Is the standard Highlander just not big enough for you and your family? Toyota has a solution for you and your family with the larger and longer 2024 Grand Highlander, which will debut at the Chicago Auto Show. It’s a midsize family SUV built on the same platform as the smaller Highlander and comes with two hybrid powertrains, three rows of seats for up to eight passengers, and everything you need for long road trips.
Under the hood
Toyota will offer three powertrains for the Grand Highlander. While not all details have been released yet, the automaker has revealed that the base model will be equipped with a 2.4-liter gasoline engine, and a 2.5-liter hybrid model will also be available. Both models will be available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The top-of-the-line model will be equipped with Toyota’s Hybrid Max powertrain, first introduced on the Crown, which adds 30 hp (22 kW / 30.4 PS) to the large SUV for a total of 362 hp (270 kW / 367 PS) and 400 lb-ft (542 Nm) of torque.
While mileage figures haven’t been released for either model, Toyota says the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max will be able to accelerate to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 6.3 seconds and tow up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg).
Read: Toyota says data proves pure electric vehicle policy is more harmful to the planet
Cabin interior
The purpose of the Grand Highlander isn’t really to achieve 0-60 acceleration, but to be big. In fact, Toyota promises that this SUV will offer up to 98 cubic feet (2,775 liters) of volume with the seats folded, which is about 14 cubic feet (396 liters) more than the Highlander. Even with the third row of seats filled, the automaker says the trunk is large enough to accommodate seven carry-on suitcases.
The automaker also claims the rearmost row of seats is large enough for adults to sit comfortably, and everyone sitting inside gets a USB port, a place to store a smartphone or tablet, and two cupholders.
All in all, the Grand Highlander comes with 13 cupholders and seven USB-C ports for all your charging needs. Second-row passengers also get an air conditioning control panel, and the Grand Highlander can be equipped with either captain’s chairs or a bench seat.
Finally, front passengers get a standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a configurable center console that’s large enough to accommodate a tablet and features two wireless chargers.
Higher trim levels come with heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 1,500-watt power outlet, and a hands-free power liftgate.
Toyota says the Grand Highlander is designed to make occupants feel as comfortable as in their living room, with soft-touch materials on the dashboard, “wood effect” trim, and soft armrests designed to make occupants feel like they’re sitting on a “finely crafted sofa.”
Leather-trimmed seats offer 10-way adjustment for the driver (eight-way adjustment for the passenger), while the Hybrid Max model gets unique Ultrasuede and leather-trimmed seats with bronze accents, as shown above.
Advanced technology
Toyota has equipped the Grand Highlander with over-the-air updates, which means smart features like the voice assistant will stay up to date with the latest innovations and improvements.
In addition, a host of connected services are also available. Buyers can enjoy a 10-year trial of services such as Toyota Emergency Assistance Service, 24/7 Roadside Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, etc. Vehicle Health Report, Maintenance Report, etc. can also be accessed through a separate 10-year trial.
Pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, lane tracking assist, road sign detection, automatic high beams, and active driving assist are all standard. Grand Highlander will also offer buyers a one-year free trial of Remote Connect Services, which allows owners to use smart devices to turn on the headlights, start the vehicle, lock the doors, and more.
In terms of in-car toys, the Grand Highlander can be turned into a Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to 5 devices. The audio system will be provided by a JBL audio system with up to 11 speakers. In addition, it is also equipped with a head-up display, a panoramic view monitor and Toyota’s advanced driver assistance system Traffic Jam Assist.
Box-type design
Designed by the Calty Design Studio team in California, Toyota’s new SUV is boxier than its Highlander sibling, with body-colored rear pillars that convey a rugged character, while smooth surfaces give the car a clean, rugged design.
The Grand Highlander is available in three trim levels (XLE, Limited and Platinum), with wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches in diameter. A panoramic sunroof is also available.
Made in Indiana
Toyota will build the Grand Highlander at its plant in Princeton, Indiana, as a 2024 model. Toyota said pricing and production schedules will be announced this summer.
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