The Toyota Highlander has been around for almost two decades and, in terms of sales, has done great for the company. The mid-sized SUV offers space, comfort, reliability, and a price tag that is affordable by many. Furthermore, it was the first mid-sized SUV to feature a hybrid drivetrain, meaning that it stayed true to the routes of Toyota and its passion for hybrid-powered vehicles.

Today, the Highlander remains a great seller for the company, but with current market trends, a small tweak to the line-up is being made. That tweak is the bigger and more comfortable Grand Highlander. A large crossover that is aimed towards the larger SUVs like the Grand Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee. Let’s see what’s on offer.

Related: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Is Very Big, But Does 0-60 MPH In 6.3 Seconds

What Is The Toyota Grand Highlander?

Blue Grand Highlander
Toyota
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander front shot

The Grand Highlander follows in the footsteps of other SUVs in the current market as there seems to be a push for large vehicles. For example, Land Rover has released the Defender 130 and Jeep also has “Grand” versions of their SUVs. This has led to Toyota taking a similar route for the US market. The Grand Highlander is a three-row SUV just like the normal Highlander, but due to its larger size, it is far more comfortable. Toyota has stated that adults can seat comfortably in the third row of the vehicle. Once we get to the interior features, you will also realize that this is a vehicle that is loaded with gadgets and could even be classified as luxurious.

Design-wise, the Grand Highlander looks like the normal Highlander, but in an upgraded way. It features many sharp edges and designs ques similar to the RAV4 and even the 4Runner. It is worth mentioning that many times crossovers of this size tend to look stretched and disproportionate. This, however, isn’t the case with the Grand Highlander.

The Grand Highlander Packs Some Interesting Specs

Blue Grand Highlander
Toyota
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander side profile shot

First and foremost, let’s start with the size. The Grand Highlander has a wheelbase that is four inches longer than the normal Highlander. This helps tie in the design of the vehicle while also improving interior space. The Grand Highlander is six inches longer than the normal vehicle, which drastically improves interior space. The new model comes in three trim levels, the XLE, Limited, and Platinum. Most press vehicles are in the Platinum versions; therefore, the specs mentioned in this article will revolve around the fully loaded car. One of the most interesting updates lies under the hood. The Grand Highlander will keep the 2.4-liter turbo and the 2.5 hybrids out of the normal Highlander, but it will also receive a new hybrid powertrain that is based on 2.4-liter turbo engine. This new heart will provide the big crossover with 362 horsepower and 400lb-ft of torque. The stint from 0-60 will only take 6.3 seconds – an impressive number considering the category of vehicles this thing falls into.

Related: Toyota Gives A Sneak Peek Of Its New Grand Highlander SUV

The Interior Is A Great Place To Be

Grand Highlander Interior
Toyota
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander front dashboard

A vehicle like this one is all about the interior. The reason most people buy a large crossover is so they can haul their family comfortably and safely. As soon as you get into the Grand Highlander, you are greeted with a familiar Toyota layout which is a good thing. Everything is where you expect it to be, and everything is relatively simple to use. A big pro here is the fact that the dashboard still incorporates plenty of physical buttons. This makes adjusting the climate control and other functions that are used often a breeze. Buttons in screens and submenus really does not seem to work. In any case, the infotainment system is 12.3 inches, and the driver gets a digital cluster. Granted, there are systems out there with better graphics and perhaps more functions, but both the instrument cluster and infotainment screen in the Toyota do what they are supposed to do. In the center console, we find huge cupholders, wireless charging, and a wide and deep storage area. Heated and ventilated seats are available, and there are a lot of USB-C ports to keep your devices charged.

Grand Highlander Rear Seats
Toyota
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander rear seats

The second row is equally as impressive, with endless leg and headroom and heated and ventilated captain’s chairs. Rear seat passengers have their own climate controls and vents and even more USB-C ports. It is safe to say that sitting in the rear of the grand Highlander is a pleasure rather than a chore.

Third-row seats of a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum
Toyota
Third-row seats of a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum

Lastly, we have the third row, which in most crossovers, is cramped and mostly for kids. This isn’t the case here. Getting in is immensely easy thanks to the large opening that is left when the second-row seats are folded. As soon as you are in, you will be surprised by the space available. Most adults will be able to fit relatively comfortably back there. Granted, the floor is a bit higher which means your legs cannot stretch as easily, but for a third row, it is certainly respectable. Oh, USB-C ports, cup holders, and climate control vents also find their way back in the third row. Everyone will be comfortable onboard the Grand Highlander.

Related: The 2023 Toyota Highlander Turbo Is Torque-Happy and Eco-Friendly

When Will The Grand Highlander Be Available, And Should You Buy It?

Blue Grand Highlander

As of now, the Grand Highlander has not been released for purchase yet. However, it is expected to do so later this year; therefore, you won’t have to wait for long. Official pricing has not been provided yet, but we expect it to start right around the $45,000 mark. Once again, the features mentioned above are from a Platinum model, which will probably cost upwards of $60,000. For that, however, you get Lexus-like luxury. If you want a Crossover that is safe in slippery conditions and can tackle long journeys with the whole family onboard extremely comfortably, then few cars can compare with the Grand Highlander. It will offer Toyota reliability, plenty of power, and insane amounts of comfort.