Toyota has introduced the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander for the 2024 model year, building on the success of its popular Highlander three-row SUV. The current generation of Highlander, launched in 2019, has been selling over 200,000 units annually. The Grand Highlander is a roomier and more luxurious variant, offering increased comfort for adults in its third row compared to the regular Highlander. With its rear seats folded, the Grand Highlander also provides a visibly larger load volume.
Appearance:
The Grand Highlander boasts a premium appearance, resembling the luxury Lexus TX model. In contrast, the regular Highlander has a design more akin to a larger Toyota RAV4, lacking the premium aesthetics of its grand counterpart.
Interior:
Inside the vehicles, the Grand Highlander offers a more luxurious feel compared to the regular Highlander, though the difference is not as dramatic as the exterior suggests.
Engine & Powertrain:
Equipped with the optional Hybrid Max powertrain, the Grand Highlander delivers enhanced performance. The turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, combined with two electric motors, produces a powerful 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. The regular Highlander offers the same engine without electrification, providing 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both models can also be equipped with a traditional Toyota hybrid, delivering 243 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of pull.
Mileage:
However, due to its heavier build, the Grand Highlander has slightly lower fuel efficiency than the regular Highlander. The Grand model equipped with the 2.4-liter turbo achieves 24 mpg combined for the front-wheel drive model and 22 mpg for the optional all-wheel drive. In comparison, the smaller Highlander with the same engine achieves 25 and 24 mpg, respectively.
Safety Features:
The Grand Highlander comes with more safety technology and standard equipment. It features larger screens, including a 12.3-inch central infotainment screen and a seven-inch driver’s display, as standard. Additionally, a wireless phone charging pad, which is an optional upgrade in the regular Highlander, is standard in the Grand model. The Grand Highlander also incorporates Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering advanced safety features and the ability to receive over-the-air updates.
Price:
Reflecting these differences, the Grand Highlander has a higher starting price of $43,070, compared to the regular Highlander’s starting price of $39,120. Both models have an additional $1,335 destination charge to consider.
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