Close What Drivers Should Know About the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
For those who are knowledgeable in the history of the automotive industry, the Toyota Land Cruiser needs little to no introduction. This massive 4X4 roamed the earth for over 60 years in North America and—along with the Ford Bronco, Wagoneer, and Chevy Blazer—was one of the earliest incarnations of the SUV, paving the way for that particular class of vehicles to eventually achieve unmitigated popularity as the ideal consumer vehicle for families and off-roaders, alike.
While three of these aforementioned vehicles have all been given a second life, the Land Cruiser was retired—at least in North American markets—following the 2021 model year. Even the mightiest eventually fall, but luckily, a new titan is emerging that will soon satisfy the wants and needs of many. The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander has ambitious goals to dominate the SUV market. And, because of Toyota's impeccable track record of providing consumers with the very best in quality, this is a feat they have a very good chance of pulling off.
MSRP: $43,000[a]
Horsepower (hp): 362
Torque (lb-ft): 400
Max Cargo (cu.ft.): 97.5
Performance
Toyota describes its new SUV as "larger than life." A phrase like this conjures up memories of the SUV market of the late 1990s and early 2000s—a time when mysterious, mammoth vehicles like the Ford Excursion roamed the highways, and the thought process behind most designs was "bigger is better." For that reason, one might assume the Grand Highlander possesses a gas-guzzling powertrain. However, Toyota, which once provided vehicles that saved many consumers during the energy crisis of the 1970s, has utilized its technological prowess once again to give its newest SUV the same type of fuel economy as the subcompact SUVs that are popular in today's market.
Toyota will be offering three distinctive powertrains, each one an excellent example of modern efficiency. The base engine will consist of a 2.4L four-cylinder, generating an impressive 265 hp, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. There will also be two different hybrid powertrains available. This first is the same setup that Toyota has previously utilized on their Highlander Hybrid—a 2.5L four-cylinder engine and two electric motors to produce a total of 243 hp. The top-of-the-line engine will be what Toyota refers to as its Max Hybrid, consisting of the turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine paired with one electric motor to push the horsepower all the way up to 362. This engine will also possess a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
Similar to many other SUVs on the market, the Grand Highlander will come with standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive being available for those who desire it. For those who enjoy taking the road less traveled and partaking in adventures off of the pavement, Toyota has something special just for you: the Hybrid Max and base offering, when equipped with all-wheel drive, will also come with a variety of driving modes specifically formulated for the off-roading experience. These include Mud/Sand, Rock/Dirt, and Snow. This places the Grand Highlander in direct competition with similar offerings from Jeep. And while EPA testing is ongoing, Toyota has attested to the fuel efficiency of their new SUV, claiming that the 2.5L four-cylinder and electrical motor pairing will achieve a combined 34 MPG. For a three-row SUV, this is a remarkable accomplishment.
Interior
While its performance attributes are indeed impressive, the interior of the Grand Highlander will take your breath away the moment you open the driver-side door. Toyota unrolls the red carpet and invites you into its regal world of sophistication and splendor. An area where many three-row SUVs have struggled over the years is providing comfort for passengers in all three rows—that is, unless the third row is occupied by passengers of a younger and shorter variety. As its name suggests, the Grand Highlander offers a considerable amount of passenger space for each row, making your road trips into events the whole family can comfortably be a part of. And, for when you need to maximize your storage space, you'll have 98 cu.ft. of available cargo room.
The practical capabilities of storage and seating are always something to consider while on the hunt for a new car. However, the luxury and sophistication of the Grand Highlander's comfort features and amenities are where Toyota really makes this model stand out. Its network of conveniences is anchored by a generous infotainment screen, stretching out to 12.3 in. atop the dashboard and perfectly lined up with the steering wheel, providing a user-friendly interface that's accessible without stealing your attention from the road. And, unlike the basic Highlander's interior design, the Grand Highlander places a great deal more emphasis on a symmetrical cabin, which really heightens the stylish aesthetic that Toyota tries to implement in their vehicles.
The emphasis that Toyota has placed on comfort has been exceptional, and the technology that accompanies the Grand Highlander is just as impressive, if not more. The usual suspects are back once again, such as compatibility with Apple and Android devices and the capability to stream audio via Bluetooth. Toyota also provides voice-activated navigation that Google constantly updates with its most accurate maps. And, for those who would prefer to listen to their music over their engine, a high-end JBL audio system with eleven speakers is available.
Intelligent Assistant, the voice-activated technology that accompanies the Grand Highlander, is the crème de la crème of convenience. Audio, temperature, and so much more can be activated and moderated by voice command, leaving you free to concentrate on the road ahead and enjoy the ride—wherever it takes you.
Safety
Toyota has maintained an impressive track record when it comes to producing vehicles that are safe and reliable. We saved this part for last, not just because it's the most important thing with any vehicle purchase but because we wanted to remind you that—in addition to all its comforts, amenities, and capabilities—the Grand Highlander has a wide array of standard safety features. While some of these features will be making a return, others will be making their debut.
All Grand Highlander trims come standard with Toyota Safety Sense, the automaker's suite of driver assistance technology. In anticipation of the newest vehicle to join the Toyota fleet, a new tool known as Proactive Driving Assist will be included. This feature will provide drivers with gentle braking and steering when executing turns. Utilizing its camera and radar systems, Proactive Driving Assist will provide additional control with distance relative to pedestrians and other vehicles.
There's also been an improvement on the part of Toyota regarding their Pre-Collision and Pedestrian Detection package. Not only have these features benefitted from the use of improved and enhanced sensory capabilities, but the technology can now detect motorcycles. And, for an SUV that's of an above-average size, this is an important feature to have—especially during longer drives, where your attention may wander. Also returning to the fold is Toyota's Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which now has four following distance settings and can now detect more than one vehicle, providing an adequate following distance to maintain reaction time.
Also making its debut is the Emergency Driving Stop System, which is a part of the upgraded Lane Tracing Assist. This technology is designed to monitor driving habits, such as steering, to determine whether or not a driver is focused. It can also bring the vehicle to a complete stop if there's a delayed reaction from the driver to the warning system.
The fact that Toyota is making so many advanced features standard and not withholding them for an extra fee illustrates its commitment to its customers. And we should take a minute to remind our drivers that, while all of these features are meant to provide additional oversight while you're on the road, they don't replace the habits of a responsible driver. Always remember to pay attention while driving and obey all traffic laws.
Dealership Information
The 2024 Grand Highlander Awaits You At Future Toyota Of Yuba City
There's always much to be excited about whenever Toyota makes new announcements regarding its fleet. The 2024 Grand Highlander sees Toyota not only developing a full-sized, three-row SUV, but it's safe to say that they've actually improved upon the concept. With exceptional performance, a sophisticated interior, and quite possibly the most advanced safety features we've yet witnessed, there's a lot to be excited about.
And when you feel this excited about owning a Toyota, there's only one thing left to do: visit the experts at Future Toyota of Yuba City. As our name suggests, we love nothing more than providing our customers with vehicles of the highest quality that allow them to build toward a better and brighter future. With a diverse inventory and a knowledgeable sales team to help you make the right decision on your next vehicle purchase, it's no wonder why so many people put their future in our hands. Shop with us today and see for yourself.
[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.