Toyota Highlander gets grander for 2024

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max

With over 3.3 million Toyota Highlanders sold in the U.S. – in this era of bigger is better – it is logical that Toyota would offer their loyal customer base an even grander version of the popular mid-size SUV.

Designed and built in the U.S., the all new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander has arrived and grander it is – three rows with seating up to 8, three powertrains including hybrid, available AWD and sporting the latest features. Even more family friendly and adventure capable, Grand Highlander is here.

2024 Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max

AS TESTED

Recently, Toyota provided us a first look at the new and grander Highlander mid-size SUV – sending us their top-of-the line loaded up with all you might want and more.

Our 2024 Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max came loaded up with an MSRP of $58,125. Adding a couple of minor accessory items and delivery and processing, this “Storm Cloud” color beauty swept into our drive for a very cool $59,953.

Intended to impress, it certainly did.

Let’s take a look

EXTERIOR

Our 2024 Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max test vehicle was absolutely beautiful clad in it’s Storm Cloud exterior – grabbing people’s attention before nearly anything else.

Styled with bold black trapezoidal hammerhead front grill, 20-inch black and silver wheels, unique black bumpers with silver plated finish elements front and rear, it stands both tall and handsome from every vantage point.

Functional features of note include All LED Lighting front and rear, Heated Power Folding Exterior Mirrors, Rain-Sensing – Washer Linked and Deicer Equipped – Intermittent Wipers, Panoramic Power Moonroof and Foot-Activated Power Rear Liftgate w/Wiper, Washer and LED Lighting.

INTERIOR

Inside, our 2024 Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max was both simple and stunning with its richPalomino interior accented by Bronze color dash and console trims plus black geometric-pattern door trim.

Seating was Leather-trimmed with Ultrasuede front- and second-row. Both front and second row seating was heated and ventilated. The driver seat was 10-way power-adjustable with 8-way front passenger adjustable

Second row seats were fold-down captain’s chairs w/fold-down inboard armrests, adjustable headrests and two cup holders mounted on the floor. Third row was 60/40 split, fold-down w/sliding headrests and recline function.

Front of the console center featured the 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen. In front of the driver was a 12.3-in. digital meter display with selectable gauge display screens. A 7-in. color Multi-Information Display (MID) provide the driver with vehicle and related information in easy to-read-format.

Of note were Second Row Sunshades, Smart Key System, Digital Key Capability, two 120V AC Power Outlets, Two 120V Outlets middle row and cargo area, seven USB-C Ports and 13 cupholders.

POWERTRAIN

The 2024 Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max powertrain makes the mid-size SUV the most powerful Toyota has ever built. It delivers a whopping 362 horsepower with 400 lb.-ft. of torque. Extremely quick, accelerating 0-60 mph in just over 6 seconds, it has towing muscle enough for loads up to 5,000 pounds.

DRIVETRAIN

The Hybrid Max is equipped with Dynamic Torque Control and Full-Time Electronic On-Demand AWD. Power is delivered to front and rear wheels through the hybrid engine front and eAxle electric motor rear.

Paired with the Direct Shift Six-Speed Automatic Transmission, the AWD adjusts between 70:30 and 20:80 front- and rear-wheel power split depending on the drive conditions. Standard Driver Selectable Modes are SPORT/ECO/NORMAL/SNOW.

The Hybrid Max is also equipped with Multi-Terrain Select for additional road or off-road capability. The available modes are: MUD&SAND/ROCK&DIRT/NORMAL.

Important adventuring features include an 8-inch ground clearance, 20-inch wheels, Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Descent Control making this 2024 Grand Highlander 4WD (AWD) Platinum Hybrid is well suited for getting into lots of places most mid-size SUVs won’t (or can’t) go.

Fuel economy is rated at 26/27/27 mpg city/highway/combined. With fuel capacity just over 17 gallons, highway range is over 450 miles.

MECHANICAL

Underneath, the 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid Max runs on a modified TNGA-K platform with a wider track and longer wheelbase than the current Highlander.

Suspension front is Independent MacPherson Strut w/Stabilizer Bar and Multi-Link w/Stabilizer Bar rear. Brakes are power ventilated disc front and rear. Steering is Electric Power-Assisted Rack and Pinion. Our Grand Highlander’s wheels were 20-inch mounted w/ 255/55 R20 Continental Cross Contact LX 20 All-Season tires.

With the modified platform and multi-capable power and drive train, this was the nicest driving (and riding) mid-size SUV we have tested for some time.

INFOTAINMENT/TECHNOLOGY

The crisply designed 14.3-inch-high-definition touchscreen features a main menu arrayed to the left – easily reached and intuitive to use.

Entertainment functionality was driven through the optional JBL 11-Speaker 1200-watt Premium Audio System. Entertainment features included HD Radio, USB data, SiriusXM and a new Integrated Streaming feature, providing the ability to link Apple Music and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle for onboard control.

Our 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid Max featured the new Toyota Multimedia System with its wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features. The Toyota Audio Multimedia allows for dual Bluetooth phone connectivity and support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and Wi-Fi Connectivity.

Using the Connected Service Drive Connect, drivers and passengers have access to Toyota’s Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist.

With Intelligent Assistant, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awaken the system for voice activated commands, Cloud Navigation utilizes the cloud to download the latest available map, traffic and routing information while Destination Assist gives access to live agent assistance to locate the next destination.

SAFETY

The 2024 Grand Highlander does not yet have an IIHS safety rating, but given the standard full set of safety features included, Toyota expects it to do well.

Included on our Grand Highlander was the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 system. Key elements (see chart in link) are wide ranging and include Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams and the new Proactive Driving Assist.

Other features on our 2024 Grand Highlander Platinum Max included Blind Spot Monitor w/Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Front and Rear Parking Assist w/Automatic Braking.

WARRANTY

The 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid vehicle warranty includes:

3-year/36,000-mile Comprehensive
5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain
5-year/Unlimited Mileage Corrosion Perforation

A Hybrid Warranty provides 8-years/100,000 miles protection for all system components with the battery warranted for 10-years/150,000 miles.

NOTE: The warranty is transferable to following owners.

The purchase of every new Toyota also comes withToyotaCare – a 2-year/25,000-mile complimentary maintenance program.

2024 GRAND HIGHLANDER LINE-UP

The 2024 Grand Highlander is available in three grades (XLE, Limited and Platinum) and three powertrains including hybrid, all with AWD available tailored to the powertrain.

Check the detail on all of the new Grand Highlander models HERE.

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KEY DATA: 2024 Grand Highlander 4WD Platinum Hybrid