Toyota Unveils the Grand Highlander: Bigger, Bolder, Better

Toyota Unveils the Grand Highlander: Bigger, Bolder, Better

Toyota adds a new three-row Grand Highlander to the SUV market, giving us a bigger and bolder SUV wearing Highlander in the name. Let’s see what’s included.

The traditional Highlander isn’t large enough to compete with some of the newer midsize three-row SUVs, but this new, larger version could be. The Grand Highlander brings the desired size without reaching into the full-size SUV market.

This new Toyota SUV is offered in three trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum, all of which make use of a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 265 horsepower. This engine mates with an 8-speed automatic transmission and can be had in either FWD or AWD. This new SUV tows up to 5,000 pounds, making it easy to take plenty of gear with you.

Does this new Toyota SUV offer hybrid powertrains?

Yes, this new Toyota three-row SUV is offered with two different hybrid powertrains to give buyers several great options. The traditional hybrid has a 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors to deliver 254 horsepower. The Hybrid Max version produces 362 horsepower, making it the most powerful version of this Toyota SUV.

These hybrid powertrains return various fuel mileage figures. The base XLE Hybrid returns 37 city/34 hwy, while the Limited trim delivers 36 city/32 hwy mpg. The Hybrid Max Limited and Platinum models drop to 26 city/27 hwy mpg.

How much larger is the Grand Highlander?

Compared to the traditional Highlander, the new Toyota Grand Highlander is 6.5 inches longer, giving passengers more room and comfort than the regular model. The Grand Highlander is wider and taller as well, giving this new Toyota SUV an overall bigger and bolder look and stance.

What does the new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offer?

In addition to the powertrain options, you’ll find several great features in this Toyota SUV’s three trims. Here’s what each offers:

Grand Highlander XLE

This base model comes nicely equipped and full of great features to make it easy to enjoy a fantastic drive on any road. The Grand Highlander XLE includes:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Deep-tinted rear privacy glass
  • Automatic LED headlights
  • Heated side mirrors
  • Height-adjustable power liftgate
  • Acoustic front window and windshield glass
  • Windshield wiper de-icers
  • Silver-painted roof rails
  • Rearview camera with washer
  • Toyota Smart Key
  • Second-row captain’s chairs
  • 60/40 split-folding third-row seat
  • 10-way power driver’s seat
  • 8-way power passenger seat
  • Heated front seats
  • SofTex simulated leather upholstery
  • Optional 60/40 split-folding, sliding, reclining second-row bench seat (increases seating to 8)
  • Second-row retractable sunshades
  • Tri-zone automatic climate controls with a second-row control panel
  • Wireless charging pad
  • 7-inch color multi-information display
  • Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
  • 12.3-inch color touchscreen
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • SiriusXM satellite radio
  • Wi-Fi hotspot
  • Toyota Connected Services
    • Cloud-based navigation
    • Voice-activated assistant
    • Vehicle locator function
    • Remote engine starting
    • Vehicle service reminders
    • Digital Key
  • 6-speaker audio system
  • 13 cup holders
  • USB-C charge ports in all three rows
  • Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
    • Forward collision warning
    • Pedestrian detection
    • Forward automatic emergency braking
    • Lane-departure warning
    • Lane-keeping assist
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Automatic high-beam headlights
    • Traffic sign recognition
  • Hill Start Assist Control
  • Blind-spot monitor
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Optional panoramic moonroof

Grand Highlander Limited

The Toyota Grand Highlander Limited builds off the XLE by adding:

  • LED daytime running lights
  • 20-inch alloy wheels
  • Power-folding side mirrors
  • Puddle lights
  • LED fog lights
  • Foot-activated power liftgate
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Real leather upholstery
  • Heated and ventilated front seats with memory settings
  • Heated second-row seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Ambient interior lighting
  • Removable second-row center console
  • Two 120-volt outlets
  • 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument display
  • 11-speaker JBL audio system
  • Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking

The Limited trim has the same options as the XLE but can also be equipped with a 360-degree monitor and 20-inch satin black wheels.

Grand Highlander Platinum

The top model of the Toyota Grand Highlander is the Platinum trim. This model takes things further with:

  • Standard AWD
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • 20-inch multi-spoke silver wheels
  • Steering wheel paddle shifters
  • Heated and ventilated second-row seats
  • Head-up display
  • Panoramic 360-degree monitor
  • Digital rearview mirror
  • Front cross-traffic alert
  • Traffic Jam Assist

The second-row bench seat is not offered for the Platinum trim, but this version is meant to be the most comfortable and well-equipped Grand Highlander.

Which Grand Highlander is right for you?

Will you choose the base model with a standard gas engine or go hybrid and climb up the trim ladder to the Platinum trim? This new three-row midsize SUV comes close to full-size SUV levels, giving you an excellent vehicle to drive with your family.

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