The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander has made its world premiere ahead of its public debut at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show. The three-row SUV will be available with three different powertrains, a standard 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and two hybrid setups. The more efficient of the two electrified versions will deliver a manufacturer-estimated 34-mpg combined rating and will be available with either front- or all-wheel drive. Those who prefer performance over efficiency have the Hybrid MAX model boasting 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque with standard all-wheel drive. It’s the most powerful mid-SUV Toyota has ever built and has the capability of going from zero-to-60 mph in 6.3 seconds. It also has a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
Each powertrain in the lineup will be offered in three trim levels: XLE, Limited, and Platinum. All models will come standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0, which includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, automatic high beams, and proactive driving assist. Proactive driving assist is the latest addition to the Toyota Safety Sense package and uses the vehicle’s camera and radar to provide gentle braking into curves or to help support driving tasks such as distance control. The automaker emphasized that proactive driving assist isn’t a substitute for the pre-collision system and operates in different circumstances. Enhancements have also been made to the rest of the suite, thanks to new system sensors and software tweaks.
At the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota debuted the all-new Prius, which was the first vehicle to wear the brand’s new “Beyond Zero” badge, which shows Toyota’s commitment towards achieving carbon neutrality. The Grand Highlander Hybrid and Hybrid MAX joins Toyota’s existing lineup that includes 10 hybrids, 2 plug-in hybrids, the bZ4X BEV, and the zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell Mirai. It will be the second Toyota vehicle to sport the “Beyond Zero” badge.
Riding on the TNGA-K platform, the Grand Highlander was designed for the family in mind. With three rows of seating, this SUV still has the capacity for 7 carry-on suitcases behind the third row. With the seats folded down, it offers around 98 cubic feet of cargo space. In the second row, there’s an air conditioning control panel and separate USB ports, along with cup holders in the center armrest with the bench seat specification. If buyers opt for the captain’s seat configuration, cupholders, a smartphone storage slit, and multi-purpose tray can be found in the rear console. For third-row passengers, individual USB ports are available along with storage space for devices, and a pair of cup holders. A total of 13 cup holders big enough for large water bottles and 7 USB-C charge ports can be found throughout the cabin.
For the front row, there’s a standard 12.3″ multimedia display, 2 USB ports, and 3 cup holders. The center console can be configured to fit a tablet once the internal tray is removed. In-car tech includes OTA updates for the infotainment system, dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, to name a few. Buyers can opt for an available WiFi Connect that offers 4G connectivity for up to 5 devices.
Designed by Calty Design Studios, the Toyota Grand Highlander will be exclusively manufactured in Princeton, Indiana. Expect pricing and on-sale date to be announced later this summer.
“There is definitely a need in the market for a midsize-SUV that prioritizes interior comfort in all three rows and Grand Highlander is the ultimate option,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president of Toyota Marketing. “This 3-row model takes the Highlander legacy to an entirely new space while also keeping on our promise to deliver on electrification. Highlander was the first model in its segment to offer a hybrid powertrain back in 2006 and Grand Highlander further expands on our electrification leadership.”
