Designfax weekly eMagazine

Subscribe Today!

Archives

View Archives

Partners

Manufacturing Center
Product Spotlight

Modern Applications News
Metalworking Ideas For
Today's Job Shops

Tooling and Production
Strategies for large
metalworking plants

Toyota Grand Highlander: Ultimate family SUV

Toyota's all-new 2024 Grand Highlander offers options from entry level to efficiency to performance -- all in one attractive, versatile, and roomy three-row package. Rally the troops. There's plenty of room and power to zoom.

The midsize SUV is available in three powertrains in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) across three grades (XLE, Limited, and Platinum): the 2.4L turbo gas engine (around 260 hp, numbers not out yet) with eight-speed automatic transmission, an efficiency-leading 2.5L hybrid (around 240 hp) with a manufacturer-estimated 34 combined MPG, and an ultimate performance-seeking 362-hp Hybrid MAX. The Hybrid MAX powertrain combines the 2.4L turbo with two electric motors. This configuration makes Grand Highlander the most powerful mid-SUV Toyota has ever built, with a 0-to-60 time of 6.3 sec.

Built on the TNGA-K platform, Grand Highlander is the perfect cruiser for an active family for everything from short trips to long drives. It offers thoughtful storage areas throughout the cabin (including ample cargo capacity with room for seven carry-on suitcases behind the third row), a total of around 98 cubic ft of space with the seats folded down, and a spacious adult-sized third row.

All three powertrain options come with three Drive Modes: Sport, Eco, and Normal. Multi-Terrain Select with Three Modes (Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Snow) is offered on the gas AWD and Hybrid MAX powertrains. Hybrid MAX comes standard with AWD. The Hybrid MAX powertrain also offers 5,000 lb of towing capacity.

From the outside, the new Grand Highlander looks like it is ready to do business, mostly higher-end deals with its bold trapezoidal, hammerhead front grille, and its available 20-in. wheels. The Grand Highlander is almost 7 in. longer, over 2 in. wider, and 2 in. taller than the standard Highlander model. Black rockers give it that in-style raised SUV look. In the back, it features a sharp rear bumper. The Hybrid Max powertrain variant features an exclusive front/rear lower bumper and an available dual exhaust.

The thoughtful and spacious design continues to the interior. The soft-padded instrument panel floats above the available wood-effect ornamentation that continues into the door trim, with a functional tray shape that is seamlessly integrated between them. The vibe is a comfortable living room-like space.

High-quality leather stitch work expresses a modern and refined elegance. Drivers will enjoy available leather trimmed seats with 10-way power driver and 8-way passenger adjustments (Limited and Platinum). Hybrid MAX drivers will experience Ultrasuede and leather-trimmed seats with bronze-colored accents.

Controls are centered around the standard 12.3-in. multimedia display. The configurable center console can fit a tablet (with internal tray removed) and also features a wireless charger, two USB ports, and three cup holders (including one capable of holding a large water bottle). On the passenger side of the dashboard, another USB port and a tray capable of neatly holding a cord during charging are included, providing more usability for the passenger.

In the second-row seats, an air conditioning control panel and separate left/right USB ports are placed together on the top of the console end, within easy reach of second-row passengers. For third row passengers, individual USB ports, smartphone/tablet storage space, and two cup and bottle holders are provided.

Other available conveniences include heated steering wheel and power folding mirrors (Limited and Platinum), heated and ventilated front and second row seats (Platinum), 1,500-W power outlets (Limited Hybrid, Limited Hybrid MAX, and Platinum Hybrid MAX), and a hands-free power back door (Limited and Platinum).

Safety features are aplenty for Grand Highlander, too. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is standard on all grades. Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is available on Limited and Platinum grades. A Panoramic View Monitor is available and provides a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle. Many more options.

Exclusively manufactured at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Princeton, IN, the price and on-sale date of the all-new 2024 Grand Highlander will be announced later this summer. We expect it to start around $40,000.

The Grand Highlander is a totally new model for Toyota, so not all details have been released yet. Check out toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/grandhighlander/ for more information as it rolls out.

Source: Toyota

Published April 2023

Rate this article