Chicago Auto Show Welcomes New SUVs
The Chicago Auto Show was just held in February with some news on the vehicle front. The news included a larger addition to a popular SUV and updates to two other adventure vehicles.
The biggest news came from Toyota with the arrival of a larger 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. Engineered to accommodate adults in the third row of seats, Toyota stretched the Highlander.
Several inches were added to the body and wheelbase. That will enable a larger entry and exit to an enlarged third row area. Maximum cargo area will be measured out to around 98 cubic feet.
An updated look will distinguish the Grand Highlander from its Highlander siblings. That includes a new front clip and an updated liftgate area. The Grand Highlander lineup will include XLE, Limited and Platinum grades.
The Grand Highlander will be powered by a trio of four-cylinder engines. The base engine a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine joined by a 2.5-liter Hybrid and a 2.4-liter turbocharged Hybrid MAX with 362 horsepower. All three drivelines will be offered in front- or all-wheel drive.
Toyota will assemble the Grand Highlander at their Indiana plant. Deliveries may happen in the second half if 2023.
Subaru also rolled out their updated 2024 Crosstrek. A new front end and more aggressive styling overall is just a start for the updates on this popular small SUV/Crossover. The Crosstrek also receives an available larger 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. This system also includes wireless smartphone integration for Apple and Android devices.
The Crosstrek will be powered by a choice if two Boxer four-cylinder engines. Base and Premium models get the 152-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, while the Sport and Limited receives the upgraded 182-hrsepower 2.5-liter engine. All Crosstreks get the standard all-wheel drive system, which is upgraded on the Sport model with an enhanced X-Mode offering a Deep Snow mode.
The big news for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is the switch to production of the Sport and Limited models to their Indiana assembly plant. This may help in managing deliveries to customers demanding these cool SUVs. Pricing for the 2024 Crosstrek will start from $24,995 when they arrive this summer into dealers.
Volkswagen unveiled their updated Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport for 2024. Both vehicles get a new front fascia with a larger grille area. Some trim kevels also received illuminated LED front trim, including the Volkswagen logo. Both models receive new rear taillights, as well as new spoilers. You will find more distinction between the two-row Cross Sport and the three-row Atlas.
The Atlas lineup get an updated interior with premium materials throughout. The center stack will receive a new 12-inch infotainment screen operating on the latest operating system. Most models will receive a larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
Under the hood, Volkswagen will no longer offer its V6 engine in any Atlas model. Instead, a 269-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is available in all models. Even with the uprated four0cylinder engine, maximum tow rating has not changed at 5,000 pounds.
Pricing has not been announced for the 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. Volkswagen expects to deliver these Chattanooga, Tennessee-built models in the third quarter of 2023.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
