Toyota Grand Highlander — Prioritizing three rows of comfortable seats



(February 10, 2023) CHICAGO — The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander made its world premiere hours before the opening day of the Chicago Auto Show to showcase the latest and greatest addition to the successful SUV lineup for Toyota. “There is definitely a need in the market for a midsize-SUV that prioritizes interior comfort in all three rows and Grand Highlander is the ultimate option,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president of Toyota Marketing. 


“This 3-row model takes the Highlander legacy to an entirely new space while also keeping on our promise to deliver on electrification. Highlander was the first model in its segment to offer a hybrid powertrain back in 2006 and Grand Highlander further expands on our electrification leadership.”

Grand Highlander offers options from entry level to efficiency to performance all in one  package. It is available in three powertrains across three grades — the 2.4-liter turbo gas engine, the efficiency-leading 2.5-liter hybrid with a manufacturer-estimated 34 combined MPG, and the ultimate performance-seeking, 362 horsepower Hybrid MAX.

As part of Toyota’s diverse approach to carbon neutrality, the Grand Highlander Hybrid and Hybrid MAX vehicles are part of a lineup that looks to move “beyond zero.” With 10 hybrids, two plug-in hybrids, the new bZ4X battery electric vehicle and the zero emission hydrogen fuel cell technology of the Mirai, Toyota is committed to finding highly efficient and zero emission solutions that fit customers’ lifestyles across the US.

As a symbol of that commitment, the 2024 Grand Highlander will be the second Toyota vehicle to wear the new “Beyond Zero” badge, after the all-new Prius – a global effort toward achieving carbon neutrality in Toyota’s products, manufacturing and beyond.

Designed by Calty Design Studios and exclusively manufactured at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Princeton, Indiana, the price and on-sale date of the all-new 2024 Grand Highlander will be announced later this summer.

Built on the TNGA-K platform, Grand Highlander is the active family cruiser fit for everything from short trips to long drives. It offers thoughtful storage areas throughout the cabin, ample cargo capacity with room for seven carryon suitcases behind the third row. A total of around 98 cubic feet of space with the seats folded down, and a spacious adult-sized third row.

Controls are centered around the standard 12.3-inch multimedia display. The configurable center console can fit a tablet (with internal tray removed) and also features a wireless charger, two USB ports, and three cup holders – including one capable of holding a large water bottle. While on the passenger side, a pocket capable of holding a small bag is provided.

A sliding console cover is offered so that the lid can be opened and closed with the armrests in use, allowing for even more versatility for both driver and passenger. On the passenger side of the dashboard, another USB port and a tray capable of neatly holding a cord during charging are included, providing more usability for the passenger.



In the second-row seats, an air conditioning control panel and separate left/right USB ports are placed together on the top of the console end, within easy reach of second-row passengers. Cup holders are also provided on the center armrest (bench seat specification), while cup holders, a smartphone storage slit and multi-purpose tray are provided on the rear console for the captain’s seat configuration. A multi-purpose tray as well as additional water bottle storage is provided in the door trim.

And, for third row passengers, individual USB ports, smartphone/tablet storage space, and two cup & bottle holders are provided on the deck side, allowing for diverse usage scenarios. Additionally, a support grip for use during ingress and a hand support space for use during egress are provided to enhance the accessibility. Across all three rows, Grand Highlander is road-trip ready — equipped with 13 cup holders big enough for large water bottles and seven USB-C charge ports to keep devices charged and at the ready.

Other available conveniences include heated steering wheel and power folding mirrors (Limited and Platinum), heated and ventilated front and second row seats (Platinum), 1,500-Watt power outlets (Limited Hybrid, Limited Hybrid MAX, and Platinum Hybrid MAX), and a hands-free power back door (Limited and Platinum).

When it comes to performance and efficiency, Toyota offers both in the first-ever Grand Highlander. Offered in three powertrains in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) — the well-balanced 2.4L turbo gas engine (FWD/AWD), the efficiency-leading 2.5L hybrid (FWD/AWD) and the ultimate performance-seeking, 362-horsepower Hybrid MAX with 400-pound feet of torque with standard AWD — there is something for everyone.

All three powertrain options come with three Drive Modes (Sport, Eco, Normal) to make driving more engaging – while Multi-Terrain Select with Three Modes (Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow) are offered on the gas AWD and Hybrid MAX powertrains for even more on and off-road capability.

The Hybrid MAX powertrain makes Grand Highlander the most powerful Mid-SUV Toyota has ever built. Drivers will experience impressive performance off the line, as well — thanks to a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Hybrid MAX powertrain also offers 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity.

When it comes to the latest tech, the Grand Highlander is equipped with the best from Toyota – thanks to the standard 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system designed and engineered by Toyota’s Texas-based Connected Technologies team. Grand Highlander drivers will also have the opportunity to access a wide range of enhanced available connectivity and convenience features, including Over-the-Air (OTA) updates.

Users can interact with the system through intuitive touch and voice activation controls. With the available Connected Service Drive Connect, drivers and passengers have access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. With Intelligent Assistant, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awaken the system for voice activated commands to search for directions, find Points of Interest (POI), adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more.

Cloud Navigation, the available onboard navigation solution, utilizes the cloud to download the latest available map, traffic and routing information. To ensure users have the most up-to-date search capabilities, POI search is provided by Google Points-of-Interest data. Destination Assist also gives access to 24/7 live agent assistance to locate the next destination.