Cadillac LYRIQ vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, despite being an SUV, with a long hood and low ground clearance. The vertical light bars and LED headlights added a modern touch, while the grille and lighting effects enhanced its unique style. Inside, the LYRIQ boasted luxurious details, such as leather-wrapped seats and polished controls, though the floating centre console was less practical. The 33-inch OLED display was a standout feature, offering a sleek and integrated look without overwhelming the interior.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid took a more conservative approach to design, drawing inspiration from the popular RAV4. Its exterior was functional and familiar, offering ample space for up to eight passengers and significant cargo capacity. The interior prioritized practicality, with logically arranged controls and decent material quality. The Platinum trim added a touch of luxury with leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a smart, upscale appearance. However, the unlined storage areas and sharp door corners were minor drawbacks in an otherwise well-thought-out design.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its sporty appearance, was more suited for comfortable highway cruising. It featured a dual-motor powertrain with 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, providing continuous all-wheel drive. The standard setup included a single rear motor with 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. The LYRIQ's 102-kilowatt-hour battery offered a range of up to 505 kilometres with rear-wheel drive and 494 km with AWD, though real-world conditions saw closer to 420 km. Charging was efficient, with the ability to reach 80% in about 30 to 35 minutes. However, its handling was hindered by its weight, leading to understeer and uninspiring steering feel.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max emphasized performance with its turbocharged 2.4-litre engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 horsepower. It offered a satisfying driving experience with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission, avoiding the droning of CVTs. The Hybrid Max's fuel economy was rated at 8.8 L/100 km combined, with observed figures around 9.1 L/100 km. It excelled in acceleration and ride quality, though handling was secure only up to a point, with early tire squeal and wide nose pushes in corners. Visibility was excellent, aided by comprehensive camera systems.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges in build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a loose charging port, and a problematic glovebox were notable issues. The floating console lacked practicality, and the centre cubby was small. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ offered generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious back seat. However, its cargo space was limited, with 793 litres behind the seats and 1,722 litres when folded.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid excelled in interior space and functionality. It provided comfortable seating across three rows, with a maximum cargo capacity of over 2,700 litres. The Platinum trim featured upscale materials and supportive seats, though the unlined storage areas could contribute to cabin noise. The rear doors required ample space to open, posing challenges for child seat installation. The second-row captain’s chairs allowed easy access to the third row, which offered reasonable comfort for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 586 litres behind the third row and up to 2,761 litres with seats folded.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls and a large, legible instrument cluster. The infotainment system ran native Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Super Cruise system provided excellent hands-free driving capabilities, and the 19-speaker AKG stereo delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to various music accounts. The system was user-friendly, though the font could be difficult to read. The digital voice assistant responded accurately to commands, and the Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and surround-view camera system. The JBL premium audio system exceeded expectations in sound quality.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ came equipped with standard safety features such as forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. However, it received a poor rating for its headlights from the IIHS and had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety technologies. Proactive Driving Assist was standard, though it could be irritating in certain situations. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection.