d never done any kind of off-roading course was able to complete the course in the pickup without any hassle.

Final thoughts on the Toyota Hilux

We spent three days with the iconic Toyota pickup, covering close to 500km in total. In every scenario, from the driver’s seat, the Hilux was hard to fault. The thrust of that massive diesel engine is somewhat addictive, it feels stable at highway speeds and is relatively nimble when you need it to be. Its off-roading prowess comes as no surprise, but the actual usability across scenarios was impressive.

If there’s one thing that makes the Hilux a bit difficult to live with as a city dweller, it’s the size. Yes, it does have front and rear parking sensors that are quite helpful in tight spots and while parking, but it’s always a bit stressful through crowded city streets if you are not used to the size.

The Toyota Hilux is not a substitute replacement for conventional full-size SUVs. It’s an adventurous choice and one that many of us would like to be able to make.

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2023 Honda Pilot Vs. 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

June 11, 2023 David

In the world of mid-size SUVs, two brands that come to mind are Honda and Toyota. Both brands competed fiercely to make the superior mid-size SUV over the years. For 2023, Honda has built the Pilot completely new from the ground up and Toyota has revealed a whole new SUV on its own, the Grand Highlander.

Both SUVs are meant to comfortably seat the entire family but they both have a different approach. The Honda Pilot is known for its practicality and build quality whereas the Grand Highlander is a more premium and luxurious SUV with a refined interior and driving experience, especially when you consider that it is a model from a main stream brand like Toyota.

The Pilot Hauls People With Ease

A front shot of the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport off-roading.

For 2023, the Honda Pilot comes in six trim levels: LX, Sport, EX-L, Touring, TrailSport, and Elite. The base price starts at $37,645 and comes with only one powertrain. The Pilot comes with the same 3.5 liter V-6 from the previous model but produces more power.

The trim that may stand out the most to buyers is the TrailSport model, which is Honda’s take on an off-road version of the Pilot. Honda has made some notable upgrades to the TrailSport to make it a proper off-roading SUV. Honda added an off-road-tuned suspension, which includes a one-inch lift for additional ground clearance. They also added a skid plate as well as the TrailWatch camera system which uses four exterior cameras to help drivers when they are off the beaten path. All these features and more are exclusive only to the TrailSport.

When it comes to the powertrain, the V-6 produces 285 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque as opposed to the previous generation which made 280 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is optional. The front-wheel drive model has an estimated EPA of 19 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on the highway, and a combined EPA of 22 MPG. The all-wheel drive model has a slightly worse gas mileage with an EPA estimated of 19 MPG in the city, 25 MPG on the highway, and a combined EPA of 21 MPG.

All models come with a new 10-speed automatic transmission which shifts smoothly. The engine is more responsive than the previous generation and the steering is more precise and refined. In terms of driving, the Pilot has a tight steering circle which makes maneuvering around town much easier than other mid-size SUVs. With all the extra power, the front-wheel drive model can tow up to 3,500 pounds and the all-wheel drive model can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The Pilot Is Spacious Enough For The Whole Family

Stepping inside, all models come standard with a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster as well as a 7-inch infotainment screen. The TrailSport, Touring, and Elite models come with a larger 9-inch infotainment screen and only the Elite model comes with a larger 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trim levels.

The Pilot has one of the most spacious cabins in the segment. All models can seat up to eight passengers but the EX-L trim can be optioned with second-row captain’s chairs which seat seven passengers. The TrailSport comes standard with the captain’s chairs and the Touring and Elite models come with a second-row seat design which can be removed and stored away when not needed. With 39.3 inches of headroom and 32.5 inches of legroom, the third row is spacious enough for children as well as adults.

The Grand Highlander Offers More Powerful and Efficient Powertrains

A front shot of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The Grand Highlander comes in five trim levels: XLE, Limited, Platinum, MAX Limited, and MAX Platinum. The base price starts at $43,070 which is significantly higher than the Pilot. Toyota offers two engine choices and three powertrains for the Grand Highlander. The gasoline engine makes 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque and the base hybrid engine makes 245 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.

The Hybrid MAX models come with a more powerful hybrid engine which makes 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is optional. As far as efficiency goes, the gas powertrain offers 24 MPG combined for the XLE front-wheel drive; the hybrid can do 36 MPG combined for the XLE front-wheel drive and the Hybrid MAX can offer upto 27 MPG combined.

The gasoline engine comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The smaller hybrid engine comes with a CVT transmission while the more powerful hybrid engine comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. Even though the steering is light, it can still go through corners easily. When it comes to towing, it is the same as the Pilot. The front-wheel drive model can tow 3,500 pounds and the all-wheel drive can tow 5,000 pounds.

The Grand Highlander Is Not Just A Bigger Highlander

Interior Toyota Grand Highlander — Toyota

A shot of the dashboard in a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

Toyota has taken a different approach with the Grand Highlander. Unlike most of its other vehicles, the Grand Highlander was built with luxury and comfort in mind and this becomes evidently clear when you step inside the cabin. The interior has a surprisingly premium feel with good materials across the door panels and the dashboard. At first glance, the cabin seems to share some aspects with Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus.

The overall layout and aesthetics like the steering wheel and the infotainment are very similar to some Lexus vehicles. All of this just proves that Toyota didn’t intend to make the Grand Highlander like the regular Highlander. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, is standard across all models, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

By merely hearing the name, one might think that the Grand Highlander is just a bigger Highlander. Although that is true, the Grand is a completely new vehicle that is not just a bigger version of the Highlander. Not only is the Grand Highlander larger in every way, but it also looks completely different.

The Grand Highlander can seat seven or eight depending on the trim and the seat configurations. The cabin is impressively spacious for the passengers to enjoy the ride. The third row has 37.2 inches of headroom and 33.5 inches of legroom which is more than sufficient for children and adults can also sit comfortably. When it comes to technology, the Grand Highlander comes with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, which is standard across all models, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In conclusion, the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Grand Highlander are two formidable contenders in the mid-size SUV segment. When it comes to deciding which one to buy, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities The Pilot excels in practicality and overall value. It is also a solid choice for those who are interested in off-roading.

On the other hand, the Grand Highlander offers a far more premium package and better gas mileage. It is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious and refined SUVs Toyota has made in recent history. Regardless of which SUV you choose to buy, they both prioritize safety and comfort for the whole family.

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