The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is making waves in the SUV market as a larger, more versatile sibling of the beloved Highlander. With its bold design, roomy cabin, and advanced technology, this three-row SUV is tailored for families who want both style and practicality. Toyota has combined efficiency, power, and comfort to create a vehicle that rivals some of the best midsize SUVs on the market.
Introduction to the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
Toyota has a long history of producing reliable family vehicles, and the Grand Highlander is the newest addition to that legacy. Positioned between the standard Highlander and the full-size Sequoia, it offers the perfect balance of size, capability, and luxury.
Built on Toyota’s TNGA-K platform, the Grand Highlander offers a longer wheelbase, expanded third-row seating, and more cargo space, making it a strong competitor in the family SUV segment. Whether you’re a growing family or simply need more space for road trips, the Grand Highlander is designed with you in mind.
Exterior Design and Styling
Bold Front Fascia and Grille
The 2024 Grand Highlander makes a statement with its wide grille, chiseled hood, and aggressive LED headlights. The sleek styling gives it a more premium and modern look compared to its smaller sibling.
Sleek Lines and Aerodynamic Profile
Despite its size, the Grand Highlander has a refined aerodynamic shape that enhances fuel efficiency and reduces wind noise.
Available Color Options
Toyota offers a wide palette of exterior colors, including classic blacks, whites, silvers, and bold shades like Ruby Flare Pearl and Blueprint, giving buyers plenty of personalization options.
Interior Comfort and Cabin Space
Seating Capacity and Legroom
The Grand Highlander’s standout feature is its true adult-friendly third row. Unlike many midsize SUVs, passengers in the back won’t feel cramped, making it ideal for long journeys with large families.
Premium Materials and Finishes
Higher trims include leather-trimmed seating, soft-touch surfaces, and even heated/ventilated front and second-row seats.
Cargo Space and Storage Solutions
With all seats folded down, the Grand Highlander boasts 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space, offering room for everything from luggage to sports equipment.
Technology and Infotainment Features
Touchscreen Display and Connectivity
All trims come with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring Toyota’s latest infotainment system.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Wi-Fi
Seamless smartphone integration and Wi-Fi connectivity make road trips more enjoyable for passengers.
Premium Audio System
Audiophiles will appreciate the available JBL Premium Audio system that delivers crisp, clear sound throughout the cabin.
Performance and Engine Options
Turbocharged Engine Power
The base engine for the 2024 Grand Highlander is a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, producing around 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine offers a solid balance of power and efficiency, making it ideal for both city commutes and highway cruising.
Hybrid Powertrain Efficiency
Toyota also offers two hybrid variants. The standard hybrid uses a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with electric motors, producing 243 horsepower. For those who crave more power, the Hybrid MAX powertrain delivers a remarkable 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, giving the Grand Highlander best-in-class performance for a hybrid SUV.
Towing Capacity
With the Hybrid MAX, the SUV can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a strong choice for families who enjoy camping, boating, or hauling trailers.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
Every 2024 Grand Highlander comes standard with Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0, which includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Additional features such as Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Parking Assist enhance everyday driving confidence.
Crash Test Ratings
Although official ratings are still pending, Toyota’s strong track record and the Grand Highlander’s advanced safety suite suggest it will perform well in NHTSA and IIHS tests.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Gas Engine Efficiency
The turbocharged gas model delivers around 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway, which is respectable for a vehicle of its size.
Hybrid Model Fuel Ratings
The standard hybrid improves efficiency with up to 36 MPG combined, while the Hybrid MAX offers 27 MPG combined, balancing power and economy.
Trim Levels and Pricing
XLE Trim Features
- 18-inch wheels
- Power-adjustable heated front seats
- 12.3-inch infotainment screen
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
Limited Trim Features
- 20-inch wheels
- Leather upholstery
- JBL Premium Audio
- Hands-free power liftgate
Platinum Trim Features
- Panoramic sunroof
- Head-up display
- Surround-view camera
- Ventilated second-row seats
Pricing starts around $43,000 for the XLE, $48,000 for the Limited, and $53,000+ for the Platinum Hybrid MAX.
Comparison with Competitors
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot offers a spacious interior but lacks hybrid options. The Grand Highlander wins in fuel economy and technology.
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride shines with luxury finishes and value pricing, but Toyota’s hybrid options give the Grand Highlander an edge in efficiency.
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade is known for premium interiors, yet the Grand Highlander’s third-row comfort and hybrid MAX performance make it more versatile.
Driving Experience and Ride Quality
City Driving Comfort
Thanks to its smooth suspension and quiet cabin, the Grand Highlander feels refined during city commutes.
Highway Performance
The Hybrid MAX delivers quick acceleration for confident highway merges and passing.
Off-Road Capabilities
While not designed as a hardcore off-roader, available all-wheel drive ensures stability on rough terrain and in snowy conditions.
Pros and Cons of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
Pros:
- Spacious third-row seating
- Multiple hybrid options
- Advanced safety features
- Impressive towing capacity
Cons:
- Higher trims can get expensive
- Not as rugged as body-on-frame SUVs
- Base gas engine is less efficient than hybrids
Who Should Buy the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander?
The Grand Highlander is perfect for:
- Families needing true three-row seating
- Road-trippers who value cargo space and comfort
- Eco-conscious drivers wanting hybrid efficiency
- Buyers who want Toyota’s legendary reliability in a bigger package
Expert and Customer Reviews
Early expert reviews highlight the Grand Highlander’s balance of comfort, power, and practicality. Customers particularly love the roomy third row, noting that it finally solves the cramped rear-seat issue found in many midsize SUVs.
FAQs about the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
Q1: How much does the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander cost?
A: Pricing starts around $43,000 for the base XLE and goes beyond $53,000 for the Platinum Hybrid MAX.
Q2: Does the Grand Highlander have a hybrid option?
A: Yes, it offers both a standard hybrid and a performance-oriented Hybrid MAX powertrain.
Q3: How many people can the 2024 Grand Highlander seat?
A: It seats up to 8 passengers, or 7 with optional captain’s chairs in the second row.
Q4: What is the towing capacity of the Grand Highlander?
A: The Hybrid MAX can tow up to 5,000 lbs, while other versions tow slightly less.
Q5: Is the third row comfortable for adults?
A: Yes, Toyota designed the Grand Highlander with a spacious and usable third row, making it more practical than competitors.
Q6: How does it compare to the regular Toyota Highlander?
A: The Grand Highlander offers more passenger and cargo space, stronger engine options, and additional premium features compared to the standard Highlander.
Conclusion: Is the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Worth It?
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is one of the most well-rounded three-row SUVs available today. With its spacious interior, advanced safety features, hybrid efficiency, and powerful performance options, it checks nearly every box for modern families. While it may cost more than some competitors, the long-term value, reliability, and practicality make it a smart investment.
For families who demand space without sacrificing style or efficiency, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is absolutely worth considering.
Learn more about Toyota’s latest models on the official Toyota website.
