Toyota introduced the new Grand Highlander for the 2024 model year as an expansion of the lineup for those who need a larger three-row option. Previously, this role had been filled by the truck-based Sequoia and Land Cruiser. With the Grand Highlander’s unibody design, however, interior space, comfort, and fuel economy improve greatly.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger version of the well-done Highlander model, adding more interior room with a larger footprint. The third row in the Grand Highlander is not only adult-usable, it’s actually adult-friendly with easier access and more space than what’s found in the more child-oriented Highlander design. Cargo capacity is also larger.
Toyota also offers three powertrain options for the Grand Highlander. Two of those are electrified.
The base model 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that outputs 265 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard in the first two trims while all-wheel drive is available there and standard on the top trim. Seating for seven is also standard, but an eight-passenger setup is available at no extra cost in the base and second-level trim points.
The three trim levels (XLE, Limited, Platinum) each add more and more equipment. The base model is pretty well set up with LED headlamps, heated side mirrors, roof rails, keyless entry and ignition, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Among other things. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included. Along with Toyota’s full Safety Sense 3.0 suite of advanced driver assist and safety systems.
The best value, in our opinion, is with the mid-tier Limited trim, though. The Toyota Grand Highlander Limited adds bigger wheels, a few driver conveniences that make life easier, a much better JBL audio system, and more. It’s well worth the upgrade.
The hybrid models include the Grand Highlander Hybrid and the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max. Both use a four-cylinder engine and electric motors. The Grand Highlander Hybrid outputs 245 total system horsepower in front-wheel drive with the option to add another motor to the rear axle for all-wheel drive.
That’s a good setup that comes at a reasonably well-priced hybrid premium. One that will quickly pay for itself in fuel economy if much of the driving is done in town.
The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max uses the same turbocharged four-cylinder from the standard gasoline model with an electric motor to produce 362 horsepower in total. AWD is standard with this powertrain. The Max Hybrid is available only in the Limited and Platinum trim points. It adds a lot more usable power to the sport utility, but comes at the price of lower fuel economy compared to the standard hybrid model.
In our week with the 2024 Grand Highlander in its standard gasoline format, we found it to be a good, but not great drive. The turbo has some wait time to get going and that sometimes isn’t the best. But it is a great family hauler overall and is currently our favorite choice in the segment. The Hybrid model is probably where we’d go, though, with its added low-speed torque for more confidence out of the light, and for its superior fuel economy. The Grand Highlander Hybrid is about $3,500 more in price than its equivalent gas-only model.
Overall, we have very few complaints with the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. It’s spacious, drives well, and is comfortable. It’s grand.
This review originally appeared on DriveModeShow.com.
