2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

Competes with: Ford Explorer, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Kia Telluride

Looks like: A larger, more chiseled and dynamic Highlander

Powertrains: Turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (gas), 2.5-liter four-cylinder (hybrid) or 362-horsepower, turbo 2.4-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors (Hybrid Max); six-speed (hybrid, Hybrid Max) or eight-speed (gas) automatic transmission; front- or or all-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Summer 2023

It looks like Toyota’s three-row Highlander SUV is getting more than just a longer name. For 2024, the Highlander will be joined by the Grand Highlander, and Toyota promises more passenger room and cargo space than the outgoing model, as well as additional powertrain options. The new model, making its debut on the eve of (and appearing at) the 2023 Chicago Auto Show, will also feature a larger standard touchscreen multimedia system as well as an updated suite of standard safety systems.

Powertrain Choices
The 2024 Grand Highlander will come in three powertrain flavors, two of them hybrids. The gas model uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which carries over from the Highlander. In the 2023 Highlander, it makes 265 horsepower and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission; no word yet on the rating for the Grand Highlander, but it will likely be similar.

The 2024 Grand Highlander will also be available with the current Highlander Hybrid’s 2.5-liter engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Toyota calls this powertrain the efficiency leader and says it’ll be good for a manufacturer-estimated rating of 34 mpg combined. The 2023 Highlander Hybrid has a combined EPA rating of 36 mpg with front-wheel drive and 35 mpg with all-wheel drive.

Lastly, Toyota’s new performance-oriented Hybrid Max powertrain is also available on the Grand Highlander. It pairs a turbo 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors with a six-speed automatic to produce a system total of 362 hp and 400 pounds-feet of torque. The hybrid setup recently debuted in the Crown sedan, where it makes 340 hp. In the Crown, Toyota estimates fuel economy at 29/32/30 mpg city/highway/combined; no word yet on fuel economy numbers for the Grand Highlander with the Hybrid Max powertrain.

The first two powertrains will be available with FWD or AWD; Hybrid Max models feature standard AWD. They all come standard with three drive modes: Sport, Eco and Normal. A Multi-Terrain Select system with Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt and Snow modes is available on the gas AWD and Hybrid Max powertrains for added capability. Additionally, the Hybrid Max model is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds.

More Room
One of the criticisms of the outgoing Highlander was having to choose between hauling people or cargo — there wasn’t enough room for both when the third row was in use. There’s just 8.6 cubic feet behind the 2023 Highlander’s third row, according to Cars.com’s cargo measurements — and that third row wasn’t very comfortable.

Toyota says the Grand Highlander remedies both issues, but it provided few specs beyond listing total cargo volume with the second and third row down at 98 cubic feet of space (the Highlander has 84.3 cubic feet). The automaker also says the Grand Highlander will have “a spacious adult-sized third row” along with two second-row configurations: a seven-occupant model with second-row captain’s chairs or an eight-occupant version with a second-row bench seat.

While more specific passenger room and cargo space numbers are sparse, we know the new SUV will have plenty of small-items storage spaces peppered throughout the cabin. Third-row passengers haven’t been forgotten and get individual USB ports, smartphone and tablet storage spaces, and two cupholders. In total, the Grand Highlander has 13 cupholders and seven USB-C charge ports.

Tech Features and Safety Upgrades
Grand Highlander has a slicker, more streamlined-looking control setup highlighted by a standard 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen display, up from the Highlander’s standard 8-inch touchscreen; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard. With the updated system, Toyota says Grand Highlander drivers will also have the opportunity to access enhanced connectivity and convenience features, including over-the-air updates. The system also features a voice command function; using the “Hey Toyota” command, drivers can engage voice control for the navigation system and audio and climate functions.

Available features include 4G Wi-Fi connectivity for up to five devices, a JBL premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging, a heated steering wheel, a camera rearview mirror, hands-free power liftgate, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and 1,500-watt power outlets.

On the safety front, the 2024 Grand Highlander comes with an updated version of the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite. The package includes lane departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering steering, automatic high beams, road sign assist, automatic emergency braking system with pedestrian detection, and the new Proactive Driving Assist driver-assist system. The latter is a new system that automatically provides gentle braking and steering inputs as determined by the vehicle’s camera and radar systems.

In addition, automatic emergency braking has been enhanced to detect motorcyclists in addition to bicyclists and pedestrians, and road sign assist has also been updated to include new intersection signs and warning signs, such as pedestrian crossings. A blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is also standard.

Optional safety features include a panoramic view monitor, which provides a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle.