2024 Toyota Grand Highlander: Elevating Family Travel to New Heights

As I embark on yet another vehicle review, I find myself grappling with the challenge of maintaining impartiality, knowing full well that my recent purchase of a Corolla Hybrid may inadvertently color my perception. With our decision to invest in the Corolla Hybrid, hailed as Toyota's best-selling hybrid vehicle in 2023 , for our 16-year-old daughter, there's evident a certain affinity for the brand within our household. However, as a professional dedicated to providing objective evaluations, I am committed to setting aside personal biases and offering a fair and honest assessment of each vehicle that crosses my path. So, as I dive into my review of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I approach it with a discerning eye, striving to deliver insightful and unbiased insights despite my familial ties to the Toyota brand.

In the bustling realm of SUVs, the Grand Highlander stands tall as a beacon of adaptability and innovation, placing functionality at the forefront. While it may not flaunt extravagant aesthetics, it more than compensates with its impressive suite of features tailored to the diverse needs of modern families.

At the core of the Grand Highlander lies its versatile powertrain options. During our testing, we experienced the capable performance of the 2.4L turbo gas engine in the Platinum AWD Trim, delivering a commendable 265 horsepower and a sprightly 0-60 time of just 7.5 seconds (FWD). However, the real gem lies in the Hybrid Max variant, offering an impressive 362 horsepower, 400 pound-feet of torque, and a blistering 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds, setting a new standard for performance in the three-row SUV segment.

Yet, it's within the cabin where the Grand Highlander truly shines. Families will revel in the abundance of space, particularly in the third row, where ample legroom ensures a comfortable journey for adult passengers. Even with the third row occupied, the cargo area effortlessly accommodates up to seven carry-on-size pieces of luggage. This versatility ensures that no family adventure is out of reach if you can convince your teens that they don't have to have multiple wardrobe changes while on vacation.

Comfort is paramount in the Grand Highlander. Drivers and passengers alike will appreciate the thoughtful design elements and premium materials throughout the cabin. Available leather-trimmed seats with 10-way power adjustments for the driver and 8-way adjustments for the passenger provide personalized comfort. For the Hybrid Max variant, Ultrasuede® and leather-trimmed seats with bronze-colored accents elevate the cabin's elegance, ensuring every journey is a luxurious experience. Where were these captains' chairs on the second row when my family made that 3-day road trip from Atlanta to Los Angeles every other summer in the '70s?

In terms of fuel economy, the Grand Highlander excels across its powertrain options. The gas engine boasts an EPA-estimated 24 combined MPG for the XLE FWD. In comparison, the hybrid powertrain impresses with an EPA-estimated 36 combined MPG for the XLE FWD. Meanwhile, the Hybrid Max offers an EPA-estimated 27 combined MPG, ensuring efficiency without compromising performance.

Technology takes the spotlight, with Toyota's latest Audio Multimedia system crafted and engineered by Toyota's Texas-based software teams. The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen display serves as the command center for numerous functions, including audio controls, navigation, and more. With features like Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist, drivers and passengers have access to intuitive voice-activated commands and real-time navigation powered by Google. Moreover, standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility ensure seamless smartphone integration, while available Wi-Fi Connect transforms the Grand Highlander into an AT&T Hotspot , keeping passengers connected on the move.

Safety is a top priority, thanks to Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. Advanced features such as Proactive Driving Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control work in unison to prevent collisions and provide invaluable support to drivers, ensuring a sense of security on every journey.

As our family unit has downsized to just the three of us at home, our appreciation for the spaciousness of full-size SUVs and minivans has only grown, especially during our long volleyball road trips. Despite the smaller size of our household, we still value the comfort and versatility offered by vehicles with ample interior space. After a week of navigating the city streets in the Grand Highlander, even my wife, a professed sports car enthusiast, would agree that maneuvering this SUV around town was surprisingly manageable. Its well-designed layout and responsive handling make it a practical choice for everyday adventures, whether commuting to work or embarking on our next road trip.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offers a refreshing take on family-oriented SUVs, prioritizing functionality and comfort without compromising maneuverability. Its spacious interior provides substantial room for passengers in all three rows, ensuring a comfortable journey for everyone. Unlike its bulkier competitors, the Grand Highlander maintains a manageable size, making it an ideal choice for daily driving. Additionally, its impressive cargo capacity sets it apart from other vehicles in its class, offering unmatched versatility without the need to opt for a larger or more expensive SUV. With its blend of practicality, comfort, and efficiency, the Grand Highlander proves to be a standout choice for families seeking a reliable and capable vehicle for their everyday adventures.