New 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
It’s called the Grand Highlander, and because the existing Highlander has been a very successful Toyota model, one could expect the Grand Highlander would basically be a Highlander with a longer wheelbase to provide more 3rd-row room. Instead, the Grand Highlander is an entirely new model line with its own exterior, its own interior, and even a new engine. Toyota developed the Grand Highlander as its preeminent activity vehicle for large families. It was designed about 70 miles south of here by Calty Design Studios in Newport Beach and will be assembled exclusively at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Princeton, Indiana.
Drivetrains
The Grand Highlander does share two of its three drivetrains with the Highlander. The conventional gas engine is the 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing the 265 hp @ 6000 rpm, and 310 lb.-ft. @ 1700-3600 rpm, just as it does in the Highlander, and is connected to the same Direct Shift 8-speed automatic. It is available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), except for the Platinum grade, which has standard AWD.
The first of two hybrid models use a normally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-4 which, when combined with the Toyota hybrid system, produces 245 net combined horsepower. Finally, there is the Hybrid MAX which combines the 2.4-liter turbo with a two-motor hybrid system for AWD to produce 362 net combined hp @ 6000 rpm, 400 lb.-ft. @ 2000-3000 rpm. It is paired with a Direct Shift 6-speed automatic transmission.
The gas powertrain has an EPA estimate of 24 combined MPG for XLE FWD and 23 for AWD. The hybrid has an EPA-estimated 36 and 34 combined MPG for the FWD and AWD respectively. HYBRID MAX grades are in the middle with an EPA-estimated 27 combined MPG. Both drivetrains with the 2.4-liter turbo have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the 2.5-liter hybrid can tow 3,500 pounds.
Drive Mode selections of Sport, Eco, and Normal come with every drivetrain with a snow mode added for AWD models. All Platinum and Hybrid MAX Limited grades have Multi-Terrain Select with three modes Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Normal modes for improved off-pavement ability in various conditions.
Design and Features
The Grand Highlander exterior includes a deft mix of design cues from the Highlander and Sequoia. A double-layered purposeful trapezoidal grille sets the tone. The track is the same as the Highlander, but more upright side surfacing widens the cabin interior. The windows are tall and black B- and C-pillars create an unbroken window line back to the body-color rear pillar, which is free of any “floating roof” design gimmicks.
The interior dash flows from door to door with a standard high-mounted 12.3-inch multimedia display taking up the center and easy-to-see-and-reach physical climate controls just below. The upper and lower dash sections diverge in front of the passenger to provide a convenient shelf. A low-profile electronic transmission selector makes reaching for the cupholder easy for the driver, and the center console is wide enough for separate armrest pads for both driver and passenger.Wide rear doors provide easy access to both the 2nd and 3rd row, all of which can accommodate adults for a lengthy trip and behind which is room for seven carry-on suitcases. Fold both sets of seats down for 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Toyota’s latest multimedia operating system with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility is standard, and 4G hotspot connectivity for up to five devices is available. Also standard is Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of safety and driver assist features which include:
Trim Levels
The 2024 Grand Highlander is available 9 configurations which are sorted as follows:
XLE
Starting MSRP:
2.4L Turbo
FWD: $43,070
AWD: $44,670
2.5L Hybrid
FWD: $44,670
AWD: $46,270
Highlighted Feature:
- 18-inch wheels
- Power liftgate
- 7-passenger seating
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- SofTex® seating surfaces
- 10/8-way power heated driver/front passenger seats
- 6-speaker audio system
Limited
Starting MSRP:
2.4L Turbo
FWD: $47,860
AWD: $49,450
2.5L Hybrid
AWD: $51,060
Hybrid MAX
AWD: $54,040
Highlighted Feature:
- 20-inch wheels
- Foot-activated power liftgate
- Leather-trimmed steering wheel
- Ambient interior lighting
- Driver's-seat memory
- Heated 2nd-row outboard seats
- 12.3-inch digital driver’s gauge cluster
- 11-speaker JBL® Premium Audio including subwoofer and amplifier
Platinum
Starting MSRP:
2.4L Turbo
AWD: $53,545
Hybrid MAX
AWD: $58,125
Highlighted Features:
- Downhill Assist Control
- Power tilt/slide panoramic roof with power sunshade
- Leather-trimmed heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel with paddle shifters
- 10-in. color Head-Up Display (HUD)
- Panoramic View Monitor with 360-degree Overhead View
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Profile Face Identification
- Digital rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal transceiver
- Heated and ventilated second-row outboard seats