5 Things to Know About the New 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

Is there a void to fill in the Toyota lineup between the Highlander and Sequoia? The answer to that question would have been “no” a few years ago, but demand for SUVs is so strong right now that the Japanese automaker saw an opportunity to seize.

The all-new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was one of the stars of the Chicago Auto Show last month and it will hit the road in Canada later this year. In the meantime, here are five things you should know about it:

1. More Than an Extra-Large Highlander

The Grand Highlander isn’t merely a larger version of the Highlander, which is fresh from a significant mid-cycle update. It’s a brand new product with a distinctive and more muscular look, as evidenced by the boxier design, the oversized lower front grille and the various accents that emphasize its longer (+16 cm) and wider (+6 cm) exterior dimensions. Available wheels range from 18-20 inches in diameter.

2. Unique Interior Layout

The Grand Highlander doesn’t really look and feel like a Highlander inside, either. The dashboard, centre console (with three cupholders), armrest, instrument cluster and standard 12.3-inch touchscreen (powered by Toyota’s new multimedia system with virtual assistant) are all specific to this model. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard across the lineup.

3. Third-Row Seats for Grown Ups, Too

Unlike the Highlander, the new Grand Highlander can actually accommodate normal-sized adults in the third row—not just kids—thanks to 14 cm of extra legroom. Also, with close to 600 litres, Toyota claims there is enough space behind the seats for seven carry-on suitcases. What about maximum cargo capacity? When all second- and third-row seats are folded down, you get nearly 2,800 litres, or about 400 litres more than in the Highlander.

4. Three Powertrains Including Two Hybrids

The base XLE and mid-grade Limited models can be powered by either a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine or a hybrid system based on a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine. Output is not specified yet, but the same powertrains in the regular Highlander generate 265 hp and 243 hp, respectively. Now, here’s the best part: the top-line Platinum Hybrid MAX model stands out with a system focused on performance that uses the aforementioned turbo-four engine and cranks out 362 hp along with 400 lb-ft. of torque. Toyota claims that 0-97 km/h sprints are achieved in 6.3 seconds, while maximum towing capacity is rated at 5,000 lbs.

5. Grand Safety

Unsurprisingly, the automaker equipped the Grand Highlander with its most advanced and most comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. Called Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, it includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian (Daytime & Low-Light) & Daytime Bicycle Detection, Intersection Support & Emergency Steering Assist, Full Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Road Edge Detection, Lane Tracing Assist with Enhanced Line & Road Recognition, Road Sign Assist and Automatic High Beams.

One last thing: if you fancy a more luxurious ride, Lexus will be coming up soon with a similarly sized model called TX as a replacement for the three-row RX L.