As expected, the new version of the Highlander SUV – a larger Grand Highlander, will get a hybrid drivetrain. The high-end version will feature a more potent unit – the I Force system with hybrid technology. Well, the biggest downside of the regular Highlander is its low power output. The company sacrificed a lot of horsepower to get exceptional gas mileage. The Grand Highlander just can’t be competitive with 250 hp.
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max is there to fix the situation. A 2.5-liter engine with hybrid support can do at least 270 horsepower. If the Max means the maximum output, then we could see a configuration with 360 ponies. The company is not unveiling all the details about the new SUV yet. For now, there are two hybrid units, and the third one is listed on the official site, but it is unavailable for the current lineup.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max System
That third setup is going to produce 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Further details are not announced. You can expect the gas mileage to be around 30 mpg, which is around 5 mpg under the standard Highlander. But, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max is using a 2.4-liter turbo-four unit as the base one. It is also the powerplant of the base petrol system. Without a hybrid support, it can make 265 hp and 310 lb-ft. A four-banger will be fuel-friendlier than the V6 unit we had in a previous generation. Standard hybrid is combining a 2.5-liter petrol engine with electric support. This is the most fuel-friendly setup that will return you 34 mpg.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max vs Competition
It is hard to find a true competitor to the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max. Regular Highlander really set high standards. Other companies need to catch up with this mid-size SUV. It is a best-seller with a reason, and the main one is exceptional gas mileage. All the things will be carried over to the Grand Highlander SUV. It is positioned between mid- and full-size classes. It gives you a bit more space than the Highlander and that’s mostly all. We saw such modifications in the full-size segment with long-wheelbase upgrades of GMC Yukon, Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition….
Best Options
There are many things you will like on this vehicle. The first one is more space than the ordinary Highlander – 98 cubic feet. That is also more than all rivals can offer. The SUV keeps a high fuel economy rating. Plus, there are many cool features you can find only in some luxury vehicles. Toyota upgraded the infotainment system and it is now on par with some top of the line multimedia – Audi MMA or Mercedes MBUX. Also, the standard feature is Smart Key for unlocking the vehicle via a smartphone app. High-end trims will give you a 360-degree camera and a traffic jam assist.
Trim Levels
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max is available in just two trim levels. Well, only the entry-level XLE is unavailable for this engine configuration. Compared to the standard hybrid, the Max edition offers top of the range Platinum edition.
Both Limited and Platinum grades offer plenty of premium options. You’ll start off with a set of 20-inch wheels, a hands-free liftgate, heated steering wheel, and cooled front leather seats. Ambient lighting makes a ride cozier, as well as premium audio. For the Hybrid Max, there are unique bronze details inside the cockpit. The Safety Sense 3.0 edition adds a blind-spot warning system. Price for this configuration starts from $54,000. That is $3k more than for the standard hybrid.
The Platinum package is the most expensive grade with a panoramic sunroof, navigation, paddle shifters, 360-degree camera and HUD. Most of those options are available for luxury vehicles. In the Toyota family, that is Lexus RX. The Grand Highlander is a non-premium version of the extended RX L model.