Home > Motors

If Bigger Is Better, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Should Be Great

In whatever dimension you focus on, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is bigger: length, width, height, and horsepower. But what should matter most is the addition of a third row providing seating for up to eight passengers.

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander(Photo/Toyota)
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

Once rare, the list of three-row SUVs has grown steadily longer each year, with brands like Ford, Jeep, and Land Rover lately adding to buyers’ options. Now, Toyota has come to the party with the new 2024 Grand Highlander, which, it says, will offer an “adult-sized third row and ample cargo space.”

That translates into seating for either seven or eight on most trim packages, though the top-line Platinum edition’s mid-row captain’s chairs limit space to seven passengers.

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
(Photo/Toyota)

Grabbing a first look at the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, as it debuts at the Chicago Auto Show, reveals a much more imposing take on the familiar midsize model.

Bigger Highlander in Every Dimension

table comparing the dimensions of the new Highlander model to the old one.

It gains an extra 6.5 inches in total length at 201.4 inches. It’s 2.3 inches wider, at 78.3 inches, and stands two inches taller, at 70.1 inches. Cargo volume jumps by up to 13.2 cubic feet, to 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up, and 97.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

To accent the added dimensions, the 2024 Grand Highlander tweaks the familiar two-row model’s design, introducing a more aggressive “hammerhead” grille, as well as black rockers meant to give the SUV a more upright and imposing stance. Wheels run 18 to 20 inches, depending upon the trim package.

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander three-quarter rear view
(Photo/Toyota)

And models with the Hybrid Max can amp up the appearance with details like an optional dual exhaust, unique front and rear bumpers, and trim-exclusive 20-inch wheels.

Grand Highlander: Tech-Focused Interior

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander interior dash
(Photo/Toyota)

The cabin doesn’t stray far from the two-row Highlander’s design, but where it does, the focus is on functionality, starting with the 12.3-inch touchscreen for the new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. Similar to Amazon’s familiar Alexa voice assistant, you only have to say, “Hey, Toyota,” to operate a wide variety of vehicle functions.

To keep a family’s portable devices charged up, there are USB ports in all three rows and built-in smartphone holders for those in the middle seats. They also get a multipurpose tray to lay down a tablet or, for old souls, perhaps a book. On the less high-tech side, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander comes with 13 cupholders.

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander interior rear cargo area
(Photo/Toyota)

There’s yet more tech, including an assortment of safety gear. The list of advanced driver assistance systems includes forward collision warning with emergency auto-braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, among other technologies.

Three Grand Highlander Powertrain Options

The Grand Highlander will be offered with three powertrain options, including a version of the beefy yet fuel-efficient Hybrid Max. The gas-electric combo is rated at 363 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander engine compartment
(Photo/Toyota)

The Hybrid Max package comes only in all-wheel-drive (AWD). The other two engine options can be ordered in either front- or all-wheel-drive configurations.

The base engine is a 2.4L turbo-four, with the mid-range upgrade a 2.5L hybrid.

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander: Pricing and Availability

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander rear
(Photo/Toyota)

Toyota isn’t ready to release additional details on the powertrain trio, not until spring, anyway. That’s about when it will announce pricing. Expect a boost of at least a few thousand dollars over the two-row Highlander — which begins at just over $34,000.

The three-row 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander will be produced at the same Princeton, Indiana plant now producing the two-row version of the SUV. Look for it to begin reaching U.S. showrooms sometime over the summer, according to a spokesperson.

2022 Grand Wagoneer Interior one of the best 7-seater SUVs

The 10 Best 7-Seater SUVs of 2023

The growing number of three-row SUVs is overwhelming. Review our list of the best seven-seater SUVs and learn about our top picks. Read more…

Subscribe Now

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!

Join Our GearJunkie Newsletter

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!