While compact crossovers, full-size trucks, and large CUVs dominate the US market, mid-size high-riders aren't far behind the third place, and they might soon overtake the subcompact CUVs and mid-size cars.
As such, it is no wonder that every automaker is heavily involved with the segment. Models like the Ford Explorer, Volkswagen Atlas, Honda Pilot and Passport, Kia Telluride, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sorento, Subaru Ascent, Dodge Durango, Mazda CX-90, Hyundai Palisade and Santa Fe, Buick Enclave, or the Nissan Pathfinder all feature a host of advantages in their fight to persuade as many customers as possible.
Notice, though, how we should have mentioned even one Toyota model? Well, it would be hard to choose from their lot, actually, as they feature a quartet of cool options: Venza, 4Runner, Highlander, and Grand Highlander. The first one is the rebadged sibling of the Japanese market XA80 Harrier and is only offered with five seats but compensates with affordable pricing – it kicks off at just $34,920 with hybrid power.
The second nameplate needs no introduction as the long-lasting 4Runner is Toyota's classic-looking mid-size off-road SUV fighting the likes of Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. As for the Highlanders, this year, the first-ever, all-new 2024 Grand Highlander took the spotlight with its bigger wheelbase and additional space for up to eight people onboard. So, perhaps now it's time for the smaller Highlander to take charge and try its best to become the best mid-size crossover SUV in America.
However, in order for that to happen, the imaginative realm of digital car content creators thinks Toyota needs a couple of CGI hints or so. Thus, the good folks over at the Q Cars channel on YouTube now aim to daze and amaze the audience with the potential styling of their vision for the redesigned 2025 Toyota Highlander CUV. By the way, don't mind their commentary when they refer to the 'Grand Highlander.'
I wonder if the host's narration is also done with AI software tools, just like their designs – they're entirely missing the point when speaking about the 2024 Grand Highlander as a 2025MY and showcasing what is clearly their interpretation of a small-wheelbase 2025 Highlander CUV, as stated in the video feature's title.
Anyway, let us focus on the visuals for a change – if the commentary is too annoying, you can mute it, just like we did when it became a little exhausting, to try and make up the logic behind it. Just like with other unofficial projects, the resident pixel master has not one but two variants for the hypothetical 2025 Toyota Highlander – one is closer to the current model's styling both at the front and rear, while the second takes more considerable design liberties, especially at the back of the crossover SUV. So, which is your favorite?
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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