The ultimate family SUV.
That’s quite a statement. But the all-new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum mid-size SUV with four-wheel drive fits the billing.
“There is definitely a need in the market for a SUV that prioritizes interior comfort in all three rows and Grand Highlander is the ultimate option,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president of Toyota Marketing. “This three-row model takes the Highlander legacy to an entirely new space while also keeping our promise to deliver on electrification. Highlander was the first model in its segment to offer a hybrid powertrain back in 2006 and Grand Highlander further expands on our electrification leadership.”
My tester was powered by a Hybrid MAX 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The two combine to generate 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, while still delivering 27 miles per gallon fuel economy.
It is the most powerful mid-SUV Toyota has ever built. Drivers will experience impressive performance off the line, as well – thanks to a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Hybrid MAX powertrain also offers 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity.
More importantly, three drive modes are provided, sport, eco and normal to make driving more engaging and adaptive to Northwest weather conditions. Hybrid MAX also includes Multi-Terrain Select with three modes, mud and sand rock and dirt, and snow for even more on- and off-road capability.
Grand Highlander seats up to seven adults, with the third-row folding flat to accommodate up to seven carry on suitcases. Our trip to SeaTac to drop off our daughter and fiancé for a Thanksgiving trip allowed for four adults and two large suitcases with plenty of room for more.
The SUV is road trip ready with 13 cup holders big enough for large water bottles and seven USB-C charge ports to keep devices charged and read. Both second- and third-row seats are spacious enough for adults to ride in comfort. Sometimes children are relegated to the third-row, but that’s not the case here.
Driver and shotgun passengers benefit from a configurable center console large enough to fit a tablet. Other features include a wireless charger, two USB ports, and three cup holders. A sliding console cover is offered so that the lid can be opened and closed with the armrests in use, allowing for even more versatility for both driver and passenger. On the passenger side of the dashboard, another USB port and a tray capable of neatly holding a cord during charging are included.
Creature comforts include a panoramic moonroof, leather heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, push-button start, three-zone auto climate control, digital rearview mirror, 11 JBL speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch multimedia screen.
The 2024 Grand Highlander will come standard with the latest Toyota Safety Sense generation, TSS 3.0. This suite of safety features includes: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist,,Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist,,Automatic High Beams, and Proactive Driving Assist.
Proactive Driving Assist is new to the Toyota Safety Sense package. When system operating conditions are met, using the vehicle’s camera and radar, this system provides gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist. Proactive Driving Assist is not a substitute for the Pre-Collision System and operates in different circumstances.
Base Price: $59,520
Price As Driven: $59,878
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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