Utility vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, meeting the growing consumer demand for spacious and versatile vehicles. These vehicles stand out with their ample passenger room, significant cargo space, and strong towing capabilities, often surpassing sedans with their higher profile and optional all-wheel drive. Toyota, a key player in this sector, particularly with the three-row midsize crossover Highlander, has introduced an enhanced version for 2024 – the Grand Highlander. This new model, with its expanded wheelbase, offers even more passenger and cargo space, adding a touch of luxury to the already successful Highlander formula.
What’s New for 2024?
The Grand Highlander is all-new for 2024. This crossover builds on the Highlander, measuring approximately four inches longer between the wheels and seven inches longer overall. The Grand Highlander dispenses with the Highlander’s two base trims, and starts with the XLE grade. Toyota offers three powertrain options, including a pair of hybrids. Front-wheel drive is standard, although most models have all-wheel drive. The Grand Highlander seats seven or eight.
Trim Highlights & Pricing
Toyota offers the 2024 Grand Highlander in seven grades. All three powertrains feature four-cylinder engines. One is naturally aspirated and two are turbocharged. The first three grades are conventional models, while the remaining four are hybrids – one with turbo power, the other without. The base pricing for each trim and configuration follows; add $1,335 for the delivery charge.
Toyota Grand Highlander XLE (FWD: $43,070; AWD: $44,670)
Powertrain: Turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, 265 horsepower, 310 pound-feet of torque; 8-speed automatic transmission.
Standard Features: The base model features 18-inch alloy wheels, a black painted grille, and roof rails, complemented by heated outer mirrors. Inside, it offers imitation leather-trimmed seating, with a 10-way power driver’s seat and an 8-way power passenger seat. It can accommodate either seven passengers with captain’s chairs or eight with a bench configuration, and includes heated front seats and second-row sunshades.
Advanced features include a Digital Key (dependent on an active Remote Connect trial or subscription), a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a 7-inch Multi-Information Display (MID). Connectivity is enhanced by 6 power USB ports and 1 media USB port, alongside a Qi wireless charger.
For safety and convenience, the vehicle includes Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0, a Blind Spot Monitor, a 5-door Smart Key system, a power liftgate, a built-in garage door opener, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Toyota Grand Highlander Limited (FWD: $47,860; AWD: $49,460)
Powertrain: Same as above.
Upgrades: The Limited grade brings in 20-inch alloy wheels, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), power folding outer mirrors, and LED fog lamps. Inside, the cabin is luxuriously appointed with leather-trimmed seating, including heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. The driver enjoys the convenience of a memory seat and a heated steering wheel. Additional interior amenities include a power outlet capable of 100W in gas models and 1500W in hybrid models, along with ambient lighting for an enhanced atmosphere.
In terms of multimedia and technology, the vehicle is equipped with a 12.3-inch premium multimedia system featuring an 11-speaker JBL audio setup and a 12.3-inch digital multi-information display (MID). For safety and convenience, it offers front and rear parking assist with automated braking, rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free power liftgate, and puddle lamps.
Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum (AWD: $53,545)
Powertrain: Same as above.
Highlights: The Platinum grade comes equipped with 20-inch wheels, heated and ventilated second-row seats, and a panoramic moonroof. It includes paddle shifters for AWD Gas and Hybrid MAX models and features a Dial Multi-Terrain Select for these models. The safety and convenience features include a head-up display, puddle lamps, a panoramic view monitor, a digital rearview mirror, and Traffic Jam Assist, which requires an active Drive Connect trial or subscription.
Toyota Grand Highlander XLE Hybrid (FWD: $44,670; AWD: $46,270)
Powertrain: Naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine; 245 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Hybrid drivetrain with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.
Toyota Grand Highlander Limited Hybrid (AWD: $51,060)
Powertrain: Same as above.
Toyota Grand Highlander Limited Hybrid MAX (AWD: $54,040)
Powertrain: Turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, 362 horsepower, 400 pound-feet of torque; 6-speed automatic transmission.
Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid MAX (AWD: $58,125)
Powertrain: Same as above.
Toyota Grand Highlander Considerations
The Grand Highlander delivers more legroom in the third row along with a noticeable boost in cargo capacity. Those two attributes alone should gain the attention of Highlander shoppers. The three Grand Highlander powertrain choices range from the efficient to the powerful. We think the standard hybrid in either grade offers a compelling choice, particularly with its lofty fuel economy numbers. However, the reduced power output may be too low for anyone intending to regularly carry full loads.
