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It's been over twenty years since Toyota introduced the popular Highlander crossover SUV, offering buyers three rows of seats with more space and utility than the smaller RAV4. But the competition has grown over the years—as has the Highlander. For 2024, Toyota introduces the largest Highlander yet, the all-new Grand Highlander, with more legroom, added storage, and a range of hybrid and gas powertrains, including the powerful Hybrid Max variant. The standard two-row Highlander is still available, filling the space between the RAV4 and Grand Highlander.
Photo: Perry Stern
The new Grand Highlander is longer, wider, and taller than the standard Highlander, translating to a much roomier cabin. Aside from its larger dimensions, the Grand Highlander further differentiates itself with a unique trapezoidal front grille and a more squared-off shape overall. The Grand Highlander is also available with Toyota's Hybrid Max powertrain, which delivers a considerable uptick in power output while maintaining a reasonable level of fuel efficiency.
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is available in seven trim levels, ranging from the XLE, which starts at around $45,000, to the Hybrid Max Platinum, which runs close to $60,000. Trims with the gas engine or standard hybrid powertrain are available in front- or all-wheel drive (FWD or AWD), while the Hybrid Max variants come standard with AWD.
In the sections that follow, our independent expert analyzes a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max equipped with the following options:
The test vehicle's price was $61,705, including the $1,395 destination charge to ship the SUV from the Princeton, Indiana, assembly plant to your local dealership.
Photo: Perry Stern
The premium feel of the new Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum was apparent from the first time I slid behind the wheel. Soft leather covers most surfaces, including the seats, doors, dashboard, and center console. Stylish copper-colored trim pieces surround the vents and highlight the steering wheel, contrasting nicely with the black secondary color.
The cabin's main focal point is the 12.3-inch center touchscreen display. Below the screen but nicely integrated into the display is a separate climate control module with all physical controls for easy operation.
Three large cupholders and a wireless device charger are next to the gear selector on the center console. Multiple USB-C ports are available in the center, and an additional port is in front of the passenger seat.
Good storage space throughout the cabin adds to the Grand Highlander's everyday usability. A sizeable bin in the center features a roll-top lid for easy access, and there are 13 cup/bottle holders, so nobody should go thirsty. A handy shelf for the front-seat passenger next to the USB-C port seems like an excellent place for keeping small items. However, strong acceleration sends these items flying.
The front seats offer good support and are quite comfortable for long stints on the road. My Grand Highlander Platinum had seats trimmed in leather and Ultrasuede, which is soft and stylish. Heating, ventilation, and multiple power adjustments add to the overall comfort.
Dual captain's chairs in the second row get the same stylish treatment as those up front, as well as heating and ventilation. With plenty of legroom and headroom, rear-seat climate controls, multiple USB ports, and good storage spaces, the second row in the Grand Highlander is a nice place to ride.
The Grand Highlander's added dimensions provide a more spacious third row than the standard Highlander, with 33.5 inches of legroom vs. 28 inches. Access to the third row is relatively easy, with a second row that folds smoothly up and out of the way. Once you're back there, the space is surprisingly comfortable, and there are USB-C ports and multiple cupholders. However, it will feel cramped with three passengers.
Photo: Perry Stern
The Grand Highlander has the latest version of Toyota's Audio Multimedia infotainment system, displayed on a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Features of the system include:
Upon getting into the Grand Highlander for the first time, I quickly followed the straightforward directions to connect my Samsung Galaxy S23+ via Bluetooth. The option to launch Android Auto came up immediately, and from that point on, every time I started the vehicle, Android Auto would launch.
The native infotainment system doesn't have a Home screen. Instead, there are shortcuts to media, phone, and vehicle settings, as well as Android Auto when it is operating. Feature access is via the touchscreen or the voice interface, as physical controls are only for climate functions and volume.
Activated by saying, "Hey, Toyota," the Intelligent Assist voice system works very well with an interface that feels natural. I said, "Hey, Toyota, I'm cold," and the system increased the cabin temperature by five degrees. Announcing that I needed coffee resulted in a list of nearby cafes with the option to navigate to one, ensuring I would get my caffeine fix. The assistant made phone calls, set a navigation destination, and changed the audio source, all via voice, with no misunderstandings.
Photo: Perry Stern
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max features a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that deliver 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Toyota integrates one electric motor into the six-speed automatic transmission while the other sends power to the rear wheels for full-time AWD.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Hybrid Max system delivers 27 mpg combined with a total range of 464 miles. However, during my drive, which mixed highway and city driving, the trip computer indicated just 22 mpg.
While my Grand Highlander's fuel economy was lower than expected, the level of performance did not disappoint. With plenty of horsepower and torque on tap, the Hybrid Max system delivers surprisingly strong acceleration. Even more surprising, the engine exhaust note sounds good under hard acceleration.
Accelerating to freeway speeds is effortless in the Grand Highlander, and it cruises at 70 mph smoothly and quietly. Even on the uneven Michigan pavement, the ride remained confident and stable.
Taking the Grand Highlander on my favorite winding back roads north of Dexter, Michigan, I found the ride competent, with good steering response and strong brakes. The suspension is a bit soft, which makes for a smoother ride but detracts from handling when pushed hard on a twisty road.
Photo: Perry Stern
All 2024 Toyota Grand Highlanders have the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS)—TSS 3.0. With TSS 3.0, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) include:
The Grand Highlander's ADAS collection works well together, making this one of the best I've experienced. Setting out on I-94 outside Ann Arbor, Michigan, I engaged the adaptive cruise control, setting the speed to 70 mph. The Toyota maintained its speed and distance from the vehicle ahead—smooth enough that it was barely noticeable when the Grand Highlander slowed to 65 mph to match the speed of the slower vehicle ahead.
With the lane-centering system operating, the Grand Highlander provides steering inputs to stay in the lane, even around curves. The system functions with almost no input from the driver. However, this is not a hands-free system, and it will not operate if it doesn't detect driver input on the steering wheel. Visual and audio alerts will sound if the driver isn't holding the steering wheel.
Suppose there is no response after repeated warnings. In that case, the system activates the automatic emergency stop assistance system, which can then bring the vehicle to a complete stop, assuming the driver has a medical emergency and cannot respond.
My Grand Highlander also featured Toyota's Proactive Driving Assist, which provides gentle braking and steering inputs even when the adaptive cruise control is inactive. I expected this system to be intrusive, but it felt natural. Approaching a tight turn on a two-lane back road, I lifted off the throttle and the Grand Highlander applied light braking to handle the curve smoothly. It also reduced speed when I came upon a slower vehicle.
Photo: Perry Stern
The Toyota Grand Highlander delivers considerably more utility than the smaller Highlander. With all seats in use, it has 20.6 cubic feet of storage—an increase of almost 5 cubic feet. Folding the second row brings the total volume to 57.9 cubic feet; with all rows folded, it's 97.5 cubic feet.
The EPA estimates the 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid Max's combined fuel economy at 27 mpg. My drive in the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max resulted in a considerably lower figure, with the trip computer indicating just 22 mpg. Fuel efficiency is markedly better with the standard Grand Highlander Hybrid AWD, rated at 34 mpg combined.
As of this writing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not tested the crashworthiness of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it the highest-possible Good rating in the group’s moderate front overlap and updated side-impact crash tests, though it did not assign an overall rating.
The Grand Highlander XLE FWD is the entry point to the lineup, with a base price of $43,320. The non-hybrid Limited runs $48,110, while the Platinum starts at $53,795. The Hybrid XLE is $45,020, with the Hybrid Limited at $51,410. Hybrid Max prices start at $54,390 for the Limited, topping out at $58,475 for the Hybrid Max Platinum. These prices do not include the $1,395 destination charge.
In the JD Power 2023 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the Toyota 4Runner ranks highest in the Upper Midsize SUV segment. The Buick Enclave and the GMC Acadia are the next highest-ranked models.
In the JD Power 2023 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, the Kia Telluride ranks highest in the Upper Midsize SUV segment. The Hyundai Palisade and the Honda Pilot are the next highest-ranked models.
Other competitors to the 2024 Grand Highlander include the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Mazda CX-90, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, and Volkswagen Atlas.
Photo: Perry Stern
The new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander takes this popular SUV to the next level, bringing updated styling, considerably more interior space, advanced technology, and impressive performance from the Hybrid Max powertrain.
While the Highlander is an excellent option in the three-row crossover market, going "Grand" is my preferred route. The Grand Highlander's cabin is comfortable and spacious, with attractive seats and premium materials. There's plenty of storage space throughout the cabin, and available features like USB ports in every row and tri-zone climate control add to the overall experience.
Advanced driver assistance systems add peace of mind, and the excellent voice interface and intuitive infotainment system make the Grand Highlander easy to live with. While I was a bit disappointed with the fuel economy, the strong performance from the Hybrid Max powertrain was perhaps worth the loss of a few mpg. No matter which powertrain you choose, the Grand Highlander is undoubtedly worth a look for anyone in the market for a three-row crossover.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving almost every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for jdpower.com. Recently relocated to southeast Michigan, Perry is still crazy about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
