09/02/2023
Toyota introduces the The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2023. It is the latest addition to the SUV lineup at Toyota. It is designed as a 3-row midsize-SUV that prioritizes interior comfort in all three rows. The Grand Highlander offers unique styling, new tech and new safety features. It will be available with three different engine options, a 2.4L turbo gas engine, 2.5L hybrid engine, and Hybrid MAX engine. The hybrid powertrains are part of Toyota's efforts towards carbon neutrality and the Grand Highlander is the second Toyota vehicle to wear the "Beyond Zero" badge, after the all-new Prius.
Creature Comforts with Added Versatility
The Grand Highlander is designed to prioritize interior comfort, with thoughtful storage areas and spacious seating for all three rows of passengers. It is equipped with ample cargo space, and with the seats folded down, offers around 98 cubic feet of space. The interior is functional for all passengers, with controls centered around a 12.3-inch multimedia display and a configurable center console that includes a wireless charger, USB ports, and cup holders.
In the second row, there are air conditioning controls and USB ports within reach, and cup holders and storage space in the center armrest and rear console. The third row is equipped with individual USB ports, smartphone/tablet storage space, and cup holders for added convenience. Across all three rows, there are 13 cup holders and 7 USB-C charge ports, making it road-trip ready.
Additional creature comforts include a heated steering wheel and power-folding mirrors (Limited and Platinum), heated and ventilated front and second-row seats (Platinum), 1,500-Watt power outlets (Limited Hybrid, Limited Hybrid MAX, and Platinum Hybrid MAX), and a hands-free power back door (Limited and Platinum).
Available Powertrains
The Grand Highlander offers three powertrain options: a 2.4L turbo gas engine, a 2.5L hybrid, and a 362-horsepower Hybrid MAX. All three powertrains are available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, providing options for balance, efficiency, and performance.
Each powertrain comes with three Drive Modes (Sport, Eco, Normal), and the gas AWD and Hybrid MAX powertrains are equipped with Multi-Terrain Select with Three Modes (Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow) for added on and off-road capability.
Technology:
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is a technologically advanced SUV that offers a host of features designed to enhance the driving experience. The center of the technology in the Grand Highlander is the standard 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system, which has been developed and engineered by Toyota’s Connected Technologies team based in Texas.
One of the key features of the Toyota Audio Multimedia system is its intuitive touch and voice activation controls. With the available Connected Service Drive Connect, drivers and passengers have access to a range of connectivity and convenience features such as Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist. The Intelligent Assistant allows for voice-activated commands for tasks like searching for directions, finding Points of Interest (POI), adjusting audio controls, changing cabin temperatures, and more.
The Cloud Navigation system is an onboard navigation solution that utilizes the cloud to download the latest map, traffic, and routing information, while the POI search is provided by Google Points-of-Interest data. The Destination Assist feature gives drivers access to 24/7 live agent assistance to help find their next destination.
The Toyota Audio Multimedia system also offers dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Grand Highlander also comes with an available Wi-Fi Connect 1-month trial that offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices, turning the SUV into an AT&T hotspot. This Wi-Fi Connect feature also enables the new Integrated Streaming feature, which links Apple Music and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle for onboard control.
For those looking for an enhanced audio experience, the Grand Highlander offers an available JBL Premium Audio system with 11 speakers that creates a mobile concert from any music genre. The system uses Clari-Fi technology to enhance the audio experience of compressed digital music formats.
The Grand Highlander offers several additional Connected Services, such as Safety Connect, which includes an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator, and Collision Assistance with up to a 10-year trial. The Service Connect feature gives drivers the ability to receive Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts, and reminders, also with up to a 10-year trial.
With the Toyota app and a 1-year trial of Remote Connect service, drivers can stay connected to their Grand Highlander and control functions like activating headlights, locking/unlocking doors, and remotely starting the vehicle. The app also allows drivers to check the vehicle's status, receive reminder notifications, and set Guest Driver Alerts. Digital key is standard on all grades with Remote Connect, making it easy to lock and unlock doors, remote start, and more using a smartphone.
The Grand Highlander is also designed to handle all your device charging needs, with seven USB-C ports in the cabin. There is a wireless charger for the driver and two Type-C USB ports at the bottom of the center stack, as well as a dedicated USB port for the front seat passenger. Second-row passengers have access to two Type-C USB ports located at the top of the center console, and third-row passengers have a USB port at each outboard seating position.
Finally, the Grand Highlander offers several convenience features, including Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), which is standard on all grades. Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is available on the Limited and Platinum grades, and a Panoramic View Monitor is also available, providing a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle.
Styling:
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander: is a Stylish and Spacious SUV
The Toyota Grand Highlander is set to make a big impression with its bold and beautiful exterior design. This SUV is inspired by the classic Highlander shape, but with a fresh and modern twist. The front of the vehicle boasts a distinctive trapezoidal, hammerhead front grille, and the available 20” wheels add to the sophisticated look. The rear of the vehicle is equally eye-catching, thanks to its sharp bumper and dual exhaust (available on the Hybrid Max powertrain variant).
The Grand Highlander is not just a pretty face. The body-colored rear pillars offer a touch of ruggedness and 3rd-row utility, while the black rockers give it a raised, SUV appearance. The side surface flows smoothly from the doors to the front and rear tires, creating a simple but dynamic design. For those looking for an even more premium look, the Hybrid Max grades offer an exclusive front/rear lower bumper.
Step inside the Grand Highlander and you'll be impressed by the spacious and comfortable interior. The soft-padded instrument panel floats above the available wood-effect ornamentation, which continues into the door trim. The console, positioned low in the center, gives the feeling of a finely crafted sofa, creating a cozy and inviting living room-like space. The form of the instrument panel upper extends into the door trim, creating a broad expanse, and the lower panel features independent armrests for the driver and passenger. The ornate accents and high-quality leather stitchwork add a touch of modern elegance to the interior.
Drivers will appreciate the available leather-trimmed seats with 10-way power driver and 8-way passenger adjustments (Limited and Platinum grades). For those who opt for the Hybrid Max variant, they will enjoy Ultrasuede® and leather-trimmed seats with bronze-colored accents.
Trim Levels:
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is set to offer a diverse range of trim levels to cater to the varying needs of customers. From the XLE grade to the Platinum, the Grand Highlander offers a range of options to choose from, making it easier for customers to select a vehicle that suits their lifestyle and preferences.
The XLE grade is the entry-level model that offers a spacious and comfortable interior, equipped with soft-touch materials and a variety of convenience features. The exterior features black painted grille, heated outer mirrors, and roof rails. Inside, the XLE grade offers Softex®-trimmed seating, heated front seats, and a capacity of 7 passengers. Multimedia features include a 12.3” touchscreen, 7” MID, wireless charger, and digital key.
The Limited grade takes things up a notch, offering a range of exterior and interior upgrades. The exterior features 20” alloy wheels, LED DRL, power-folding outer mirrors, and LED fog lamps. The interior is trimmed in leather, with heated and ventilated front seats, memory seat function for the first row, and heated steering wheel. The 12.3” Premium Multimedia system comes with 11-speaker JBL audio, while the technology features include parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and kick-power liftgate.
For those who want a truly premium experience, the Platinum grade offers a range of high-end features. The exterior features 20” clad alloy wheels, while the interior offers heated and ventilated second-row seats, a panoramic moonroof, and paddle shifters. The technology features include a head-up display, panoramic view monitor, digital rearview mirror, and traffic jam assist.
In terms of color options, the Grand Highlander offers a variety of options for each grade, including Softex®-trim in Light Gray or Black, Leather-trim in Light Gray or Black, Ultrasuede®- and leather-trim in Portobello, Light Gray or Black.
Safety:
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is set to offer its customers advanced safety features as standard. The latest generation of the Toyota Safety Sense suite, TSS 3.0, is included with every Grand Highlander purchase. TSS 3.0 provides a comprehensive safety package that helps drivers to stay protected on the road.
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection is one of the key components of TSS 3.0. This system helps to prevent collisions with pedestrians, bicyclists, and now also motorcyclists. The enhanced detection capabilities of TSS 3.0 provide more precise recognition of objects and better support in intersections.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist is another important aspect of TSS 3.0. This system provides alerts to drivers when they begin to drift out of their lane and helps to steer the vehicle back into its lane. The recognition capabilities of TSS 3.0 have been improved and now include the detection of certain 3D objects, such as guardrails, to help define the lane.
Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is a new addition to TSS 3.0. This system now includes four following distance settings and the ability to detect multiple preceding vehicles and vehicles in adjacent lanes. This allows for smoother, more natural speed adjustments when changing lanes.
Lane Tracing Assist is a feature that helps drivers stay centered in their lane by making minor steering adjustments. The emergency driving stop system has been added to Lane Tracing Assist and is designed to bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver is inattentive or non-responsive.
Road Sign Assist is a feature that helps drivers stay aware of road signs by displaying them on the driver's display. TSS 3.0 expands the sign detection capabilities to include certain intersection signs and warning signs, such as pedestrian crossings.
The new Toyota Grand Highlander will be available in Summer 2023 in the Rhode Island/Connecticut/Massachusetts market at Toyota of Dartmouth in South Attleboro Ma