Introducing the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, set to arrive at dealerships this summer as the latest and most impressive addition to Toyota’s successful SUV lineup. This remarkable vehicle offers a choice of three powertrains across three different grades, catering to a wide range of preferences. You can opt for the well-balanced 2.4L turbo gas engine, the efficient 2.5L hybrid, or the ultimate performance-oriented 362-horsepower Hybrid MAX, ensuring that the Grand Highlander is perfectly suited for your upcoming road adventures.
Crafted with precision and designed by the experts at Calty Design Studios, the 2024 Grand Highlander is exclusively assembled at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Princeton, Indiana. It comes with a starting MSRP of $43,070 for the gas engine models, $44,670 for the hybrid, and $54,040 for the Hybrid MAX powertrain, making it a highly competitive choice when it arrives at dealerships this summer.
According to Lisa Materazzo, the Group Vice President of Toyota Marketing, the Grand Highlander is poised to be the ultimate tool that can seamlessly transition from everyday tasks like school pick-ups to epic long-weekend road trips. With over 3.3 million Highlanders sold in the U.S. and a strong customer base, the Grand Highlander is expected to receive similar praise when it arrives this summer.
As part of Toyota’s commitment to carbon neutrality, the Grand Highlander Hybrid and Hybrid MAX are designed to support Toyota’s “Beyond Zero” future vision, striving for carbon neutrality in products, services, and operations, while making a positive impact on the planet and society.
Toyota is leading the way in reducing carbon emissions by offering customers a selection of 15 electrified vehicles to choose from. This includes 11 hybrid models, two plug-in hybrid models, the bZ4X battery electric vehicle, and the zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell electric Mirai, currently available in California. Toyota stands out as the automaker with the most extensive range of low and zero-emission vehicles, providing customers with ample choices to reduce their carbon footprint.
The Grand Highlander doesn’t make you choose between performance and efficiency; it offers both. The gas engine boasts 265 horsepower with a 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds for front-wheel drive, while the hybrid powertrain offers 245 horsepower with a 0-60 time of 7.8 seconds for all-wheel drive. Notably, the Hybrid MAX powertrain elevates the Grand Highlander to become the most powerful midsize SUV Toyota has ever created. With a staggering 362 horsepower, 400 pound-feet of torque, and a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds, it offers impressive performance off the line. Additionally, the Hybrid MAX powertrain boasts a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
In terms of efficiency, the gas powertrain achieves an EPA-estimated 24 combined MPG for XLE FWD, while the hybrid powertrain delivers an EPA-estimated 36 combined MPG for the XLE FWD. The HYBRID MAX variant achieves an EPA-estimated 27 combined MPG.
All three powertrains come with three Drive Modes (Sport, Eco, Normal) to make your driving experience more engaging. The gas AWD and Hybrid MAX powertrains offer Multi-Terrain Select with three modes (Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow) for enhanced on and off-road capabilities.
Moreover, you have the flexibility to equip all powertrains with all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option for the gas engine and hybrid, or as a standard feature for the powerful Hybrid MAX.
The Grand Highlander’s AWD systems are designed for optimum performance. Dynamic Torque Control AWD on gas models actively distributes torque between the front and rear axles, including the two rear wheels, enhancing traction and driving stability. The hybrid models utilize Electronic On-Demand AWD, providing superb fuel efficiency, start-off acceleration, handling, and stability. This system ensures stable performance by driving the rear wheels with an electric motor, offering traction when needed in slippery conditions. The distribution of driving force between front and rear wheels is precisely controlled to achieve optimal fuel efficiency and a comfortable driving experience. For Hybrid MAX, the Full-Time Electronic AWD system offers an exhilarating experience with impeccable controllability. Power is delivered to the front and rear wheels via a front-mounted hybrid motor and a rear-mounted eAxle electric motor, paired with a direct-shift six-speed automatic transmission. This system supports stable AWD performance and provides satisfying acceleration. Full-Time Electronic All-Wheel Drive can adjust between a 70:30 and 20:80 front-to-rear wheel power split, depending on the driving situation. This new AWD system enhances rear-wheel drive maneuverability, straight-line stability, and responsive acceleration.
The Grand Highlander features an exterior design that is both distinctive and aesthetically pleasing, complemented by a spacious interior that spans all three rows. The front design draws inspiration from the Highlander, reimagined with a trapezoidal, hammerhead front grille and the availability of striking 20-inch wheels.
The elegance continues to the rear with a sharp rear bumper, and the Hybrid MAX powertrain adds a touch of flair with standard exposed dual exhaust tips. The exterior design is not only beautiful but also functional. Wide rear doors provide excellent access to the third-row seats, and the side profile flows seamlessly from the doors through the fenders to the front and rear tires, creating a dynamic yet simple design. For the Hybrid MAX grades, unique bumpers and black-accented two-tone wheels are offered, adding a premium touch. Exterior visibility is a priority, with a low hood line and large side glass windows instilling confidence when driving in urban environments.
Inside the Grand Highlander, thoughtful design and spaciousness abound. The soft-padded instrument panel floats above wood-effect ornamentation that extends into the door trim, with a functional tray shape seamlessly integrated between them. The instrument panel design flows into the door trim to emphasize the width of the cockpit, and the center console features independent driver and passenger side armrests, ensuring comfort whether the console lid is open or closed. High-quality stitchwork adds a touch of modern and refined elegance.
Drivers will relish the available leather-trimmed seats with 10-way power driver and 8-way passenger adjustments on Limited and Platinum grades. Exclusive to the Hybrid MAX, drivers will indulge in Ultrasuede® and leather-trimmed seats with bronze-colored accents throughout the cabin.
Additionally, for third-row passengers, there are two left/right individual USB ports, smartphone/tablet storage space, and two cup & bottle holders, catering to various usage scenarios. Enhanced accessibility is provided with a support grip and a hand support space for easy ingress and egress.
The Grand Highlander is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including Toyota’s Traffic Jam Assist technology on the Platinum grade. This radar and camera-based system helps alleviate the stress of stop-and-go traffic on limited access roadways by managing steering, gas, and brake pedals at speeds between 0-25 mph under specific conditions.
Standard in the Grand Highlander is a 12.3-inch touchscreen showcasing Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system, meticulously designed and engineered by Toyota’s Texas-based software teams. Users can interact with the system through intuitive touch and voice-activated commands. With the available one-year Drive Connect trial subscription, drivers and passengers gain access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist. Intelligent Assistant responds to simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” for voice-activated commands, including searching for directions, adjusting audio controls, changing cabin temperature, and more. Cloud Navigation utilizes the latest map, traffic, and routing information, including a POI search powered by Google. Drivers can also utilize Destination Assist, providing 24/7 access to live agents.
The Grand Highlander offers Bluetooth® phone connectivity, enabling wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. It also includes Wi-Fi Connect with a one-month trial subscription, transforming the Grand Highlander into an AT&T Hotspot for up to five devices. Furthermore, Over-the-Air (OTA) updates enhance the multimedia experience.
Audiophiles will appreciate the available JBL® Premium Audio system with 11 speakers, delivering a concert-like audio experience. Safety features include Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (Limited and Platinum grades), and a Panoramic View Monitor for low-speed maneuvering, combining front, side, and rear cameras for a comprehensive overhead view.
Convenience features are abundant, including a heated steering wheel and power folding mirrors (Limited and Platinum), heated and ventilated seats, 1,500-watt power outlets (Hybrid and Hybrid Max on Limited and Platinum), and a hands-free power liftgate (Limited and Platinum).
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander promises to redefine the SUV segment with its compelling combination of power, efficiency, sophisticated design, spacious interior, and cutting-edge technology. It reflects Toyota’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence, setting new standards for the road ahead.
