Toyota’s Grand Highlander: A Bigger, Better SUV Option
The three-row SUV segment is one of the most competitive in the industry, and Toyota’s sole entry, the Highlander, has been on the smaller side of that divide through multiple generations. However, with the growing demand for larger three-row SUVs, Toyota has introduced the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. This new addition to the Toyota lineup is not just a longer version of the Highlander, but a unique design with added features that make it a strong contender among the growing group of large three-rows.
The Grand Highlander uses the same TNGA-K platform as the Highlander, but it’s lengthened and widened for Grand Highlander duty. It’s about 6.5 inches longer overall and 2 inches wider and taller. The exterior design looks more like an extra-large RAV4 due to its straight edges and hard creases. The Grand Highlander also offers an excellent, exclusive powertrain that makes the SUV arguably even better than the standard model.
The additional exterior size of the Grand Highlander translates to more interior space, with cargo space being the most obvious improvement over the standard Highlander. Behind the third row, there’s 4.6 more cubic feet of space at 20.6, which on paper at least, represents the difference between one of the smallest and biggest volumes. Passenger space improves, too, mostly for the third row. It’s still not huge, but now adults can occupy every row without the risk of the rear passengers launching a revolution against the bourgeois front passengers.
Besides the extra space, the Grand Highlander has a revised interior design. It’s a little more conventional, but still has trademark Toyota features like the shelves in the dash and up-to-date touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims have attractive leather options and some upholstered dash panels, but some of the painted plastics and faux wood trim don’t feel nice enough to justify the pricing, particularly when several competitors rival entry-level luxury SUVs.
The powertrains are another big selling point for the Grand Highlander with three choices. The first two are familiar, as they’re shared with the regular Highlander. The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and it’s paired with an eight-speed automatic and either front- or all-wheel-drive. The Grand Highlander’s basic hybrid, which is the same naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder, e-CVT setup with front- or all-wheel drive, is much less enjoyable. Its 245 hp is reaching its limits with 4,455 to 4,710 pounds of curb weight to haul around. Unique to the Grand Highlander is the Hybrid Max powertrain. This one is closely related to the one in the Toyota Crown, differing only in tuning. It combines that turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with bigger electric motors, particularly in the rear, than the regular hybrid, as well as a six-speed automatic transmission. The result is 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, eclipsing many of the segment’s V6s in output.
While there are significant differences in powertrains, ride and handling are pretty much the same across the line. The tuning is definitely toward comfort and control. It glides over bumps and stays steady. Handling isn’t quite as eager as a result, what with the softness and body roll. The cabin is also impressively quiet.
To get a Grand Highlander, you’ll be paying a premium. The base model starts at $44,405, which is around $7,000 more than the base Honda Pilot or Kia Telluride, among others. While expensive, the Toyota Grand Highlander is a better Highlander in a number of key aspects, particularly refinement and space, and its powertrain options make it a strong option, particularly if you’re looking to save fuel. However, options from Honda, Kia, and Hyundai can offer much of the same refinement and space with better handling, style, and off-road capability.
