2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The new Grand Highlander is much more than just a tweaked version of the standard Highlander. It's really a stand-alone model to the extent that Toyota considered giving it an entirely different name. This is a rival for the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride and Volkswagen Atlas with accommodation for seven or even eight full-sized people, and at least some space for their luggage.

There's also the Grand Highlander Hybrid. As on the regular Highlander, it pairs a non-turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor hybrid system and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a combined 245 hp. Both the standard engine and the hybrid are available with front- or all-wheel drive.

Up until now, buyers have had to choose between performance and efficiency. The Grand Highlander answers "why not both?" with the addition of the new Hybrid Max powertrain. This AWD model matches the turbocharged engine with a different hybrid system and a more traditional six-speed automatic in place of the CVT. Total output is listed at 362 hp, and Toyota says the Grand Highlander with this combo can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds. For reference, the Highlander Hybrid is nearly 2 seconds slower.

So far, we've only been able to drive the regular Grand Highlander and the Hybrid Max version. The former is a little sluggish even when it's not fully laden. This means it will have to be worked hard on freeway ramps, for example, which will have a negative impact on fuel consumption. The Hybrid Max carries a significant premium over the gas alternative ($10,970) but it's certainly a more pleasurable companion, with the easy mid-range push feeling ideally suited to a vehicle of this type.

All-round visibility is also impressive with the driver enjoying a commanding position. Passengers in the third row of seats benefit from a slightly raised seating position that allows them to look over the top of the middle-row occupants, helping to avoid the claustrophobic feeling that some three-row SUVs can induce. That Toyota has achieved this while still maintaining sufficient headroom for adults is impressive.

The Grand Highlander's cockpit is distinctive from the regular Highlander's but follows familiar Toyota trends. There's a 12.3-inch touchscreen with the latest Toyota interface and a nice assortment of physical controls, with volume, climate and drive mode functions represented with knobs that require very little attention to operate effectively. As you'd expect from a family-oriented Toyota, the cabin is also littered with cupholders and USB-C charging points to help keep everyone entertained.

In the best Toyota tradition, it's practical and sensible, but some of the plastics feel a little cheap and the overall ambience is that of a mass-market alternative. The Kia Telluride does a more convincing job of offering a pseudo-luxury vibe for mainstream money.

There's also a pleasing array of electronic driver assist systems to help protect you on the move. Standard on every model is Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 that includes such niceties as automatic cruise control and high beams to help reduce stress and fatigue on longer journeys. A blind-spot warning system is also a great feature on such a large vehicle.

Interior storage options are plentiful and the tablet holders are a nice touch. Toyota has clearly put plenty of thought into how American families will actually use their SUV, especially on a road trip.

The Grand Highlander's maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, a little less than the Telluride's 5,500 pounds.

XLE
The entry-level Grand Highlander comes with a healthy list of standard features, including:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Heated mirrors
• Roof rails
• Power liftgate
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Heated and power-adjustable front seats
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Synthetic leather upholstery
• Second-row sunshades
• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Wireless charging pad
• Toyota's Safety Sense 3.0 suite of advanced safety features:
• Frontal collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Automatic high beams
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Traffic sign reader
• Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)

Limited
Step up to the Limited, and you'll add:

• 20-inch wheels
• Automatic wipers
• Power-folding mirrors
• Hands-free liftgate
• Fully digital instrument panel
• Heated steering wheel
• Ventilated front seats with memory settings
• Heated second-row seats
• Leather upholstery
• 11-speaker JBL audio system
• Ambient interior lighting
• Power outlet
• Bronze interior accents (Hybrid Max only)
• Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

Platinum
The top-spec Platinum includes everything above, plus:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Paddle shifters (AWD gasoline and Hybrid Max models only)
• Ventilated second-row seats
• Leather/synthetic suede combination upholstery
• 360-degree camera
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
• Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
• Front cross-traffic warning