2024 Toyota Grand Highlander: 3 Standout Features

Toyota loves SUVs. For the 2024 model year, the brand will offer no fewer than 10 different utility vehicle options. One of the more important entries this year is the all-new Grand Highlander.

As the name suggests, the vehicle is larger than the standard three-row Highlander, offering more passenger space as well as cargo capacity. We recently spent a week comparing the Grand Highlander to the refreshed 2024 Volkswagen Atlas. As we weighed each vehicle’s pros and cons, three features of Toyota’s latest SUV really stood out. One we loved, one is a matter of personal taste, and the third we were a bit surprised by.

We’ve summarized each below, including specifications as well as our impressions.

The Grand highlander is offered with a choice of three powertrains. This amount of choice is unusual in the segment, and quite welcome. The entry level engine is similar to what is offered by many competitors, a 265 horsepower (hp) turbocharged four-cylinder. Also available is a slightly less powerful (245 hp), but far more efficient, four-cylinder hybrid.

For those that want the best of both worlds though, there is the Hybrid MAX. By combing the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the hybrid system, the drivetrain's total output is 362 hp and 400 pound feet of torque. That’s quite robust for the segment, but the best part is it’s still rated to deliver 26 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with all-wheel drive.

Behind the wheel the extra, nearly instant power is noticeable. Compared to the Volkswagen Atlas, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, or Chevrolet Traverse, the Grand Highlander accelerates with extra authority. It’s a trait especially appreciated when loaded with passengers and cargo. To emphasize the power point further, Toyota augments the Hybrid MAX's engine note with piped in sound more akin to a larger V6 than a four-cylinder.

Not everyone is impressed with the Grand Highlander’s styling. Looks are completely subjective, and everyone has their own personal taste. We're even torn as we like some aspects of the SUV and don't like other areas.

The large grille and narrow headlights give the front end an out-of-proportion feel to it in our eyes. Conversely, the back of the vehicle is much more cohesive, with actual real exhaust tips (hurray!). Overall, it’s not offensive or bad, but it’s not eye-catching either. It’s just another variation of the shape and styling found throughout the segment.

One of the main reasons for the Grand Highlander’s existence is its third row. For years, one of our biggest complaints about the regular Highlander has been the lack of space in the third row. The Grand Highlander has addressed this. Legroom is up 5.5-inches, headroom grows by 1.1-inches, and shoulder room increases by 2.5-inches. These increases fully allow adults to fit in the Grand Highlander’s third row.

To our surprise though, it’s still not the segment leader in terms of real-world comfort. Some existing competitors are still better suited for adult passengers, namely the Volkswagen Atlas and the Honda Pilot. Although the Atlas only seats two in the third row and the Pilot’s advantage is slim at best, they’re still the back-most benches we’d rather be in for extended periods of time.

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