2024 Toyota Grand Highlander 

Overview

Toyota hopes to build on the popularity of its Highlander SUV by introducing the roomier Grand Highlander for the 2024 model year. Although still a mid-size, three-row crossover with a car-based unitized body, the Grand Highlander is big, with lots of leg room and cargo space. In fact, it’s the second-largest SUV in Toyota’s lineup. Nevertheless, it has decent fuel economy and nimble driving dynamics.

Who’s It For?

Toyota designed the Grand Highlander with families in mind—and drivers who don’t want hassles when loading and unloading the kids and their gear. Access is hassle-free, for example, with such amenities as a step-down well for easy ingress into the third row. With respectable mpg stats even in the gas version and impressive fuel economy for the hybrid, the Grand Highlander can double as a commuter car (whether hauling the kids to soccer practice or handling carpool duties for adults) and a weekend getaway vehicle, with enough towing capacity for the average trailer and an AWD option for twisty country roads.

Quick Specs

• Fuel Efficiency - 24 combined mpg (gasoline-only); 34 mpg (hybrid)**
• Seating Capacity - Up to 8
• Towing Capacity - up to 5,000 pounds
• Three Engine Options
• Front-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive

What’s New for 2024?

The short answer is “everything,” since this is the first year for the Grand Highlander. Increased interior space is the Grand Highlander’s main differentiation from the Highlander. Gone is the cramped feeling of the third row, which features an additional 5.6 inches of legroom. The cargo space behind the third row is more than 4 cubic feet larger. In terms of overall dimensions, the Grand Highlander is 6.5 inches longer, 2.3 inches wider, and 2 inches taller than the Highlander. The new model is also swankier, with the XLE as the entry trim, which ranks as a mid-level trim for the Highlander.

Real World Performance

The Grand Highlander might weigh in at well over 2 tons, but it doesn’t lumber like a behemoth. According to Toyota, the hybrid max accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 6.3 seconds.

The type of automatic transmission varies with the powertrain: 8-speed automatic for the gas version, continuously variable transmission for the hybrid, and 6-speed auto for the hybrid max. Multiple driving modes offer some of the fun of standard transmission, especially if you opt for paddle shifters, while also addressing dicey road conditions. All three power trains have Normal, Eco (fuel-efficient), and Sport drive modes. The last mentioned keeps the engine in a lower gear for more road hug. The gas and hybrid max versions add three more modes: snow; mud and sand; rock and dirt.

Key Features (Standard and Available)

Comfort and Technology

• Power Liftgate
• Heated front- and second-row seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Second-row sunshades
• Wireless charging
• Heated mirrors
• 7 USB ports (A and C)
• 13 cupholders, including one for a large water bottle
• 7” driver information display on XLE
• 12.3” driver info display on higher trims
• 12” infotainment touchscreen
• Wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®
• Moonroof

Safety and Driver Assistance

• Automated emergency braking
• Pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-departure warning
• Lane-keeping assist
• Lane-centering technology
• Traffic jam assist with hands-free driving at low speeds
• Road sign recognition
• Automatic high beams

Alternative Options

Drivers who want love the Grand Highlander but plan for more rugged use might prefer the less luxe but incredibly popular Highlander. If you want to spend as much time off-road as you do on, consider the Toyota 4Runner. Not sure which model will be best for you? Contact the DCH Freehold Toyota team! Our talented sales professionals can guide you through the entire process. 

Image Credit: Toyota

**Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.