Toyota added the new Grand Highlander to its mid-size SUV category for 2024, a slightly larger and grander model than the regular Highlander. It has more passenger and cargo room, technology, and hybrid powertrain options. Although it shares some mechanics with the family-friendly Highlander, it brings more style, space, and a high-performance hybrid powertrain.
The Highlander, first introduced in 2002, has faced some tough competition in the mid-size SUV class until now. Toyota’s all-new Grand Highlander brings a badly needed facelift to the Highlander line-up, making it more attractive to families looking for a roomier three-row, fuel-efficient SUV.
The Toyota Grand Highlander has many standard features, including alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, heated mirrors, wireless phone charging, seven USB-C ports, 13 cup holders, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It also has some of the latest safety and driver assist features, like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, emergency braking, pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, and more.
Although the base Highlander and the Grand offer seven or eight-seat configurations and optional captain chairs in the second row, an additional 6.5 inches added to the Grand Highlander’s wheelbase results in more comfort and cargo space.
Models/Price: The Toyota Grand Highlander offers three trim levels: Limited, Platinum, and XLE, with fifteen different versions, including the XLE ($44,465), XLE Hybrid ($46,065), Limited ($49,255), Limited Hybrid ($52,455), Platinum ($54,940), Limited Hybrid Max ($55,435), Hybrid Max ($59,520). Check any car-buying site for details and prices in your area.
Power: The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offers three powertrains, including two shared with the regular Highlander: a 265-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with either front- or all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the Grand offers two hybrid powertrains, including the Hybrid Max, also found in the new Toyota Crown. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has two electric motors that produce 245 horses. The top-tier models offer the new Hybrid Max powertrain with a turbocharged 2.4-liter and an electric motor that generates 362 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque.
Despite its larger size, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander provides a more balanced ride and aggressive performance. It’s quick on its feet and smooth from stop to start, quickly overtaking other vehicles. The hybrid powertrain is quiet, powerful, and efficient. In addition, the all-wheel-drive system maintains stability and traction on various road surfaces.
Fuel Efficiency: The Grand Highlander 4WD Platinum with the Hybrid Max 2.4-liter turbocharged powertrain that I drove averaged 27 combined mpg with 26 city/27 highway miles per gallon, and that’s with 362 horsepower. The MPG for the various 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander trims is as complex as the powertrain variants. For details on each model, visit the EPA website.
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