Electric Cars

Porsche and Pixar are rekindling their creative alliance, launching three distinct 911 models, each drawing inspiration from beloved characters in the highly anticipated film 'Toy Story 5'. These unique creations build upon their past successful venture, which saw a special 911 tribute to Sally Carrera from the 'Cars' franchise.

These bespoke vehicles, meticulously crafted under Porsche’s exclusive Sonderwunsch program, are set to make their grand entrance at the 'Toy Story 5' red carpet premiere in Los Angeles on June 19, 2026. While the designs remain under wraps, a teaser image hints at two standard 911s and a third with a more aggressive stance, suggesting a potential influence from models like the 911 GT3 Manthey. Following their cinematic debut, these exceptional cars will be auctioned to support various charitable organizations.

This renewed collaboration offers an exciting blend of automotive artistry and animation, translating iconic animated personalities into tangible automotive forms. The initiative not only celebrates the upcoming film but also reinforces a commitment to philanthropy, with auction proceeds dedicated to helping children and communities in need. It's a testament to the power of creative partnerships, uniting the thrill of high-performance engineering with the magic of storytelling for a noble cause.

The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander solidifies its position as a highly sensible choice in the competitive three-row SUV market. While its aesthetic design may not ignite passion, its unparalleled practicality, generous interior volume, and stable driving dynamics make it an exemplary vehicle for family transport. It effectively blends a peppy yet fuel-conscious engine with a comprehensive array of safety technologies and user-friendly connectivity features, presenting a well-rounded package for discerning buyers.

The Pragmatic Appeal of the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander

In the vibrant automotive landscape, the 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander emerges not as a style icon, but as a testament to intelligent engineering and purposeful design. Positioned as a mid-size, three-row SUV, it consistently delivers on its promise of spaciousness, comfort, and efficiency, earning a commendable 9.5 out of 10 rating. This model year, the Grand Highlander carries over without any significant alterations, maintaining its established reputation for reliability and utility.

Under the hood, the standard configuration features a robust 265-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with an all-wheel-drive option available across all trims and standard on the top-tier Platinum model. This powertrain ensures ample acceleration for daily commutes and family excursions, delivering a 0-60 mph sprint in a respectable 7.0 seconds. The vehicle offers a composed and comfortable ride, characterized by light steering and a quiet cabin experience at steady speeds, effectively absorbing road imperfections. While its performance on winding roads won't thrill enthusiasts, it perfectly suits its role as a versatile family hauler, ideal for errands, cargo transport, and extended road trips.

Inside, the Grand Highlander boasts a meticulously designed cabin. The driver's seat provides exceptional comfort for long journeys, and the dashboard, though rich in features, ensures all controls are within easy reach, complemented by abundant storage solutions. Depending on the trim, buyers can choose between a second-row bench or captain's chairs, accommodating seven or eight passengers with ease. Even the third row offers ample legroom and headroom, comfortably seating adults – a notable advantage over many rivals. In terms of cargo, the Grand Highlander truly shines, offering an impressive 98 cubic feet of space with all rear seats folded, rivaling Toyota's Sienna minivan. With the third row in use, a generous 21 cubic feet remains, capable of holding six carry-on suitcases, expanding to 20 with the third row stowed, and a remarkable 36 with both rear rows folded.

Technologically, the SUV is well-equipped. All non-hybrid models come with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring Toyota’s latest software, a 7.0-inch gauge cluster display, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims upgrade to a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument cluster and an 11-speaker JBL stereo. Wireless smartphone charging is also available on all but the base model.

Safety is paramount, with every Grand Highlander featuring a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlamps, and road-sign recognition. Optional safety enhancements include front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system. The Grand Highlander’s towing capacity of 5000 pounds aligns with leading competitors like the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride.

Fuel efficiency is another strong suit, with front-wheel-drive models achieving an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive models see a minor reduction of about 1-2 mpg. In real-world tests, an all-wheel-drive XLE model surpassed its EPA highway estimate, delivering an impressive 29 mpg at 75 mph. Toyota further enhances ownership with a standard warranty coverage typical for its class, plus a notable two-year complimentary scheduled maintenance program, setting it apart from many competitors. The pricing for the XLE trim, starting under $50,000, offers excellent value, particularly with its upgraded features like heated, leatherette-trimmed front seats and advanced smartphone integration.

The 2027 Toyota Grand Highlander demonstrates a masterful blend of practicality and modern amenities. It’s a testament to Toyota’s understanding of what families truly need in an SUV: dependable performance, abundant space, advanced safety, and thoughtful convenience features. Its focus on these core attributes ensures it remains a top choice for those seeking a reliable and accommodating vehicle for all of life’s journeys.