Longer 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Boasts Big Power

The introduction of the Grand Highlander is an interesting window into the evolving marketplace. It will provide Toyota shoppers with another choice, appealing to those who need greater interior space than the current Highlander, yet who do not need a thirsty, truck-based behemoth like the Sequoia or Chevrolet Tahoe. 

Perhaps the most intriguing elements thus far are the powertrain choices, with basic, thrifty, and yee-haw! A fuel-efficient hybrid in this subcategory will be unique. And as noted in our Lexus RX review, we enjoyed the potent punch from its similar turbocharged hybrid. This is the latest announced three-row SUV to offer some verve; the new Mazda CX-90 has an optional 340-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine. These two models stand out in this mainstream class for pushing output past the 300-hp mark. 

We must also applaud the full complement of safety and driver assist features—an area that Toyota has long led by example, providing key safety features on even its entry-level models. 

This looks to be a smartly executed new entry. We look forward to driving one and seeing if it lives up to its promise. 

The exterior seems to draw inspiration from the RAV4, integrating design cues from various current Toyotas. It will look very much at home in a parking lot filled with three-row SUVs, whether at a Little League game or at a warehouse store. 

It isn’t flashy. But this is a design that will be considered tasteful for many years. 

The base XLE trim will be denoted by a black grille, roof rails, and 18-inch wheels.  The Limited adds LED daytime running lights and fog lamps, power-folding side mirrors, and 20-inch wheels. The top-level Platinum is distinguished by trim-specific 20-inch wheels.

The differences among those three levels are more significant inside. 

The front of the cabin draws elements from recently redesigned models, like the Sequoia and Lexus RX, giving it a balance of a large 12.3-inch infotainment screen, many physical buttons and knobs, and convenient storage. 

The infotainment system boasts a long roster of features and services, with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, mobile WiFi, “Hey Toyota” voice recognition, and connected navigation informed by Google points-of-interest data. 

Long a Highlander staple, a premium JBL stereo is offered with 11 speakers. This is standard on the Limited and Platinum trims. 

The connected features include an SOS button to summon emergency services, automatic collision notification, and stolen vehicle location. Plus there are connected maintenance reminders and tracking. These services come with a 10-year trial period. Yes, a full decade. 

The remote connect service with a digital key can lock/unlock, remotely start the SUV, and check on status. That particular service has a one-year trial period. 

To keep the family’s devices charged, there are seven USB-C ports throughout the cabin, plus a wireless charger up front.

In traditional Toyota fashion, no all-new vehicle is truly all-new. That is among the corporation’s strategies for stellar reliability. In this case, the Grand Highlander uses two engines from the current Highlander and borrows one from the latest Lexus RX. Its basic architecture is also shared with other Toyota models.

The base 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is expected to produce about 265 horsepower. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and it will be offered in front- or all-wheel drive.

The thrifty choices will be the 2.5-liter hybrid four-cylinder and its continuously variable transmission. The combined output will be about 245 horsepower. Again, it will be offered in front- or all-wheel drive.

Then there is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid with a six-speed automatic transmission. It will be available only with all-wheel drive. Here, that turbo hybrid will produce 362 hp—similar to the RX. 

Platinum trim, with either the base engine or the turbo hybrid, gets paddle shifters and driver-selectable modes. 

The Grand Highlander comes with the latest Toyota Safety Sense suite, dubbed TSS 3.0. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcyclist detection; lane departure warning; blind spot warning; rear cross traffic warning; road sign recognition; and automatic high beams. Plus it includes Proactive Driving Assist. In some situations, this feature can provide “gentle” braking and/or steering assistance based on radar and camera information to help with turns, following vehicles, and responding to a pedestrian or bicyclist. 

The Platinum trim adds further conveniences with a head-up display, puddle lamps (for illuminating the ground when doors are opened), and a panoramic view monitor to provide a 360-degree, top-down view around the SUV.