To go into battle with the new Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot and Subaru Evoltis, as well as the Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Explorer, is that Toyota decided to expand its range of SUVs with the Grand Highlanderan extended version of highlanderswith capacity for seven adults and that will be between Highlander and Sequoia.
With eight seats in some of its versions, the Grand Highlander will be Toyota’s largest unibody SUV before going to sequoiabased on the Tundra pickup platform and geared towards models like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe.
Grand Highlander 2024: outside
- Long: 5.116mm
- Broad: 1989mm
- High: 1,781mm
- Distance between axis: 2,946mm
With respect to highlanders traditional, there are some changes in dimensions. For example, him Highlander measures between 4.9 and 5 meters approximately, according to the exterior aesthetic kit and has 2,850 mm between axles, that is, this model is almost 165 mm larger. If we add to this a redesign of the rear suspension, which maintains its multilink scheme, a more spacious cabin is achieved with space for seven adults in seven or eight seats, depending on the version.
Toyota claims that folding down all the seats yields a full 2,775 liters of space, which is 396 liters more than in the traditional Highlander. Even if you have the back row unfolded, you could fit seven cabin suitcases.
Using the same TNGA-K modular platformGrand Highlander has a much less fluid and boxier design, helping it achieve a more utilitarian and rugged look.
The front has a lot of RAV4, with an aluminum-colored profile that defines the upper part of the grill and then descends to the sides. Below, the main grille is bulky and features a hexagonal design, flanked by two “bracket”-style inserts. The rear is very sober and has C-shaped lights in a high position.
Depending on the version we will see wheels from 18 to 20 inches, as well as more metallic accents.
Grand Highlander 2024: Inside
The interior of the Grand Highlander is, above all things, spacious. It does not boast luxury or modernity. Everything is black and at most, we can see stitching or mixed upholstery and copper-colored accents (depending on the version there may be an imitation wood or carbon fiber), but nothing very futuristic, much less premium.. What Toyota wants is for you and your family to feel like you are in a living room.
To keep all occupants comfortable, Toyota offers seven USB-C ports and 13 cup holders, independent climate controls for the rear seats, and the option of individual second-row seats.
In front, everything is dominated by a 12.3-inch screen with OTA updates and wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a multi-use center console with two wireless chargers and space to even put a tablet.
In more equipped versions we can find equipment such as:
- JBL 11-speaker audio system
- Head-up Display
- Electric adjustments for the front seats
- Wi-Fi support
- Panoramic view camera
- heated seats
- heated steering wheel
- Plug for 1,500 watts
- hands free gate
Other important technological elements are connected services, which include roadside assistance, stolen vehicle locator, maintenance reports and more.
On the security side, the suite is present Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 which includes as standard:
- Pre-collision system with detection of pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists, regardless of whether they are on the road or an intersection
- Lane departure warning with steering assistant
- Full range adaptive cruise control
- lane layout
- Signage recognition
- Automatic high beams
- Proactive steering assistant: gently brakes or turns the car on its own, seeking to support the aforementioned assistance
In other versions we can find:
- Front and rear cross traffic alerts
- blind spot monitor
- Digital center mirror (with camera)
- Rain sensor
Grand Highlander 2024: Performance
On the motor side, Toyota has not released many details. We only know that among the options there is a 2.4 Turbo engine with a power close (but not confirmed) of 265 Hp and a 2.5 hybrid engine of 247 Hp (tentative), both with a choice of single-wheel drive or AWD.
The biggest novelty comes in the hands of the Hybrid Max powertrain taken from the Toyota Crown, which has two electric motors and a 2.4 Turbo engine. In total, these should develop close to 362 hp and 400 pound-feet of peak torque. This engine can reach 96 km/h in 6.3 seconds.
The conventional engine will be associated with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid models will have an eCVT transmission.
All three powertrains feature drive modes (Sport, Eco, and Normal) plus three traction modes on AWD models (Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow)
The Grand Highlander will be manufactured in Indiana, United States, with three trim levels (XLE, Limited, Platinum). As it is a 2024 model, it will be released during the second half of this year, where Toyota will reveal more details of this model.
