This week we are taking a look at an all-new SUV from Toyota, the 2024 Grand Highlander. The regular Highlander is one of the best-selling SUVs in America, but Toyota needed something bigger, but not as big as the Sequoia, so the Grand Highlander was born. Some think it is just a blown up version of the Highlander, but the reality is that the two SUVs only have a suspension system in common.
The Grand Highlander is longer, wider, and taller than the regular one, and the real plus is the additional room in the 3rd row and the cargo area.
The exterior is very attractive, and you’ll notice lots of glass around for great visibility, and the 20” wheels look terrific, especially with the Coastal Cream paint.
Under the hood is a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that is putting out 265-horses and 310 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to an 8-speed automatic, and my tester is all-wheel drive. FYI, it also comes in a hybrid, and the Hybrid Max, which I have loved in the Crown, the Tundra, and the Sequoia. The Hybrid Max is more about horsepower than fuel economy.
This is the top-of-the-line Platinum trim, so the interior is super nice with leather heated and cooled power seats on both sides. The seats are comfortable and slightly bolstered. Stitching can be found all through the front area, across the dash, around the steering wheel, and on the center console.
As you hit the start button, a 12.3” color gauge cluster comes to life that you can configure from the power tilt and heated steering wheel. There is a head-up display that is easy to read and see.
Center dash is another 12.3” screen for your infotainment systems. The multi-media touchscreen houses the audio, navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, settings, the Bluetooth for your phone, and a terrific 360-degree camera.
The center console has your gear shifter, a couple of cup holders, the Auto Hold button, you can turn off the start/stop system, and a dial to choose your drive and terrain modes. You also get a cell phone charger.
The second-row captain chairs slide and recline, and in a nice touch, they are heated and ventilated, something typically only found in more expensive luxury SUVs. 2nd row passengers get their own climate-control, A/C vents, USB-Cs, power outlet and pull down shades for the side windows.
The third row will be very comfortable for two adults, there are more USB-Cs, and the 3rd row seats recline for more comfort. The reclining feature is huge for adults to give more room.
There is a power liftgate to access the large cargo area which offers 21.7-cubic feet with the 3rd row in place, and all seats down gives you a whopping 97-cubic feet.
This Platinum trim comes loaded with a panoramic moonroof, a digital rearview mirror, LED lighting all-around, an 11-speaker JBL sound system, 7 total USB-C ports and 13 cupholders.
It has Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0, which gives you pre-collision intervention and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, blind-spot warning, and safe exit assist. It has the self-driving technology, but it will yell at you if you are not paying attention to the road.
Fuel economy is 21 in town and 27 on the highway and it will tow 5,000 pounds.
This is a pre-production model so I don’t have a window sticker, but Toyota estimates MSRP to be $54,880.
In summary, the 2024 Grand Highlander rides and drives great, has a very capable all-wheel drive system, and they went to great lengths to make it super quiet inside.
All-in-all, this is destined to be a huge hit for those who want great room in a midsized SUV, and I can tell you for sure, it is priced below most competitors.