The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is making headlines again as production resumes following a significant recall that affected earlier models. Initially, the Grand Highlander was put on a stop-sale due to issues with its front curtain shield airbags, which could fail to deploy properly if the windows were rolled down during a crash. This recall impacted approximately 111,000 vehicles produced between June 2023 and June 2024, raising concerns among potential buyers about safety and reliability.
Key Features and Improvements
Despite the challenges posed by the recall, the 2025 Grand Highlander has much to offer. This mid-size SUV is designed with families in mind, featuring a spacious interior that comfortably seats up to eight passengers. One of its standout features is the hybrid powertrain, which combines efficiency with performance. The Grand Highlander achieves an impressive estimated 34 MPG in combined city and highway driving, allowing for a range of over 600 miles on a single tank of gas. This makes it an attractive option for long road trips or daily commutes.In terms of technology, the Grand Highlander comes equipped with Toyota’s latest infotainment system, featuring a large touchscreen display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional conveniences such as heated rear seats, wireless phone charging, and multiple USB ports enhance the overall driving experience. Safety features are also robust, with standard advanced driver-assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Safety Ratings Concerns
While the Grand Highlander impresses with its features and efficiency, potential buyers should be aware of ongoing concerns regarding safety ratings. The 2025 model has not improved its IIHS crash test scores from the previous year. It failed to achieve a “Good” rating in critical tests such as side impact and front small overlap tests. This shortfall may deter safety-conscious consumers who prioritize top safety picks for family vehicles.Toyota has acknowledged these concerns and is committed to addressing them through ongoing quality assurance measures. However, the lack of a strong safety designation could influence consumer decisions, especially in a market where safety ratings play a crucial role in purchasing choices.
Consumer Response and Market Impact
As production ramps up and inventory becomes available at dealerships nationwide, consumer response will be closely monitored. Early indications suggest that many buyers are still interested in the Grand Highlander due to its reputation for reliability and efficiency. However, the recent recall may lead some to hesitate or explore alternative options within the competitive mid-size SUV segment.Dealers have reported mixed feelings about customer reactions. While some customers are eager to test drive the new models, others express concern over previous safety issues. The effectiveness of Toyota’s communication regarding the recall and subsequent improvements will be critical in shaping consumer confidence moving forward.
Conclusion
For those considering the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander, it presents an appealing option with its blend of features, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. However, prospective buyers should weigh these benefits against the vehicle’s safety ratings and previous recall history. As consumers become more informed about their choices, they will likely seek transparency from manufacturers regarding safety performance.In conclusion, while the Grand Highlander has made a comeback after its recall setback, it remains to be seen how this will affect its market performance in 2025. As Toyota continues to address safety concerns and enhance its offerings, it will be interesting to observe how this model fares against competitors in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.