The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is a bigger and brawnier version than the Highlander of past years.
Marc Grasso/Boston Herald/TNS
Now that 2024 has newly arrived, manufacturers are destined to release vehicles in the fleet in order to keep up with consumer demand and consumer wants. Gas mileage, new aesthetics and larger capacities are just a few of the items that come to mind.
For Toyota, the 2024 Grand Highlander is the major focus, as if the long-lasting Highlander wasn’t enough for consumers. A bigger and brawnier version hits the dealerships in hopes of keeping up with Jeep’s Grand Wagoneer for a much lower price.
With seven-passenger vehicles all the craze and third-row seat being a more desired feature in vehicle sales in 2023, manufacturers are riding that wave into 2024 and releasing bigger vehicles than ever, while smaller SUVs and sedans diminish.
For Toyota, bigger is always better, as its long history of conquering the large SUV market has always been a priority. The Grand Highlander is no different, as it is big and brawny and boasts tremendous legroom and storage capabilities. Our Platinum AWD Grand Highlander was one of seven models offered in the Grand Highlander fleet and had a $10K price bump over the lowest XLE model, which starts at $43K.
Our tester was wrapped in Ruby Flare Pearl, which was an extra $495. Our tester also came with a light gray interior, one of three interior color options. Powering the Grand Highlander for 2024 was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo with all-wheel drive and a eight-speed automatic transmission. Producing 265-horsepower, the Grand Highlander was not underpowered and had no problem getting up and going.
As a prototype, our tester was very nice on both the outside and inside. It boasted tremendous space, storage capacity and tons of room for just about everything. As the Grand Highlander hits the market, we expect big things for a reasonable price tag as other manufacturers are exceeding this base price tag with just five seats and much less room.
As minivan sales wane, could seven-passenger, third-row vehicles be the new minvan? Hopefully not for Toyota as the Sienna is a big hit and one that produces nice profits. With Toyota’s large array of vehicles, we expect both the Sienna and Grand Highlander to be around for years to come.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum AWD
MSRP: $53,545
MPG: 20 city / 26 highway / 24.8 as tested
As Tested: $54,880
