The 2024 Grand Highlander addresses the deficiencies found in the three-row Highlander by providing increased passenger space throughout all three rows. This enhancement transforms it into a versatile and spacious option, akin to the Toyota Sienna minivan but within the favored SUV format.
Offering a choice of three powertrain options, the Highlander empowers drivers to tailor their experience, whether prioritizing fuel efficiency or seeking peak performance. This versatility sets the Highlander apart, giving it a distinct edge among the array of three-row competitors like the Grand Cherokee L, Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and numerous others.
DESIGN
The Grand Highlander and Highlander may share a name, but their visual characteristics are what truly set them apart. The Grand Highlander stands out with larger dimensions, measuring 6.5 inches longer, 2.3 inches wider, and 2.0 inches taller than the Highlander. However, it presents a sleeker appearance featuring smooth body sides, boxy fenders, and a more subdued front fascia.
In our test drive of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Limited, the vehicle sported an attractive Ruby Flare Pearl exterior color, which perfectly matched its stylish black and alpine interior.
With a design reminiscent of Lexus models, the Grand Highlander highlights a hexagonal grille featuring fog lights on each side. Along its waistline, a chrome belt connects to standard LED headlights equipped with DRLs. In contrast, the standard Highlander retains a more angular profile and doesn’t possess the Grand Highlander’s sleek aesthetics, especially along the body sides.
Notably, the Grand Highlander’s fenders are more angular and defined, with a smoothly transitioning plane leading to the rear. This design is accentuated by a beltline that slopes towards the rear quarter windows, improving visibility for rear-seat passengers. Both models come with integrated rear roof spoilers, and our test vehicle was equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels.
Inside both SUVs, a common theme emerges with intelligent storage solutions. Both feature a tiered dashboard with a shelf above the glove box intended for smartphones. Bronze accents adorn the dashboard and console in both models.
However, the Grand Highlander introduces new features, including an open bridge console for extra storage space, a deep storage compartment located between the armrests for convenient access, and an electronic gear shifter that takes up less space compared to the mechanical shifter in the Highlander.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen display is more seamlessly integrated into the dashboard and console of the Grand Highlander, giving it a more integrated appearance compared to its placement in the Highlander. One notable distinction is the placement of the wireless smartphone charging pad; in the Highlander, it neatly sits below the vents and touchscreen, whereas in the Grand Highlander, it is wedged into the console-stack interface.
PERFORMANCE
The combination of a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine and two front motor generators produces a combined power output of 243 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain is further enhanced with the inclusion of a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack, which efficiently manages energy and enhances power delivery.
For the Hybrid AWD variants, a third motor at the rear of the vehicle independently propels the rear wheels, providing through-the-road all-wheel drive capability.
This specific vehicle is well-known for its remarkable fuel efficiency, achieving a combined fuel economy rating of up to 36 miles per gallon. However, the Grand Highlander hybrid falls short in terms of acceleration, taking 7.9 seconds to accelerate from a standstill to 60 miles per hour.
A notable feature is the inclusion of engine stop technology for idling, allowing for low-speed electric-only driving at speeds of approximately 15 mph with gradual acceleration. In specific situations, such as uphill climbs, this setup can place extra strain on the engine, resulting in increased noise levels. Additionally, the vehicle offers three distinct driving modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—and boasts a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds.
VERDICT
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Limited, which we had the opportunity to test for a week, comes with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $51,060 and an actual purchase price of $53,238.
Competition
When comparing various vehicles in this segment, the Toyota Grand Highlander, Kia Telluride, and Honda Pilot emerge as the top picks. Each of them presents distinctive features and characteristics that render them excellent choices.
The Toyota Highlander, with its three powertrain options and two body styles, occupies a distinctive position in Toyota’s hybrid family vehicle lineup. It strikes a balance between the efficient Sienna minivan and the larger, truck-based Toyota Sequoia full-size SUV, offering practicality without sacrificing style or space.
If we venture outside the Toyota family, the Jeep Grand Cherokee emerges as a formidable contender. It’s available as a plug-in hybrid, offering five seats, or as the extended Jeep Grand Cherokee L, a three-row SUV that expands its versatility.
Both the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot have garnered accolades in the automotive industry. The Kia Telluride boasts an impressive aesthetic, while the Honda Pilot introduces fresh elements this year, blending nostalgic design with a modern array of technological features. However, it’s worth noting that the Pilot leans more towards off-road capabilities rather than prioritizing efficiency.
Conversely, the Ford Explorer leans toward a sportier disposition, particularly with its 400-horsepower ST variant. However, it’s essential to highlight that its 26-mpg Hybrid model falls short of matching the fuel efficiency offered by the Highlander Hybrid.
