2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Review

Toyota’s 2024 Grand Highlander is a three-row crossover SUV starting at $43,320. But what makes this version different from its standard counterpart, the 2024 Toyota Highlander?

MotoPickers Rating: 9/10

As its name implies, the Grand Highlander is larger, creating more interior space to better support families and adventurous outings. Still, bigger interior dimensions don’t fully communicate whether this vehicle’s price tag—which is around $4,000 extra—is worth the additional cost.

Toyota’s standard Highlander features a more sculpted exterior, while the extra room within the 2024 Grand Highlander fosters a boxy outside, which may or may not be up your alley. Other SUVs with increased capability seem to be drifting toward this boxy exterior aesthetic, like the 2024 GX produced by Toyota’s subsidiary, Lexus. 

The Grand Highlander’s larger interior configuration, seating up to eight passengers, establishes greater road visibility while maintaining solid fuel economy—especially within its three hybrid trims. Later in our review, we’ll provide an overview of each 2024 Grand Highlander trim to better direct you toward a model suiting your lifestyle, with a focus on starting prices and highlight-worthy features.

While the 2024 Grand Highlander has some clear advantages over the standard version, like increased safety capabilities, we’ll note any downsides to help you determine whether this SUV is worth a test drive. 

Streamline your knowledge of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander with our review below.

Exterior design spotlight

It’s worth noting that the 2024 Grand Highlander’s boxy exterior facilitates a more straightforward design, which may be ideal for those focusing on aspects like practicality instead of looks. Despite its minimalist design, the Grand Highlander’s exterior uses its larger silhouette to produce sleek lines—especially on the hood. 

Toyota supports the 2024 Grand Highlander’s increased size with a confident, wide stance, partially facilitated by flared fenders. Its wide stance also helps accommodate options like optional 20” alloy wheels, while a distinctive grille design with integrated front vents strikes an ideal balance between form and function.

Flanking this unique grille are LED headlights optimizing road visibility alongside greater road vision regarding driver seat placement. This model’s seven colors include:

• Storm Cloud
• Wind Chill Pearl
• Coastal Cream
• Celestial Silver Metallic
• Ruby Flare Pearl
• Blueprint
• Midnight Black Metallic

While the 2024 Grand Highlander’s exterior offers some dynamic visuals despite its straightforward approach, its larger exterior can lead to a less refined interior. Below, discover if this problem exists and, if so, on what scale.

Interior design overview

Toyota has designed the 2024 Grand Highlander to feature ambient lighting—but we’re a bit disappointed to see that it’s available as an upgrade vs. standard. A 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat helps you find and maintain comfort behind the wheel, while standard second-row captain’s chairs take rear comfort to another level. 

The minds behind the 2024 Highlander optimize third-row seating with large windows containing wide-angle views. Selecting an eight-seat 2024 Highlander requires you to opt for available bench seating. Available leather-trimmed seating within this crossover SUV’s interior delivers extra class and pairs exceptionally well with the available panoramic moonroof, which helps emphasize the Grand Highlander’s larger dimensions with more natural light.

Comfort analysis 

Increased cabin space typically yields more passenger comfort—and the 2024 Highlander is no exception with features like available heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats. 

Three-zone automatic climate control allows each row to set a preferred temperature for greater passenger satisfaction. Unlike the standard Highlander, the Grand Highlander’s third row isn’t cramped, with a solid 33.5” of legroom. This SUV’s available heated steering wheel is worth considering for those driving in colder climates.

Convenience from front to back

Let’s get down to business and cover the Grand Highlander’s cargo capacity. Drivers receive 20.6 cubic feet (cu. ft.) of cargo space behind this model’s third row, which is exceptional. Folding its second and third-row seats opens up 97.5 cu. ft. of total storage room. 

Toyota complements these dimensions with a hands-free power liftgate, allowing users to access the rear cargo space with a kicking motion beneath the SUV’s rear bumper. Drivers can alternatively use their key fob or instrument panel for rear storage access. A hands-free liftgate is worth your additional money, given that increased space is this Toyota’s primary selling point.

The 2024 Grand Highlander’s interior helps charge devices with seven USB-C ports, including outlets for the third row. Toyota also includes 13 cup and bottle holders in addition to available dual 1500-watt power outlets, which turn your SUV into a power source for other devices you may wish to bring for activities such as camping.

Performance 

Toyota offers 2024 Grand Highlander drivers three powertrain options: a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivering 265 horsepower, a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid with 245 net combined horsepower, and the Hybrid Max boasting 362 net combined horsepower. Hybrid models contain standard all-wheel drive (AWD), while gas versions make it an option, or standard within higher trims.

The 2.4-liter turbocharged powertrain also produces 310 lb-ft of torque and has an eight-speed automatic transmission for smoother gear changes, increased fuel economy, and versatility in areas like towing. A 2024 Grand Highlander offers 20-37 MPG in the city, 26-34 MPG on the highway, and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. This towing can accommodate trailers, boats, and other types of recreational vehicles for an array of adventures. Hybrid versions can tow up to 3,500 lbs.

Drive modes

A 2024 Grand Highlander has three standard drive modes: Sport Mode, Eco Mode, and Normal Mode. Opting for an AWD Grand Highlander unlocks Multi-Terrain Select or Trail Mode, which has four modes: Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow, and Normal. Multi-Terrain Select optimizes wheelspin by scanning for any indications of slippage.

Display options

Toyota’s 2024 Grand Highlander features a 12.3” touchscreen display, which you can optimize with a Drive Connect trial or subscription. Selecting Drive Connect means you’ll receive Cloud Navigation, Destination Assist, and an Intelligent assistant, where you can activate features through voice and sight commands and touch inputs. Considering its modern capabilities, the subscription’s $15-a-month rate is a decent bargain.

An available 12.3” Multi-Information Display is a separate screen keeping you in the now by presenting data like navigation and safety alerts behind your steering wheel. Drivers seeking additional convenience can select the optional head-up display, which projects this information onto your windshield for easier accessibility.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility

One of the best decisions Toyota makes in regard to this SUV’s tech is the standard inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. If you’re using either or these platforms to select music or take a phone call, an available 11-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer provides additional audio clarity. Toyota also offers an available WiFi hotspot within this model and standard wireless smartphone charging. 

Tech upgrade considerations

The final two tech features we’ll highlight include the Digital Rearview Mirror with Homelink and Panoramic View Monitor—both of which are upgrades. The Digital Rearview Mirror utilizes a camera to create a wider and more in-depth view of your behind surroundings. Drivers can adjust this mirror’s settings and continue using the system at night, as Toyota designed it to reduce glare from trailing vehicles’ headlights.

Fully upgrade your environmental awareness within the 2024 Grand Highlander by selecting its Panoramic view Monitor, which utilizes four cameras to project an overhead view of your SUV and its immediate surroundings via the 12.3” display. 

Standard safety features 

The Grand Highlander emphasizes a family-friendly design with its extensive list of standard safety features packaged within the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, which includes:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Road Sign Assist
• Automatic High Beams
• Proactive Driving Assist

This Toyota’s Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection also scans for bicyclists and other cars. Triggering the system will result in audio and visual alerts and automatic braking if necessary. Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control also uses automatic braking and automatic acceleration to help you maintain a preset distance from vehicles you’re following at speeds above 20 MPH.

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist performs as its name suggests but only works when driving above 30 MPH and primarily helps you avoid driving off the road. Lane Tracing Assist performs the same function but activates when you initiate Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and focuses on keeping you centered within lane markings.

Road Sign Assist will project vital information from signs you pass so you can pay closer attention to the road or avoid instances like speeding by not knowing the posted limit. During night drives, high beams within the 2024 Highlander turn on and off automatically leaving tedious manual inputs behind, while Proactive Driving Assists utilizes action like gentle braking for more seamless turns.

Safety Connect bonus

Toyota bolsters the 2024 Grand Highlander’s capabilities with a Safety Connect trial lasting up to 10 years. Safety Connect includes 24/7 roadside assistance, emergency assistance, and a stolen vehicle locator feature. Drivers will need a 4G connection to activate Safety Connect, but these networks are prevalent on today’s roads.

Trim guide 

The 2024 Grand Highlander offers seven trims—four of which are hybrid. 

XLE (base, gas-powered) – $43,320

Toyota’s base 2024 Grand Highlander, the XLE, enhances its value with a three-month SiriusXM subscription, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and 28 MPG on the highway. However, AWD comes as an upgrade, which may disappoint some.

Limited (gas-powered) – $48,110 

A primary draw for the Limited Trim is its 20” wheels, which feature a silver-alloy painted design. By comparison, the entry-level XLE has smaller 18” wheels.

Platinum (gas-powered) – $53,795

The 2024 Grand Highlander’s Platinum trim ups the ante with a standard panoramic sunroof. Still, its mileage is slightly lower than the XLE and Limited, at 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. 

Hybrid XLE – $45,020 

If fuel economy is a vital aspect of your next SUV purchase, we suggest spending slightly more than the base gas-powered trim to select the entry-level Hybrid XLE, which boasts 36 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.

Hybrid Limited – $51,410

Moving into Hybrid Limited territory means receiving LED fog lights, a hands-free rear power liftgate, and 37/34 city/highway MPG

Hybrid Max Limited – $54,390 

A Hybrid Max Limited grade delivers 362 combined horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque for optimal performance but has worse mileage at 36/32 city/highway MPG.

Hybrid Max Platinum – $58,485

Selecting the peak 2024 Grand Highlander hybrid trim delivers sporty elements like 20” two-tone wheels and steering wheel paddle shifters. Still, given that this SUV’s performance isn’t a primary selling point, we suggest opting for a less-expensive gas or hybrid variant.

Owner experience

Now that we’ve highlighted the 2024 Grand Highlander’s main pros, referring to owner feedback helps you better understand potential cons. The most significant complaint regarding this crossover SUV is its build quality, with drivers mentioning transmission issues as a recurring theme. 

Before you start panicking, most 2024 Grand Highlander reviews are positive, and Toyota offers a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, whichever comes first, along with a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty. Hybrid components receive an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty and a 10-year or 150,000-mile warranty.

Final verdict 

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is an exceptionally well-equipped crossover SUV. If you’re struggling to decide between a standard Highlander or its Grand counterpart, we suggest picking a Grand Highlander with its third-row accommodating adults and quality cargo space dimensions. Drivers who don’t need additional interior room and prefer to focus on exterior styling may benefit from a standard Highlander. Still, it’s vital to recognize that the standard Highlander’s third-row is notoriously cramped. 

We also appreciate the Grand Highlander’s healthy selection of hybrid options, ensuring that drivers don’t have to sacrifice fuel economy or higher horsepower for perks like increased interior space. MotoPickers scores the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander at 9/10. Check out our 2024 Toyota Highlander review for more information on the standard model.