Over the years, Toyota has grabbed a significant portion of the “never minivan” crowd with the Highlander, but it has long needed more third-row and cargo space to be a legitimate van replacement. Enter the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, a stretched version of the popular SUV with adult-friendly third-row seats and an available Hybrid Max powertrain.
Toyota offers the new Grand Highlander in three trim levels: XLE, Limited, and Platinum. The standard gas powertrain and available hybrid carry over from the regular Highlander, but the available Hybrid Max is a new addition to the lineup. Though the new Max powertrain makes the Grand Highlander quick and capable (Toyota says it can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in 6.3 seconds and tow 5,000 pounds), the automaker clearly states that it designed the SUV for long-haul family comfort over performance.
The extended-length Grand Highlander looks similar to the standard model, just with more sheet metal. It gets a trapezoidal grille and 18-inch wheels, and the rear bumper features black plastic cladding that gives it a sharp, up-swept look. Buyers can add a dual exhaust system with the available Hybrid Max powertrain, and Toyota stamped the Grand Highlander badge into the rear gate with body-color letters for a clean look.
Higher trim levels add 20-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights and fog lights, puddle lamps, a kick-power liftgate, and power-folding side mirrors.
Toyota equips synthetic leather as standard, but genuine leather comes with the mid-range Limited and top Platinum trims. Faux-wood trim is available, and the dash features soft padding for a more premium feel. Toyota redesigned the front armrest to allow passengers to open the console without disturbing the other person. Grand Highlanders equipped with the Hybrid Max powertrain add synthetic suede upholstery and bronze interior accents.
Two of the three available powertrains come from the standard Highlander. The entry-level 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine makes 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mid-range hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with an electric motor for a combined 243 hp. An 8-speed automatic transmission comes standard, while the hybrid gets a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Toyota offers its Hybrid Max powertrain in the Grand Highlander, which brings 362 hp and 400 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, and the powertrain is available with three Multi-Terrain Select drive modes, including Mud/Sand, Rock/Dirt, and Snow.
Every 2024 Grand Highlander comes with the newest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The suite of advanced driver assistance systems includes automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, lane-keep assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and more. Several features get upgrades with the new system, including lane-departure warning, which can now detect 3D objects like guard rails to more accurately define the lane. The SUV also gets blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, and buyers can option the new Grand Highlander with a parking-assistance system.
The last Toyota Highlander to receive complete test scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was the 2022 model, which earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating for the 2022 calendar year. Though the Institute hasn’t yet tested the new Grand Highlander, its standard safety equipment is a promising sign.
The Grand Highlander has a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen running Toyota’s latest interface. The updated software brings over-the-air updates, and what Toyota says is a seriously improved interface that is faster and more intuitive than its predecessor. Toyota offers connected services and apps, cloud navigation, and Google points-of-interest data. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with Bluetooth, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a load of USB ports to keep everyone’s devices charged throughout the cabin. The Limited and Platinum trims add a Bose premium audio system.
The stretched Grand Highlander competes with family haulers from around the globe, including the 3-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L, which brings the model’s typically robust off-road capability with more room for the family. The new Mazda CX-90 is coming soon and will offer an almost premium interior with clean styling. Buyers may also look at the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, or the Volkswagen Atlas.
Toyota is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of February 9, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Autoweek, and others.
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