The Toyota Highlander has long been a staple for the Japanese automaker. It’s built a reputation for a being comfy, reliable, easy-to-drive, and practical three-row SUV. However, what was lacking since its inception has been a sizable third row with usable space for adults. For 2024, Toyota is giving the market a shock with an all-new version of the Highlander; the Grand Highlander.
With a third row that now seats three adults (not just children), this SUV looks very promising and the addition of a new powertrain to the Grand Highlander is even more exciting. The standard gasoline and hybrid are still available, but the new model also carries the Hybrid MAX powertrain from the Toyota Crown and Lexus RX. Toyota didn’t just add on extra space with this model, they’re revamping the entire vehicle.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
- Hybrid MAX Powertrain
- Usable Third Row
- New Styling
- Generous Cargo Room
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
- More Room Than Ever!
- Model: Grand Highlander
- Engine:: 2.4 - 2.5 Liter Gas/Hybrid
- Power Output: Upto 362 HP
- Torque: Upto 400 LB-FT
- Range: N/A
- Transmission: 6-Speed / 8-Speed / CVT
- Driveline: FWD / AWD
- MSRP: *$43,000 (EST)
- Tons Of Room
- Fresh Styling
- Generous List Of Standard Features
- No More V-6
- Somewhat Bland Exterior Styling
- Still Some Optional Safety Features
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Performance And Capability
For 2024, yes, 2024 is correct, Toyota’s newest model gets the newest Toyota engines. All powerplants are part of the Toyota Dynamic Force Engine family, which means you get an extremely advanced engine and transmission to go along with your all-new SUV.
The base powertrain is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine found in other Toyota products like the Highlander, Lexus NX, and RX. Toyota hasn’t released official numbers for that 2.4-liter turbo engine in the Grand Highlander yet, but we expect it to put out the same or very similar numbers to the standard Highlander which has 265 horses with 310 pound-feet of torque. This base engine has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
If you’re keeping score, that’s less than the 2GR-FKS engine that powered the pre-refreshed highlander, but more torque. Next in the line is the standard hybrid powertrain. That also has a four-cylinder engine, but it’s not turbocharged and it’s a 2.5-liter with a CVT. But fear not, it has some electric friends powering the axles. Again, Toyota hasn’t released official numbers for this powertrain either, but in the standard Highlander, the 2.5-liter hybrid produces 243 horsepower (torque isn’t quoted). Fuel economy though is excellent with Toyota estimated up to 34 mpg.
Lastly, the Grand Highlander in Limited and Platinum trim gets the new Hybrid MAX powertrain from the Toyota Crown and Lexus RX. This powertrain combines the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors and a rather outdated six-speed automatic to make some awe-inspiring numbers. For the Hybrid MAX, Toyota has quoted a 0-60 time and power figures.
They reside at an impressive 362 horsepower and a whopping 400 pound-feet of torque, all good for a 0-60 time of only 6.3 seconds… 6.3 seconds in a Highlander?! We expect that number to be even lower as Toyota tends to overestimate their 0-60 times. Our only complaint here is the six-speed automatic. We think Toyota should've included the eight-speed automatic with the Hybrid MAX engine, however, we imagine the eight-speed doesn't mate with the MAX system. The Hybrid MAX configuration also offers 5,000 pounds in towing.
The first two engines, i.e the pure gasoline 2.4-liter and 2.5-liter hybrid offer optional AWD, with FWD as standard. However, with the Hybrid MAX powertrain, AWD comes as standard. We think that’s generous of Toyota. With these three engine options, there’s a flavor of Grand Highlander for everyone. Based on the trim you choose, you also get selectable drive modes that alter the driving characteristics. Hybrid Max models in Limited and Platinum grades also get paddle shifters and a unique shift-by-wire gear selector.
Exterior Design
The exterior design of the Grand Highlander looks like the standard model on steroids with a hint of different bodywork. The trapezoidal grille is different and looks more Sequoia-ish, something we like. The grille is split into two different pieces, and the lower part looks like it came off of a Lexus. As we’ve said with previous Toyota products, we’re so glad to see fog lamps here. That’s a dying trend, and it’s a welcome trait. The LED headlights remind us of the RAV4 Prime in their lamp design. LED foglights are available on Platinum and Limited trims.
On the side, we see lots of Toyota Sequoia again, and we also see Lexus LX or Lexus GX. While the back doors look like the standard Highlander, the rear window looks different and more angular. A hint of chrome accents the bottom of the window frames, and as you’ve come to expect, the glass house is pretty generous.
Around the rear, we see more RAV4 than Highlander, and the taillights are very distinctive. We love the huge third tail lamp above the glass hatch, this lamp looks like a large fluorescent light, and again adds a distinctive look to this new model. A new typeface is on the vehicle, and it looks sleek and modern. We like the simple design in the rear. Lots of vehicles are overdoing their rear designs, but this is clean and modern. However, some may wish for more dynamic and bold styling.
As for rims, the XLE grade gets 18-inch wheels, and the Limited and Platinum grades get 20-inch wheels. We love the vibrant chrome wheels! Hybrid MAX models get silver and black wheels, along with a chin spoiler and dual exhausts.
Interior Quality And Technology
The interior of the vehicle is modern, practical, and luxurious. This cabin definitely looks a step above the standard Highlander, which was already a nice interior. The Grand Highlander reminds us of a Lexus in the stitching and upholstery materials. Softex is standard on the XLE, with leather an option on Limited and Platinum grades. Exclusive to the Hybrid MAX model is Ultra-Suede with leather upholstery and bronze accents.
The vehicle also features two large screens. On all models, a huge 12.3-inch screen dominates the dashboard with a 7.0-inch screen in the gauge cluster on XLE models. On Limited and Platinum, the 7.0-inch screen is replaced with another 12-inch screen, which looks fantastic. For audio, Limited and Platinum grades get an 11-speaker JBL stereo system. Wireless Apple Carplay Wireless Android Auto and wireless phone charging are also standard on all trims. A host of available connected features like enhanced WiFi connect and cloud-based navigation adds convenience.
For creature comforts, heated front seats are standard, with available cooled front and heated and cooled rear seats. We also like the memory feature for the front seats on the Limited and up trims. Ambient lighting comes in on Limited and puddle lamps on the Platinum trim. An electro-chromatic mirror is also standard.
The Grand Highlander also features a crazy amount of cup holders for all the kids’ beverages… 13 to be exact. You also get a unique feature in the third row; tablet holders. Now everyone can have a device with them and a place to keep it. With seven standard USB ports and a house-hold style 15-watt power outlet, there is also no shortage of charge ports in all three rows, in order to keep all your devices charged up.
As we said earlier, an adult-sized third row is finally present under the “Highlander” name. When compared to the standard Highlander, the reclining third-row seat is very generous and sizable. With all the seats folded down, a very generous 98 cubic feet of space stares you down. Even with the third row up, there’s up to 21 cubic feet of usable cargo room. In previous Highlander models, with the third row up, a few grocery bags could fit behind them, now, an entire grocery store haul for the family can fit. You also have the convenience of a standard power liftgate across the board.
Additionally, one of our favorite features is the optional panoramic roof... which happens to be a gigantic panoramic moon roof. It features an opening portion for front passengers and a power sunshade.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Price
Toyota hasn’t released any official pricing for this model. We expect it to start where the regular Highlander leaves off, or even cross over into the standard models pricing. According to CarAndDriver, you can expect an estimated starting price of $43,000. Stay tuned for accurate pricing.
Safety
The latest Toyota model is also getting the latest in Toyota safety tech. TSS 3.0 comes standard on the Grand Highlander. Features like blind-spot monitoring, road sign assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, steering assist, radar cruise control, lane tracing, and emergency stop are all standard. Optional features include parking sensors with automatic braking, rain-sensing wipers, panoramic view monitor, traffic jam assist, and front cross-traffic alert. However, the majority of safety features that we think are necessities come standard. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is a very comprehensive system, and we think it contains all the goodies people want. The 2024 Grand Highlander has not been tested by NHTSA just yet.
Main Competition
There are several options in the mid-size three-row SUV segment. Competitors include models like the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, and the upcoming Mazda CX-90. The Grand Highlander also takes on Korean heavyweights in the form of the Kia Telluride and award-winning Hyundai Palisade. This is a very serious vehicle, and we think it will give the SUVs from Detroit a shock.
We would even consider Toyota’s own Sequoia as a competitor in terms of features and size. We think the Grand Highlander is a superb vehicle from Toyota, and it’s a vehicle the Japanese brand has needed for years. A functional third row, more power, and a luxurious interior make this a fantastic vehicle. We can’t wait to see it appear in Toyota dealers in the summer!
FAQ
Q: How many does the Grand Highlander seat?
This new Toyota can seat eight people max.
Q: Is the Grand Highlander a luxury car?
We think in higher trims it absolutely is. We believe it steps on the toes of Lexus in more than one way!
Q: When is the Grand Highlander coming out?
Toyota says to expect this model in dealer showrooms in the summer of 2023.
Q: Does the Grand Highlander have adjustable drive/terrain modes?
Yes! There are several modes in the Grand Highlander. Modes include eco, rock and dirt, and mud and sand.
Q: How big is the Grand Highlander?
This is a big vehicle, no doubt. However, Toyota has not released official figures just yet.
Q: Is the Grand Highlander a plug-in?
No, however, there are two hybrid powertrains available.