For families in the market for a spacious three-row SUV, Toyota has addressed the common issue of cramped third-row seating with the launch of the 2024 Grand Highlander. Positioned between the standard Highlander and the Sequoia in Toyota’s SUV lineup, this new model boasts a more substantial size to cater to the needs of families seeking a comfortable and accommodating ride.
While the regular Highlander offers three rows of seats, the third row tends to be less accommodating for adults and taller children. The Grand Highlander, however, stands out with a four-inch longer wheelbase, measuring about four inches longer overall, and being two inches taller and wider than the standard Highlander. These dimensions translate into a significantly more spacious interior, especially in the rear, providing a grander space for passengers.
During our week with the Grand Highlander, we were impressed by the third row’s generous space and comfort. Unlike some competitors, the Grand Highlander truly offers ample room in the back, avoiding any feelings of claustrophobia or discomfort. USB-C ports in the rear also ensure that everyone’s devices stay charged during the journey.
Cargo space is another highlight, with 20.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row, enough for seven suitcases without folding the seats. Folding the third row opens up 57.9 cubic feet, and with both the second and third rows folded, a substantial 97.5 cubic feet becomes available.
Under the hood, the Grand Highlander offers three powertrain options. The standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder provides 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, offering a reasonable 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, the 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain achieves an impressive 36 mpg combined.
Opting for the sportier option, the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max combines a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with two electric motors, delivering a combined 362 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, with a 27 mpg combined rating.
Our tester was the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, which has quite amount of oomph to get around town. The hybrid powertrain packs quite a punch, making other three-row SUVs feel slow, like the Honda Pilot. The powertrain also has a level of refinement that is a notch above its rivals.
Despite its size, the Grand Highlander handles well, offering a comfortable and composed ride. The interior is remarkably quiet, and the cabin is packed with Toyota’s latest tech features, including a 12.3-inch infotainment system, wireless phone charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The exterior design of the Grand Highlander is more conservative than the regular Highlander, avoiding extremes in favor of a balanced aesthetic. Toyota’s commitment to safety is evident with the standard inclusion of the Safety Sense 3.0 suite, while higher trims offer additional features like front and rear parking assist and a traffic jam assist feature.
The pricing for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander starts at $44,715 for the base XLE trim level. The top spec Hybrid Max Platinum is priced at $59,870.
In conclusion, Toyota has successfully addressed the need for a larger, family-friendly three-row SUV with the 2024 Grand Highlander. The spacious third row accommodates adults comfortably, and the Hybrid Max powertrain adds an element of excitement under the hood. With its impressive features and performance, the 2024 Grand Highlander is sure to be a popular choice in Toyota’s SUV lineup.
