The new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is set to arrive in dealerships this summer. The 2024 Grand Highlander gas-engine models start from $43,070. The hybrid models from $44,670 and the top-of-the line Platinum Hybrid MAX starts from $54,040. For more pricing info check out Toyota's Grand Highlander build configurator on its website.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum in Storm Cloud. Photo Credit: Toyota.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
Unlike the standard three-row Highlander, the first-ever Grand Highlander is designed to take on competitors (including the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride) that offer 3rd-row seating that actually fits adults. It will be available in three grades, the XLE, Limited and Platinum, with three powertrain options available in the lineup.
Powertrain Options
Three powertrain options include a 2.4L turbo gas engine (FWD/AWD), an efficiency-leading 2.5L hybrid (FWD/AWD) with a manufacturer-estimated 34 combined MPG, and if it's performance you're after, you'll want to go for the range-topping Hybrid MAX with standard all-wheel drive.
Hybrid Max
The Hybrid MAX powertrain delivers 362-horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. It's the most powerful Mid-SUV Toyota has ever built, with a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Hybrid MAX powertrain also offers 5,000 pounds of towing capacity.
Drive Modes
You get the same three drive modes for all powertrains: Sport, Eco, and Normal. If you have an AWD model, you'll also get Multi-Terrain Select with Three Modes (Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow).
Design
The Grand Highlander sports a new trapezoidal, hammerhead front grille and available 20-inch whees. In the back, the Hybrid Max powertrain variant is distinguished by an available dual exhaust.
Interior
On the top two trims, drivers will enjoy available leather trimmed seats with 10-way power driver and 8 –way passenger adjustments. Exclusively for Hybrid MAX, Ultrasuede® and leather-trimmed seats with bronze-colored accents.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum w/Portobello interior. Photo Credit: Toyota.
A bench seat and panoramic moonroof are options on the XLE or Limited grades. The Limited grade adds the option of a Panoramic View Monitor.
In the second-row seats, a center console houses a air conditioning control panel along with left/right USB ports. For the optional bench seat, cup holders are also provided on the center armrest.
With captain's chairs, the cup holders, a smartphone storage slit and multi-purpose tray are provided on the rear console.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum in Storm Cloud. Photo Credit: Toyota.
Third row passengers get their own USB ports too, along with smartphone/tablet storage space, and two cup & bottle holders. A support grip helps passengers get in and out of the third row easier.
In all, the Grand Highlander has 13 cup holders big enough for large water bottles.
Photo Credit: Toyota.
Other available cabin conveniences include heated steering wheel and power folding mirrors (Limited and Platinum), heated and ventilated front and second row seats (Platinum), 1,500-Watt power outlets (Limited Hybrid, Limited Hybrid MAX, and Platinum Hybrid MAX), and a hands-free power back door (Limited and Platinum).
Cargo
As far a storage goes, Toyota says it offers room for seven carryon suitcases behind the third row. You'll get a total of around 98 cubic feet of space with the seats folded down, and a "spacious" adult-sized third row.
Technology
The top two trims feature a standard 12.3-inch multimedia display with a Toyota Audio Multimedia system designed and engineered by Toyota’s Texas-based Connected Technologies team. It has dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, along with standard wireless CarPlay and Android Auto.
You can subscribe to an AT&T4G WiFi hotspot for up to five devices There are 7 USB-C charging ports throughout the cabin as well. The system can also handle over-the-air updates. Connected Service Drive Connect is available with access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist.
The Grand Highlander offers an available 11-speaker JBL Premium Audio system, standard on the Limited and Platinum grades.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
Toyota's latest safety system is TSS 3.0, which enhances features with new sensors and offers expanded capabilities. It features:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection with enhanced detection capabilities thanks to new system sensors. It receives enhanced intersection support with improved detection capability in certain circumstances. It also adds the capability to detect a motorcyclist, in addition to a bicyclist and pedestrian.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist has enhanced lane recognition that includes detection of certain 3D objects, like guardrails, that may be used to help define the lane.
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control adds a fourth following distance setting, from the previously available three. Enhanced vehicle detection allows for the ability to detect more than one preceding vehicle, as well as vehicles in adjacent lanes. This helps the system to provide smoother, more natural speed adjustments, especially when the driver changes lanes.
- Like Lane Departure Alert, lane recognition is enhanced for Lane Tracing Assist. This system now also helps provide more space between vehicles being passed in adjacent lanes. It works by offsetting the vehicles’ driving path with minor steering adjustments while keeping the vehicle within its lane.
- An Emergency Driving Stop System has been added to Lane Tracing Assist. It’s designed to monitor the driver’s inputs, such as steering operation, to determine if they’re inattentive or non-responsive, such as during a medical emergency. This feature can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver doesn’t respond to alerts to take control.
- Road Sign Assist gets expanded sign detection capabilities that now include certain intersection signs and warning signs, like pedestrian crossings.
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) is standard on all grades. Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is available on Limited and Platinum grades. A Panoramic View Monitor with a live rotating 360-view of the vehicle is available.
Proactive Driving Assist
Proactive Driving Assist is new to TSS. 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. Toyota says it is not a substitute for the Pre-Collision System and operates in different circumstances.
Connected Services
Each Grand Highlander offers a host of additional available Connected Services. Safety Connect includes an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator and Collision Assistance with up to a 10-year trial.
With the Toyota app, users can stay connected to their Grand Highlander with a 1-year trial of Remote Connect service. Users can activate headlights, lock/unlock the doors and remotely start the vehicle. Users can also check vehicle status, receive reminder notifications and set Guest Driver Alerts. Digital key is also standard on all grades with Remote Connect– so you can lock and unlock doors, remote start and more from a smart phone.
The 2024 Grand Highlander will be assembled at Toyota's plant in Princeton, Indiana.
Photo Credit: Toyota.