2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

Only three trims are offered on the Grand Highlander, so those hoping for a cheap L or LE trim won’t find those options on the list. The entry-level trim is the XLE, a designation typically given to mid-range Toyota models. We think it’s the one to go with, as it comes well-equipped with features such as power-adjustable heated front seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a power-operated liftgate, and a suite of driver-assistance features.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Three different powertrains are offered in the Grand Highlander, including two shared with the regular Highlander model. The standard setup is a 265-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with either front- or all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Highlander Hybrid uses the same hybrid powertrain as the Highlander Hybrid, which combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors to make a combined 243 horsepower. The top-spec offering will include the Hybrid Max powertrain that pairs the turbocharged 2.4-liter with an electric motor for a net 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. In our testing, the nonhybrid Grand Highlander hit 60 mph in 7.0 seconds, but the Hybrid Max proved much quicker, completing the same test in 5.6 seconds. Both powertrains make the Grand Highlander a quicker mountain to move than the V-6-powered Honda Pilot. While the Grand Highlander won’t raise a driver’s pulse on a twisty road, it does serve its purpose well and other than a steering wheel with a too-light feel, it’s nicely set up for errand-running, kid-toting, and road-tripping.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The maximum pulling power for the Toyota Grand Highlander varies between 3500 pounds for the 243-hp hybrid model and 5000 pounds for 265-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four (this applies to both FWD and AWD models) and 362-hp Hybrid Max versions. The smaller Highlander model has the same max trailering of 5000 pounds for its gas powertrain, but that drops to 3500 pounds for the Highlander Hybrid. The Grand Highlander’s strength matches the max towing capacity of similar three-row SUVs, such as the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride, and some CX-90 models, but doesn’t come close to the Dodge Durango‘s 8700-pound limit.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The 2.5-liter hybrid is the most fuel-efficient by the EPA’s yardstick, with estimated fuel economy figures of 37 mpg city and 34 mpg highway for front-wheel drive models. The nonhybrid model is rated as high as 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway and the Hybrid Max models are rated as high as 26 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the nonhybrid Grand Highlander delivered an impressive 29 mpg. The Hybrid Max we tested underperformed its EPA estimate and delivered only 24 mpg. For more information about the Grand Highlander’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Grand Highlander comes by the grand part of its name honestly, with a roomier cabin than the standard Highlander model. The third row of seats benefits most from the Grand Highlander’s larger size and boasts enough space for fully-grown adults. The Grand Highlander’s interior styling is different, too, including a more symmetrical dashboard design. The XLE is the Grand Highlander’s entry-level model, and it comes with plenty of convenience features that family buyers will appreciate, including a power-operated liftgate, heated front seats, second-row window shades, and a host of USB and power outlets throughout the cabin. When equipped with a second-row bench seat, there’s space for eight passengers, but those seeking a seven-seat arrangement will be able to swap that bench out for captain’s chairs.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All models come with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen running Toyota’s latest software interface; a 7.0-inch digital display in the gauge cluster is also standard, but Limited and Platinum models get a larger all-digital 12.3-inch gauge display. Buyers will also find a wireless smartphone charging pad on every model. An 11-speaker JBL stereo upgrade is offered on Limited and Platinum models.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

All Grand Highlander models come with a suite of driver-assistance features that Toyota calls TSS 3.0. In addition to basics such as blind-spot monitoring and automated emergency braking, the package also includes adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlamps, and a road-sign recognition system. For more information about the Grand Highlander’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Toyota’s warranty coverage adheres to the norm of the segment; however, buyers get two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, which is a nice perk that most rivals don’t offer. Electrified Grand Highlander models come with a separate hybrid-component warranty that provides eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Hybrid-component warranty covers eight years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles