The “Grand” prefix in the name suggests everything is going to be better, bigger. Toyota confirmed the new version of the popular SUV, but many details are still missing. Although the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander shares the name with a mid-size model, it will bring a unique offer. The SUV takes the position between standard Highlander and Sequoia. We don’t know if it is going to use a ladder frame.
That opens a lot of room for rumors. For example, some experts think the Grand Highlander might replace the 4Runner. Others also mention the new Lexus TX, as its premium sibling. We can say there are a few certain things about the upcoming SUV – it will be a larger and improved version of the current Highlander. The company recently sacrificed power to gain extra mileage. Although it returns 35 mpg, fans were not quite happy with the performance. That is why the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is there with a hybrid engine and 340 hp under the bonnet.
Full Specs
Let’s start with an engine room. Although it is not official, the most likely engine for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander will be the same one the company is using for the new Crown sedan. Unfortunately, it is not a V6 mill, but the configuration is still good for 340 horsepower. A 2.4-liter petrol displacement comes with potent hybrid support. Besides power, the system also bursts 400 lb-ft of torque. This plant seems to be perfect for an upscale version of the standard Highlander.
Nevertheless, the SUV also needs an alternative. A 2.5-liter hybrid from the little brother is the most likely choice. However, since the 2024 Grand Highlander is bigger, don’t expect 35 mpg from this vehicle. It also drops the power output. In the base form, the hybrid setup is ready to deliver 245 horsepower. Not bad, but still not impressive. It is criticized as an underperformer for the standard Highlander, so the drivers can’t expect anything better on the larger SUV.
Teaser Images and Styling Similarities With the Highlander
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is confirmed, the company announced a few photos, but we still don’t know a lot of things about the vehicle. Nevertheless, those images were drawn through a few photoshop tools to show more details. If the concept carries over the styling to the production version, you’ll get a mix of the current Highlander and a few new solutions.
The overall shape reminds us of the standard SUV. But, there are also details that show differences, such as the rear bumper with round exhaust tips. Also, taillights are revisited for the Grand Highlander to make it look more distinctive.
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Interior
Since the SUV is larger than the Highlander, a three-row layout is certain. The question is if the vehicle is going to offer a two-row configuration. Extra space will be used to get more cargo room. Also, the current mid-size SUV was criticized for the crumped third row. The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander will provide more room for legs and head. Maybe some high-end grades can be out with captain’s chairs in the middle row.
When it comes to technology, Toyota is not a leader. The new SUV is going to offer all popular services and gadgets, but the offer will hardly stun you. We were waiting for ages to see Apple CarPlay and Android Auto even available for their vehicles. Luckily, leading smartphone integration services are now standard. You will also find a large touchscreen as the center of the infotainment system, but the base audio is really modest on most SUVs.
Safety Comes First
While the entry-level options from the infotainment system are not making Toyota’s vehicles so impressive, safety makes a totally opposite impression. All the vehicles are loaded with many options. The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander will definitely offer the Safety Sense 2.5+ suite. This one includes traffic signs recognition, warning for the impending collision, adaptive cruise control that adjusts speed and keeps distance from vehicles in front of your SUV, automatic high beams, and lane keeping system. Optional upgrades and accessories available at higher grades are a blind-spot monitor, automated parking, surround-view camera, digital rearview mirror…
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Release Date and Price
Since it is expected as the 2024 YM, the Grand Highlander is going to be launched somewhere in 2023. The official premiere can happen any time, but the production won’t start before the second half of the year. As a bigger brother, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander will carry a higher price tag than the standard SUV. Plus, the premiere edition usually comes with some unique packages. The cost of that one depends on the features it uses. But, the entry-level model should be around $40,000, if the Grand Highlander keeps the base hybrid setup. If the 340-hp rated configuration is the standard offer, then expect the price to be around $45,000.