First Look: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

(This story has been updated new information gleaned during and after the press conference.)

Bigger is better, or so Toyota is betting, as it prepares to roll out the new, three-row Grand Highlander.

Growing longer and more luxurious, while adding room for up to eight, along with extra cargo space, the 2024 Grand Highlander joins an expanding list of three-row SUVs, including the recently stretched Jeep Grand Cherokee L. And to handle the added load, the Japanese automaker will give buyers a choice of three different drivetrains.

“There is definitely a need in the market for a midsize-SUV that prioritizes interior comfort in all three rows and Grand Highlander is the ultimate option,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president of Toyota Marketing, ahead of the SUV’s official debut at the Chicago Auto Show.

During news conference, Materazzo referred to it as “the ultimate road tripper.” Officials stressed that despite the new off-road looking design cues, the new Grand Highlander is not designed to be an off roader. They noted consumers looking for off-road capability should turn to Sequoia or 4Runner.

Lots more room

The extended version of Toyota’s midsize SUV will have an “adult-sized third row and ample cargo space.” That translated into an extra 6.5 inches in total length at 201.4 inches. The Grand Highlander is 2.3 inches wider, at 78.3 inches, and stands two inches taller, at 70.1 inches. Cargo volume jumps by as much as 13.2 cubic feet, to 20.6 cf with all seats up, and 97.5 cf with the second and third rows folded.

“It was designed to look active and athletic,” said Kevin Hunter, Toyota’s U.S. design chief.

The basic look is similar to the standard, two-row Highlander but adopts a new trapezoidal “hammerhead” grille up front and a distinctive rear bumper. The Hybrid Max powertrain, meanwhile, will offer an optional dual exhaust, along with unique front and rear lower bumpers. Also available: 20-inch wheels and tires. Body-colored pillars are offset by black rockers meant to give the Grand Highlander a raised look.

Upgraded interior

Getting the “Grand” touch is all about the interior, however, starting with the added space. Most trim packages can be ordered with room for either seven or eight passengers. The exception is the top-line Platinum edition. It comes standard with second-row captain’s chairs and is only available as a seven-seater.

Toyota is offering a number of upscale options, including “wood-effect” ornamentation. There’s a new sofa-like center console, according to Toyota. Leather seats with 10-way driver, and 8-way passenger adjustments are available, as well.

All versions of the 2024 Grand Highlander will come with a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a wireless charger is built into the center console. There are plenty of USB ports for all three rows. Second-row occupants get their own climate controls and a smartphone holder, as well as a multipurpose tray. There’s a special grip to make access easy for third-row passengers. And, all told, the Grand Highlander will have 13 cupholders.

New technology

With family buyers among the most likely target for the Grand Highlander, Toyota has loaded up the three-row SUV with plenty of tech features. That includes the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system which features an Amazon Alexa-style voice assistant. Simply by saying, “Hey, Toyota,” a motorist can control a broad range of vehicle functions, from changing the climate setting to plugging in a destination.

The new Grand Highlander also will offer a range of advanced driver assistance systems, including forward collision warning with emergency auto-braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Three powertrain options

Buyers will have their pick of three different powertrains, starting with a 2.4-liter turbo-4. Next up the ladder, Toyota will offer a 2.5-liter hybrid package. Both are available in a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive.

The Hybrid Max, however, will only be offered in an all-wheel-drive configuration. The gas-electric drivetrain will make 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque in the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The automaker hasn’t released specs on the other two drivetrains, yet. Expect those numbers by late spring or early summer.

Pricing and availability

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander enters a fast-growing segment of three-row SUVs including the stretched “L” versions of Jeep’s Grand Cherokee and its Wagoneer family. Land Rover just released an extended-length version of the Defender, as well.

“It’s definitely a more crowded segment, but … there is definitely a need for (the Grand Highlander),” she told TheDetroitBureau.com. Officials believe based on the strength of the sales of the regular Highlander, the Grand Highlander should do quite well against rest of three-row models coming to market lately. 

The new SUV will go on sale sometime this summer, a spokesperson noted. It will be produced in Princeton, Indiana, at the same plant as the two-row Highlander.

Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date. The two-row Toyota Highlander currently starts around $34,000.