There are no too many downsides we can find about the Highlander SUV. It is a spacious vehicle, but sometimes, you will find the rear row being too narrow. That is where the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander jumps in, with extra space for your big family. In case you don’t need the third row, it can be folded, creating more room for cargo. Well, Sequoia is still No1 choice if you want to maximize the comfort. Anyway, the announcement of the Grand Highlander drew more attention.
The ‘Grand’ prefix is added because of the size, but also the upscale interior and more advanced technology inside the cockpit. Still, a big downside of the standard Highlander, a small four-cylinder engine, is fixed. The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander will feature a turbocharged unit with extra power. Plus, there is a couple of hybrid units. XLE, Limited and Platinum are the packages you can select. Experts believe the base price will be $43,000 and go up by $10k for the top trims. Of course, it will be higher when selecting optional hybrid and Hybrid Max engines.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Specs
Under the hood of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander will be a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with at least 265 hp. The regular Highlander is rated at 245 hp and that is one of the major complains. Transmission and drive systems are the same. An 8-speed automatic gearbox and FWD are standard, while AWD is an upgrade.
The 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid is combining a 2.5-liter engine with electric batteries. Engineers are sacrificing power to get better gas mileage. Precise numbers are not available yet. But, this configuration is going to crack 243 hp, while the gas mileage should be 33-34 mpg combined. An all-wheel drive is about to be standard.
The Hybrid Max is a system that uses a turbo-four 2.4-liter engine with motors. In this case, you can gain around 100 hp, which enhances the driving impression. We believe that the 0-60 mph sprint will take just above 6 seconds. Towing capacity will be the same as for the base Highlander – 5,000 pounds.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Packages and Options
The range of grades for the Toyota Highlander stretches over 7 versions. But, the larger model is going to offer only four at the debut. Toyota skips L and LE, and starts selling the 2024 Grand Highlander for $43,000 in the XLE package. Expect 18-inch wheels, 8-inch touchscreen, Safty Sense 2.5+, and four USB ports. The entry-level Grand Highlander will also add a sunroof, a hands-free liftgate, wireless charger, and heated front seats.
The Limited edition is the mid-range grade with foglights, power-folding mirrors, leather seats, ventilated front row, memory settings for driver’s bucket, and a larger infotainment screen. The multimedia receives upgraded audio system, while parking sensors enhance the safety. Hybrid Max drivetrain debuts with Limited bundle.
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum makes a unique appearance thanks to large 20-inch wheels and panoramic sunroof. Drivers are getting extra help with adaptive headlights, HUD, and digital rearview mirrors.
When Will 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Be Launched?
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander still stands under the “Upcoming Vehicles category” on the company’s website. The sales start this summer, so fans need to be just a little bit more patient. There is plenty of details available, but the full specs and features list will get some surprises. For example, we don’t know the price. The XLE package for the standard Highlander costs $41,800. The Grand Highlander will probably cost around $1,500 more. Platinum should settle around $52,000.
Hybrid configurations are more expensive. Experts believe it will start from $45,000. The Hybrid Max won’t be cheaper than $50,000.
Competition and Conclusion
It is hard to compare the SUV to any other existing vehicle. The Highlander is the No1 mid-size three-row SUV. Now, with extra options, it will cement the spot in the market. The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offers more room than its sibling. The SUV will be cheaper than the Sequoia. Rivals will be other three-row models and buyers should decide if they need more or less room. Some full-size models will offer a V8. On the other hand, fans would probably like a V6 more than the turbo-four engine. For example, Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee offer both of these.
Plus, the Grand Highlander is not getting any off-road packages, such as TRD Sport or the TRD Pro. Well, with a four-pot engine and its size, we can’t expect impressive 4×4 performances. An all-wheel drive will be a cool upgrade. Still, there are lot of other upgrades the company could install. For example, a high-end version above the Platinum trim, or a unique trim level can be interesting to buyers and make an entire fleet eye-catching. At the launch we will learn more about special options on the Grand Highlander SUV.