Toyota has pioneered hybrid vehicles, introducing the first mass-produced hybrid car, the Toyota Prius, in 1997. Since then, the Japanese automaker has expanded its hybrid lineup to include sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUVs.
Toyota is taking its hybrid technology to a new level with the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, a larger and more luxurious version of its popular Highlander SUV. The Grand Highlander, which will go on sale in the summer of 2024, is designed to appeal to families who want more space, comfort, and performance from their hybrid vehicles.
More Space for More Memories
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is 6.5 inches longer than the regular Highlander, offering more legroom for the second- and third-row passengers and more cargo space behind the third row. The Grand Highlander also features a more upscale interior with premium materials, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof.
The Grand Highlander can comfortably seat up to eight people, or seven with the available second-row captain's chairs. The third row can recline for added comfort or fold flat for extra cargo space. With all four rear seats folded down, the Grand Highlander has a maximum cargo capacity of 97.5 cubic feet.
The Grand Highlander also has smart storage solutions for road trip essentials like phones, tablets, and water bottles. The center console has a wireless charging pad and a digital key capability that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle with your smartphone. The second row has cup holders that can accommodate large bottles and a USB port for each seat. The third row has cup holders and storage bins on both sides.
More power and efficiency
But the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is not just about size and style. It also boasts impressive fuel efficiency and power for a three-row SUV. The Grand Highlander has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors producing a combined 243 horsepower. The Grand Highlander can run on electric power alone for short distances or use both gas and electric power for optimal performance.
According to Toyota, the Grand Highlander has an estimated fuel economy rating of 36 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel-drive model and 35 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway for the all-wheel-drive model. That means the Grand Highlander can travel up to 600 miles on a single tank of gas.
The Grand Highlander also offers an optional Hybrid MAX powertrain that delivers even more power and torque. The Hybrid MAX powertrain has a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with three electric motors that generate a combined 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid MAX powertrain also has an enhanced all-wheel-drive system that can distribute torque to each wheel independently for better traction and handling.
The Hybrid MAX powertrain has an estimated fuel economy rating of 30 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models. The Hybrid MAX powertrain also increases the Grand Highlander's towing capacity from 3,500 lbs. to 5,000 lbs.
More style and technology
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander also comes with a host of advanced safety and technology features that make every drive more enjoyable and convenient. The Grand Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and rear seat reminder.
The Grand Highlander also has a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM satellite radio (with a three-month trial), a Wi-Fi hotspot (with a three-month trial), and Toyota Connected Services (with a one-year trial). The Grand Highlander also has an available JBL premium sound system with 14 speakers and Clari-Fi technology that enhances audio quality.
Other available features include a head-up display that projects key information on the windshield. This digital rearview mirror uses a camera to provide a wider view behind the vehicle, a bird's eye view camera that gives a 360-degree view around the vehicle, a kick sensor that opens the power liftgate with a wave of your foot under the rear bumper, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats (with captain's chairs), a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED headlights and taillights, roof rails, chrome accents, and more.
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander will be available in four trim levels: LE (starting at $41,000), XLE (starting at $44,670), Limited (starting at $47,860), and Platinum (starting at $53,545). The Hybrid MAX powertrain will be available only on Limited ($54,040) and Platinum ($58,125) trims.
The Grand Highlander will compete with other large hybrid SUVs in the market, such as the Ford Explorer Hybrid ($45k-$53k), Hyundai Palisade Hybrid ($40k-$48k), Honda Pilot Hybrid ($38k-$50k), Kia Telluride Hybrid ($32k-$44k), Subaru Ascent Hybrid ($32k-$45k), Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Hybrid ($38k-$50k), Volvo XC90 Recharge ($63k-$70k), Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring ($69k-$88k), BMW X5 xDrive45e ($66k-$82k), Mercedes-Benz GLE450e ($67k-$79k), Audi Q7 e-tron ($65k-$71k), Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid ($82k-$164k), Lexus RX450hL ($54k-$62k), Acura MDX Sport Hybrid ($53k-$61k), Infiniti QX60 Hybrid ($46k-$54k), Cadillac XT6 Hybrid ($48k-$58k), Land Rover Range Rover Sport P400e ($81k-$114k), Tesla Model X ($90k-$120k). However, Toyota believes its hybrid expertise and reputation will give it an edge over its rivals.
"Toyota has been leading the hybrid segment for over two decades," said Bob Carter, executive vice president of sales for Toyota Motor North America. "The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is our latest innovation that showcases our commitment to providing our customers with more choices, value, and fun."
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is expected to attract new buyers who are looking for a bigger and better hybrid SUV that can meet their needs for space, comfort, efficiency, and performance. The Grand Highlander is also expected to boost Toyota's sales in the hybrid segment, which already accounts for nearly one-fourth of its total sales in North America.
The Grand Highlander is part of Toyota's plan to offer an electrified option for every model in its lineup by 2025. Toyota also plans to introduce 15 new battery-electric vehicles by 2030.
"With the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, we are expanding our hybrid portfolio to offer something for everyone," said Jack Hollis, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota division at Toyota Motor North America. "We are confident that this vehicle will appeal to both loyal Toyota customers and new customers looking for a greener way to travel."
