The Toyota Kluger is about to get even bigger.
The Kluger, or Highlander as it’s known in the USA, will get a bigger brother known as the Grand Highlander at the Chicago motor show later this month.
Automotive News reports the Grand Highlander will be fighting with the updated Volkswagen Atlas and Subaru Ascent large SUVs for attention at the Chicago show.
Under the skin, the Grand Highlander will ride on the TNGA-K architecture used beneath the regular Kluger. It’s not yet clear if the car will make it Down Under.
Grand Highlander teaser
Previous teasers reveal the Grand Highlander will feature a unique design relative to its little brother, with a more upright tailgate and BMW X5-aping tail lights.
Also noteworthy is the Hybrid Max badge on the tailgate. The badge indicates the SUV will available with the same high performance 2.4-litre turbocharged hybrid system available in the Crown sedan-crossover mashup.
The Crown Hybrid Max setup eschews the company’s usual e-CVT system for a six-speed automatic.
The six-speed transmission is hooked up to the 2.4-litre turbo and drives the front wheels, while an electric motor is positioned on the rear axle.
All up, the Crown Hybrid Max has a total of 254kW and 542Nm. A more powerful 273kW version of this drivetrain is fitted to the latest Lexus RX500h.
A report earlier this year suggested there will be a Lexus version of the Grand Highlander, which will be known as the TX.
MORE: Everything Toyota Kluger
