© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
At the 2023 Chicago Auto Show, the world’s top-selling automaker introduced the latest member of the Highlander family — the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. Larger than the standard Highlander crossover, the Grand Highlander delivers improved third-row comfort as well as more cargo space, a potent new Hybrid Max powertrain and a range of new high-tech features.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Prioritizing Interior Comfort
“There is definitely a need in the market for a midsize-SUV that prioritizes interior comfort in all three rows and Grand Highlander is the ultimate option,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president of Toyota Marketing. “This 3-row model takes the Highlander legacy to an entirely new space while also keeping on our promise to deliver on electrification. Highlander was the first model in its segment to offer a hybrid powertrain back in 2006 and Grand Highlander further expands on our electrification leadership,” Materazzo noted.
Power Choices
Toyota will offer the new Grand Highlander with a choice of three powertrains: a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, a 2.5-liter hybrid, and a powerful Hybrid MAX system that delivers 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The first two options are currently available in the standard Highlander, generating 265 horsepower and 243 horsepower, respectively, in the current model. Each can be had in front- or all-wheel-drive variants, while the Hybrid MAX comes exclusively with AWD.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Hybrid MAX
With the new Hybrid MAX powertrain under the hood, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander becomes the most powerful midsize SUV Toyota has ever produced. The company estimates this additional power will move the Grand Highlander to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and also offer a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
New Styling
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander stands out from its standard sibling with a new trapezoidal hammerhead front grille. Hybrid MAX variants get unique front and rear bumpers for a more premium look. The overall shape is squared, which should also provide better interior space. Available 20-inch wheels add to the vehicle’s upscale styling.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Inner Space
The Grand Highlander gets a fresh interior centered around a new 12.3-inch multimedia display. Multiple USB-C ports — including one on the passenger side of the dashboard — and a wireless charger keep devices powered. The large center console has space for a tablet as well as three cupholders, including one that can handle a large water bottle.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
High Tech
Toyota’s updated Audio Multimedia gets wireless integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and can accommodate dual Bluetooth phone connectivity. The available Connected Service Drive Connect provides Intelligent Assistant, which will awaken with the phrase “Hey Toyota.” The Intelligent Assistant can perform various tasks via a natural language interface.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Phone as Key
With the Toyota app installed, owners can interact with their 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander via smartphones. This phone integration provides the ability to activate headlights, lock/unlock doors and start the vehicle remotely.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Second Row
New Grand Highlander owners can choose from captain’s chairs or a bench seat in the second row (7- or 8-occupant seating). Plenty of storage is available with either seating option, and the second row has climate controls as well as additional USB-C ports.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Third Row
Although exact seating dimensions have not been released, Toyota refers to the third row as “adult-sized” and it appears to be larger than the standard Highlander. Additional storage, cupholders and USB ports add to the aftmost space’s overall comfort and convenience.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Cargo Space
The Grand Highlander offers additional cargo space, which Toyota claims can handle up to seven carry-on-sized bags with the third row in place. A total of 98 cubic feet is available with seats folded — about 14 more cubic feet than the standard Highlander.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Safety
All 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander trim levels come with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the latest generation of this suite of advanced driver-assist features. The TSS 3.0 system includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection; lane departure alert with steering assist; road sign assist; full-speed range dynamic cruise control; automatic high beams; and Proactive Driver Assist. This last feature is new to Highlander and it provides gentle braking and steering support when slowing for curves, or to keep a safe distance from the preceding vehicle.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Built in America
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander will be offered in three trim levels: XLE, Limited and Platinum. Production will take place at Toyota’s manufacturing facility in Princeton, Indiana, with pricing and an on-sale date expected to be announced later this summer.
