2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Debuts as ‘Ultimate Family SUV’
The Grand Highlander arrives for Chicago Auto Show with ample cargo and passenger space as well as three available powertrains.
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is finally here. Toyota is billing it as the ultimate family SUV. And the specifications and features available on the Grand Highlander prove that calling it the ultimate family SUV is more than just marketing speak. There are three available powertrains. The 2.4L turbo gas engine we see in the 2023 Highlander. The 2.5L Hybrid with an estimated 34 mpg combined rating. And for the thrill seekers a 362-horsepower Hybrid MAX option. Whatever powertrain you select you will be getting an SUV with a generous-sized third row. There is plenty of cargo space, a 12.3-inch multimedia display, and a whole lot more. For local runs into town or trips across the country. The new Grand Highlander can get you there in style and 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.” Space, comfort, efficiency, and performance. Not to mention the typical Toyota reliability. What more could you want in a family SUV? Let’s take a closer look at some of the details.
The Perfect Powertrain
The powertrain options in the Grand Highlander are available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The 2.4L turbo gas engine is available in either configuration. The same goes for the most efficient engine in the lineup, the 2.5L Hybrid. But if you crave performance along with your family hauling duties you will want the Hybrid MAX. It offers 362-horsepower and 400-pound feet of torque. This powerful engine comes in all-wheel drive only. Choosing the Hybrid MAX will mean you have a family SUV that can get you to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds. It also offers 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. “All three powertrain options come with three Drive Modes (Sport, Eco, Normal) to make driving more engaging – while Multi-Terrain Select with Three Modes (Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow) are offered on the gas AWD and Hybrid MAX powertrains for even more on and off-road capability.”
Comfort and Convenience
Taking a long road trip? The new Grand Highlander has you covered. There are 13 cup holders and 7 USB-C charge ports to keep you and your devices fully charged. There is also plenty of space for everyone and their belongings. And there is room for 7 carryon suitcases behind the third row. Fold the seats down and you are rewarded with 98 cubic feet of cargo space. And no matter what row you are sitting in, you will be treated to plenty of room and thoughtful features. Up front the star of the show is the standard 12.3-inch multimedia display. “The configurable center console can fit a tablet (with internal tray removed) and also features a wireless charger, two USB ports, and three cup holders – including one capable of holding a large water bottle. While on the passenger side, a pocket capable of holding a small bag is provided.”
Need to sit in the second row? That is no hardship in the new Grand Highlander. “In the second-row seats, an air conditioning control panel and separate left/right USB ports are placed together on the top of the console end, within easy reach of second-row passengers. Cup holders are also provided on the center armrest (bench seat specification), while cup holders, a smartphone storage slit and a multi-purpose tray are provided on the rear console for the captain’s seat configuration. A multi-purpose tray, as well as additional water bottle storage, is provided in the door trim.”
Sitting in the third row doesn’t mean you are treated like a third-class passenger. “Third-row passengers get individual USB ports, smartphone/tablet storage space, and two cup and bottle holders are provided on the deck side, allowing for diverse usage scenarios. Additionally, a support grip for use during ingress and a hand support space for use during egress are provided to enhance the accessibility.”
Safety and Technology
If you are buying a family SUV you want it to be safe and have the latest technology features. The 2024 Grand Highlander delivers on both fronts. On the safety side you can rest easy knowing that the latest Toyota Safety Sense generation, TSS 3.0. comes standard. This suite of features includes things such as Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist. It also includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, and more. You also get Proactive Driving Assist which is new to the Toyota Safety Sense package. “When system operating conditions are met, using the vehicle’s camera and radar, this system provides gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist.”
On the technology side, the Grand Highlander is packed. The standard 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system can be enhanced with Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. “With the available Connected Service Drive Connect, drivers and passengers have access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. The new Toyota Audio Multimedia allows for dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. With further connectivity, the Grand Highlander has an available Wi-Fi Connect 1-month trial that offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices – turning the Grand Highlander into an AT&T Hotspot.” For the audiophiles there is the JBL Premium Audio system with 11 speakers, that is standard on the Limited and Platinum grades.
Grand Styling
All of the features and options on the 2024 Grand Highlander come in an attractively styled machine. The styling may not be daring or cutting edge, but it is handsome and well-proportioned which is would you want in a vehicle like this. The overall exterior design is kicked up a notch with the available 20-inch wheels and dual exhaust that is an option on the Hybrid MAX grades. The inside is a place where you will be happy to spend many hours. “The soft-padded instrument panel floats above the available wood-effect ornamentation that continues into the door trim, with a functional tray-shape seamlessly integrated between them. Additionally, positioned low in the center is a sturdy console that gives the impression of a finely crafted sofa, expressing a comfortable living room-like space.”
Grading the Grand Highlander
The all-new Grand Highlander is available in three grades. There is the XLE, Limited and Platinum. Even the XLE is very well equipped. But moving up to the Limited gets you a wheel upgrade from 18-inches to 20-inches. You also get LED lights, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel and a lot more. Moving to the top Platinum grade gives you heated and ventilated second-row seats, and a panoramic moonroof. Also standard is a head-up display, and puddle lamps. There is also a panoramic view mirror, digital rearview mirror, and more.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing and the on-sale date for the 2024 Grand Highlander will be revealed later this summer. In the meantime, we have a lot to absorb regarding this new family-oriented SUV from Toyota. The specs and feature list appear to be impressive. If you need a medium-sized SUV with a real third row. The new Grand Highlander might be worth waiting for.
Images: Toyota
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