Isn’t it Grand? We test the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

Toyota has a recognized expertise in creating vehicles to fill categories.

In many cases this means taking an existing vehicle or platform and modifying it to meet those perceived different needs. New for the 2024 model year, the Toyota Grand Highlander is a stretched version of the best-selling Highlander.

The extra length is almost entirely dedicated to the third row and cargo area. That last row of seats gets an extra 14-cm of legroom compared to the Highlander. The result is adult-sized room.

The seat bottoms sit further off the floor than the Highlander for more comfort and there is also more cargo space behind that third row than in the Highlander.

As the name suggests, the Toyota Grand Highlander is big. While that may cause concern in tight parking spaces, it means there is LOTS of interior space. Size is also relative. If you are coming from another large three-row crossover, or a pickup, the Grand highlander will not be as intimidating.

This large crossover is all about interior space.

I came to think of it as a minivan without the convenience of sliding side doors. The rear doors do not open wide enough for truly easy access to that third row. And of course, they can hardly be opened very far in tight parking spaces or in a garage.

The second-row seats slide forward a long way, allowing you to get into that spacious third row once through the doorway. The backs of the second-row seats are soft, adding to the comfort of third row occupants should their knees come into contact.

The windows back there are large and the good visibility furthers the feeling that you were not relegated to the boonies.

The second-row Captain’s chairs in the tester folded flat for access to the third row and could move fore and aft in consideration of those in the rear. There is a removable storage bin between the buckets and generous cupholders in all three rows.

The front seat occupants are well looked after as well. The driver is treated to a Heads Up Display (HUD) that provides enough information it is rarely necessary to lower your vision to the instrument cluster.

There is a 31-cm touchscreen for the infotainment system and an impressive array of storage areas.

Noteworthy is the shelf in front of the passenger, the depth of the space beneath the centre console and provision for charging your cell phone. That last feature needs a rework – high friction material or raised edges. The phone slides off with any semblance of lateral movement of the vehicle.

Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 is standard, bringing a comprehensive suite of driving aids like lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Both operate in a non-intrusive manner. The automatic emergency braking system includes detection for people, bicycles and motorcycles.

The Grand Highlander comes in three trim levels with three different powertrains.

The tester was the middle of that pack with a mild hybrid setup pairing a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission with Toyota’s well-proven hybrid system. Performance was adequate, but if you regularly fill most of the available seats and live in hilly country, you might want to opt for the much more powerful Hybrid Max setup.

As expected of a hybrid, fuel mileage was impressive. The tester carried a combined rating of 7.0 L/100 km which was easy to achieve.

I was surprised by the relative alacrity of the Grand Highlander. The sheer size, weight and height had me expecting it to lean heavily in the turns and wallow on undulating surfaces. Yes, there was some body roll, but much less than expected. The suspension soaked up both major and minor road blemishes – compliant but not too soft.

If you are a Toyota fan and want something even larger, there is the Sequoia.

If that third row is truly essential, and destined for frequent use, the Sienna is the answer. To this scribe, the obvious and only answer, because minivans beat three-row crossovers hands down for one single reason – they have sliding side doors. Getting into and out of that third row is so much easier in crowded parking spots or garages.

FACTS & FIGURES – 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Limited Hybrid AWD

PRICE

Base: $61,190

As tested: $63,254 including freight

SAFETY

LED headlights with automatic high beams, lane departure warning with steering assist, front-to-front risk detection, lane trace assist, semi-automatic emergency steering, left turn oncoming vehicle detection/braking, blind spot monitoring with safe exit assist, rear cross traffic alert with brake, auto dimming rear view mirror

INFOTAINMENT

31-cm TFT infotainment screen

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Dynamic cruise control, panoramic view monitor, power windows and locks, garage door opener, wireless charging tray, 120-volt outlet, power tailgate with kick sensor, 20-in alloy wheels, panoramic moonroof, auto-retracting, reverse tilting, folding mirrors with puddle lamps and memory; ventilated leather seats with driver memory, power (10-way driver and eight-way passenger) front seats, 2^nd row captain’s seats, heated front and second row seats, heated tilt & telescope steering wheel, windshield de-icer

SIGNIFICANT OPTIONS

none

MECHANICAL

Turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder, 265-horsepower, 310 lb.-ft. of torque, regular fuel. Continuously Variable Automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive. NRCan rating (litres/100km city/highway): 6.6/7.4

DIMENSIONS

Length, 5,114-mm; width, 1,989 mm; wheelbase, 2,949 mm; weight, 2,095 kg

COMPETITION

Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-9, Subaru Ascent