14Jun
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander: A Detailed Review of the Ultimate Family SUV
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander has been making waves in the automotive world since its debut in May. This three-row SUV boasts a unique combination of style, performance, and practicality, a combo that presents it as an ideal choice for families seeking a comfortable and spacious vehicle. With the Grand Highlander, Toyota might just have finally nailed the “perfect SUV” recipe by meeting multiple design and functionality goals that the Highlander and body-on-frame Sequoia either managed to fall short or overshot.
It may share the Highlander name, but the Grand Highlander is an all-new vehicle that's truly "grand" in the real sense of the word and not just because it is bigger. Yes, the new Grand Highlander's wheelbase is 3.9 inches longer than that of the Highlander, but Toyota's main goal is to turn the new SUV into a fox in the proverbial henhouse of what the Japanese marque calls the “long-haul 3-row SUV” segment.
Will it succeed? It just might, by riding on the market successes and already established global popularity of the Highlander model. In this detailed review, we'll delve into the Grand Highlander's key features, performance specs, and safety technologies that set it apart from its competitors in the crowded SUV market. We’ll also see how the Highlander squares up to the new Grand Highlander.
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How Much Bigger Is The 2024 Grand Highlander?
The Grand Highlander’s wheelbase measures 116.1 inches against the Highlander’s 112.2. It also stands 2 inches taller than the Highlander and 2.3 inches wider.
Additionally, the Grand Highlander has a total length that’s 4 inches taller than the mid-trim Highlander XSE.
Despite the “Grand” body dimensions, the new SUV doesn’t pose a parking space headache, thanks to its 1.3-inch narrower body than the Sequoia and a roof that crouch 4.4 inches lower.
The Toyota Highlander is by far one of the best-selling and most popular SUV models in Nigeria. Although the automaker has sold more than 3 million units of the SUV, rivals like the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade offered a much better middle- and third-row seating capacity.
Over the years, Toyota hasn't quite managed to fill that gap since even the larger Sequoia could not be a midsize and full-size SUV at the same time. Until now.
The Grand Highlander Exterior Design
Toyota has crafted the 2024 Grand Highlander with a bold and dynamic exterior design that is sure to turn heads. The sculpted body lines, prominent grille, and modern LED headlamps create a striking first impression.
The Grand Highlander's overall dimensions provide a commanding presence on the road, while the available 20-inch alloy wheels further enhance its stylish appearance.
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Offers Interior Comfort And Versatility
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is designed with family comfort in mind. The cabin is spacious, offering seating for up to eight passengers across three rows.
The second-row captain's chairs provide a touch of luxury, while the third row can easily accommodate adults or fold flat for increased cargo space. Premium materials and soft-touch surfaces create a refined atmosphere, and the available panoramic sunroof adds an extra layer of natural light.
You’d immediately notice the now-spacious third row that now offers what’s missing on the Highlander. It also offers up to 97.5 cubic feet of storage space, which the automaker reckons should fit seven suitcases nicely.
The vehicle's infotainment system is user-friendly, featuring a large 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and an available Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional upgrades include a premium JBL 11-speaker audio system, wireless charging, and rear-seat entertainment.
2024 Grand Highlander Performance And Efficiency
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander gets motivation from a range of 2.4- and 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engines, starting from the standard 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder putting out 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
This mill, Toyota says, can wake the Grand Highlander to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and return a fuel economy of 28 mpg (front-wheel drive) or 27 mpg (all-wheel drive).
The Grand Highlander also offers an available hybrid powertrain, which combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for improved fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Both the traditional and hybrid powertrains hold hands with an eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring seamless gear changes.
The Grand Highlander's suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, even over rough or uneven surfaces. Additionally, the available all-wheel drive system enhances traction and stability in various road conditions.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Toyota is known for its commitment to safety, and the 2024 Grand Highlander is no exception. Standard safety features include:
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0; a suite of advanced driver assistance technologies, including a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Road Sign Assist.
- A comprehensive set of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags.
- A rearview camera and available 360-degree surround-view camera for improved visibility.
Optional safety features include Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, and a digital rearview mirror.
How Much Is The Latest Highlander In Naira?
The good news is pricing for the 2024 Grand Highlander isn’t significantly higher than the latest Highlander model.
Where the 2023 Highlander starts at $36,420 (around ₦17 million), the starting price for the new Grand Highlander is only about $1,000 more than the equivalent Highlander.
While the Highlander starts at $36,420 for the base L model, $41,820 for the XLE trim, and $49,075 for the Platinum luxury trim, the Grand Highlander starts at $43,070 for the XLE, $47,860 for the Limited trim, and $53,545 for the top-of-the-line Platinum trim level.
Pricing for the Hybrid trims is included in the table below.
Using the official exchange rates, this means the latest Toyota Grand Highlander has a starting price of ₦20 million, ₦22.2 million, and ₦25 million, respectively.
Note that these prices do not include logistics costs and are not based on the popular black market exchange rates, which means you can expect each model to set you back at least an extra ₦5 million at local dealerships in Nigeria.
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2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Trims And Pricing
| 2024 Grand Highlander XLE $43,070 Starting MSRP 21/28 Est. MPG | Available bench seat option for seating up to eight 18-in. silver-painted alloy wheels 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® * & Android Auto™ * compatibility, SiriusXM® * 3-month Platinum Plan trial * subscription |
| 2024 Grand Highlander Limited $47,860 Starting MSRP 21/28 Est. MPG | Available bench seat option for seating up to eight 20-in. silver-painted alloy wheels 12.3-in. Multi-Information Display (MID) screen |
| 2024 Grand Highlander Platinum $53,545 Starting MSRP 20/26 Est. MPG | Power tilt/slide panoramic roof with power sunshade 20-in. silver-finished multi-spoke wheels Panoramic View Monitor |
| 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE $44,670 Starting MSRP 37/34 Est. MPG | Available bench seat option for seating up to eight 18-in. silver-painted alloy wheels LED taillights |
| 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited $51,060 Starting MSRP 36/32 Est. MPG | Available bench seat option for seating up to eight 20-in. silver-finished multi-spoke wheels LED fog lights Height-adjustable, foot-activated power liftgate with jam protection |
| 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Limited $54,040 Starting MSRP 26/27 Est. MPG | 20-in. two-tone multi-spoke machined and black wheels Ultrasuede® * and leather-trimmed seats Height-adjustable, foot-activated power liftgate with jam protection * 362 net combined horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque |
| 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum $58,125 Starting MSRP 26/27 Est. MPG | 20-in. two-tone wheels Power tilt/slide panoramic roof with power sunshade Leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters |
When Can You Buy The Toyota Grand Highlander?
The Grand Highlander will begin hitting dealerships and driveways this summer. It’s an exceptional family SUV that checks all the right boxes.
Its striking design, spacious and comfortable interior, powerful engine options, and extensive safety features make it a top choice in the competitive SUV market.
Whether you want a reliable daily driver, a long-distance road trip companion, or a versatile vehicle for family outings, the Grand Highlander delivers on all fronts.
With its combination of style, performance, and practicality, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is undoubtedly an SUV that should be at the top of your shopping list.
Grand Highlander Versus Highlander: A Head-To-Head Review
Let’s examine the features, performance, and overall value of the new Grand Highlander versus the Highlander to help you determine which model best suits your individual or family motoring needs.
Exterior Design:
Both the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander and Highlander boast sleek, modern exterior designs.
The Grand Highlander, however, is larger and more imposing, with a bolder grille, sculpted body lines, and available 20-inch alloy wheels.
In contrast, the Highlander has a slightly more compact footprint and a more conservative design, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a subtler aesthetic.
Interior Space and Comfort:
he most significant difference between the Grand Highlander and Highlander is the interior space.
The Grand Highlander is a larger, three-row SUV with seating for up to eight passengers, making it ideal for larger families or those who frequently need to transport several passengers.
The Highlander, while still offering three rows of seating, accommodates up to seven passengers, with slightly less space in the third row.
Both vehicles feature comfortable, well-appointed cabins with premium materials and soft-touch surfaces.
The Grand Highlander has a more luxurious feel, with additional standard and available features such as second-row captain's chairs and a panoramic sunroof.
Performance and Efficiency:
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
This powerful engine provides smooth acceleration and confident highway cruising. The Highlander shares the Grand Highlander’s powertrain with a mirrored output.
Both vehicles offer optional hybrid powertrains for improved fuel efficiency. The Grand Highlander and Highlander both utilize an eight-speed automatic transmission for seamless gear changes and feature available all-wheel drive systems for enhanced traction in various road conditions.
While the Grand Highlander delivers a more commanding presence on the road, the Highlander's smaller size makes it slightly more agile and easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features:
Both the 2024 Grand Highlander and Highlander come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense technology, which is a suite of advanced driver assistance systems.
This includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Road Sign Assist.
Additional safety features, such as Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, and a digital rearview mirror, are available on both models.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Versus Highlander: The Verdict
When it comes to choosing between the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander and Highlander, the decision ultimately depends on your family's specific needs and preferences.
If you require additional space, a more luxurious interior, and a bolder design, the Grand Highlander is the ideal choice.
However, if you prefer a slightly smaller, more maneuverable SUV with similar performance and safety features, the Highlander may be the better fit.
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