The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander: Power, Efficiency, and Design
Toyota's newest addition to their SUV lineup, the 2024 Grand Highlander, promises a blend of power, efficiency, and style. With three powertrain options across three different grades, it aims to suit a range of driving preferences and needs. Manufactured exclusively at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Princeton, Indiana, it embodies Toyota's commitment to innovation and sustainability. With its summer launch imminent, the Grand Highlander starts at an MSRP of $43,070 for the gas models, $44,670 for the hybrid, and $54,040 for the top-performing Hybrid MAX powertrain.
Performance and Efficiency Across Three Powertrains
The 2024 Grand Highlander offers a choice between a 2.4L turbo gas engine, a 2.5L hybrid, and a performance-focused Hybrid MAX powertrain. The gas engine boasts 265 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds (FWD). The hybrid option offers a slightly lower 245 horsepower but maintains a respectable 0-60 time of 7.8 seconds (AWD). The Hybrid MAX, with its 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, becomes the most potent midsize SUV ever manufactured by Toyota. Its 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds and towing capacity of 5,000 lbs (approximately 2268 kg) present a compelling option for drivers seeking performance without compromising on efficiency.
AWD Capability Across All Powertrains
Every powertrain variant of the Grand Highlander comes with an all-wheel-drive option. Whether it's the balanced 2.4L turbo gas engine, the efficient 2.5L hybrid, or the powerful Hybrid MAX, drivers can expect improved traction and enhanced driving stability. With different AWD systems across the powertrains – Dynamic Torque Control AWD for gas models and Electronic On-Demand AWD for hybrid models – the Grand Highlander ensures a stable and efficient performance.
Distinguished Design with Functionality at Heart
The Grand Highlander isn't all about power and performance; it's equally dedicated to aesthetic appeal and functionality. With a unique exterior design featuring a trapezoidal front grille and available 20” wheels, and a spacious interior that accommodates adult passengers comfortably in all three rows, the vehicle combines style with practicality. Particularly for the Hybrid MAX variant, unique bumpers and black-accented two-tone wheels offer a premium look, along with dual exhaust tips.
Versatility and Tech-Driven Convenience
Whether it's for short errands or long road trips, the Grand Highlander's versatility is one of its defining features. It boasts 97.5 cubic feet (approximately 2.76 cubic meters) of space with the second and third-row seats folded down, seven carryon suitcases behind the third row, and thoughtful storage areas throughout the cabin. Its user-centric controls revolve around a standard 12.3-inch multimedia display and include standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. The vehicle also offers Connected Services such as Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect service, enhancing the driving experience with a range of practical and advanced features.
Environmentally Conscious and Sustainable
Toyota's eco-conscious efforts continue with the Grand Highlander's hybrid variants. The 2.5L hybrid offers an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, while the Hybrid MAX manages a respectable 31 mpg combined. Toyota has utilized recycled and bio-based materials for various interior components to minimize the vehicle's environmental impact further. For instance, the headliner and carpet contain bio-PET materials, and parts of the seats use soy-based polyurethane foam. This commitment to sustainability highlights Toyota's dedication to reducing its environmental footprint, even as it brings more potent powertrains to the market.
Uncompromised Safety for Every Journey
In a demonstration of its unwavering commitment to safety, the 2024 Grand Highlander brings Toyota's innovative Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) to the forefront of its design. This suite of safety features assures that every trip is undertaken with maximum protection, comfort, and peace of mind.Stepping beyond conventional safety mechanisms, the TSS 3.0 system introduces the Proactive Driving Assist system as a standard feature. When the system operating conditions are fulfilled, it leverages the vehicle's advanced camera and radar system to provide gentle braking or steering assistance, helping to control the distance between the car, other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. The implementation of this system underscores Toyota's commitment to proactive safety.
Among other key safety enhancements, the TSS 3.0 upgrades the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD). Designed to alert the driver to potential frontward collisions through audio-visual cues, this system has now been fine-tuned to offer increased intersection support. The enhanced detection capabilities and the ability to detect motorcyclists mark significant improvements in collision prevention.
The TSS 3.0 also bolsters the Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA). This sophisticated feature aims to prevent unintentional straying from a lane by issuing an alert and applying corrective steering when necessary. The upgraded system now includes advanced lane recognition features, with the ability to identify certain 3D objects, such as guardrails.
To complement the vehicle's cruising capabilities, the Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control in TSS 3.0 has been augmented with a fourth following distance setting. Its heightened vehicle detection abilities allow the system to identify more than one preceding vehicle and those in adjacent lanes, facilitating smooth lane changes and speed adjustments.
When the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is enabled, the Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) comes into play, using the road lines or preceding vehicles to maintain the vehicle's lane position. An added Emergency Driving Stop System bolsters the LTA, capable of detecting an inattentive or non-responsive driver and, in response, gradually bringing the vehicle to a stop.
Lastly, the Road Sign Assist feature in TSS 3.0 extends its sign detection range to include specific intersection signs and warning signs, such as pedestrian crossings, improving navigational awareness and safety.
These advanced safety features attest to Toyota's commitment to driver and passenger safety in the 2024 Grand Highlander, providing reassurance for every journey.
Affordable Excellence: 2024 Grand Highlander Pricing
A detailed look at the 2024 Grand Highlander range reveals a compelling lineup of models, each offering an exceptional blend of luxury, technology, and efficiency at competitive price points. Here's a breakdown of the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for each variant:
- Starting the range is the Grand Highlander XLE FWD, priced at a competitive $43,070.
- The Grand Highlander XLE AWD version steps up the offering with all-wheel drive, priced slightly higher at $44,670.
- The Grand Highlander Limited FWD is available for $47,860, offering more refined features and technologies.
- The Grand Highlander Limited AWD adds all-wheel drive to the Limited's features, priced at $49,460.
- The Grand Highlander Platinum AWD, the most luxurious of the non-hybrid models, is priced at $53,545.
Toyota’s commitment to eco-friendly mobility is exemplified by the Hybrid range:
- The Grand Highlander XLE Hybrid FWD offers hybrid efficiency with a front-wheel drive system at $44,670.
- Its all-wheel drive counterpart, the Grand Highlander XLE Hybrid AWD, is priced at $46,270.
- The Grand Highlander Limited Hybrid AWD offers more luxurious features in a hybrid package for $51,060.
- The Grand Highlander Limited Hybrid MAX AWD steps it up a notch at $54,040.
- Finally, the top-of-the-line Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid MAX AWD offers the ultimate in luxury and hybrid efficiency for $58,125.
-Ed
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
