The gas-only 2024 Grand Highlander comes in three distinct trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum. A turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine making 265 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque is their power source; it’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XLE and Limited have standard front-wheel drive with an option for all-wheel drive, which the Platinum gets standard.
For added versatility, a drive-mode selector provides a choice of four settings: Sport, Eco, Normal, and Snow. Grand Highlanders with AWD receive Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select system, presenting additional off-road settings for Mud & Sand and Rock & Dirt. Across the range, the maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. Grand Highlanders do well on fuel economy: according to the EPA’s official estimates, the FWD version returns 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while those with AWD achieve close to the same at 20 city/26 highway.
As you might expect, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is replete with cutting-edge amenities. The base XLE gets a power liftgate, proximity keyless entry and Digital Key, tri-zone automatic climate control, LED headlights, a windshield wiper de-icer, heated side mirrors with blind-spot indicators, roof rails, push-button start, a wireless phone charge pad, seven USB-C ports (one media and six charging), an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, a 7-inch Multi-Information Display, and retractable second-row sunshades. The seats are upholstered in easy-maintenance synthetic leather, and the front seats are heated and power adjustable. Also, while second-row captain’s chairs are standard, a second-row bench seat is available to increase seating from seven to eight.
The Limited gains a hands-free liftgate, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding side mirrors, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, two 120V power outlets, ambient interior lighting, first- and second-row leather upholstery, ventilated front seats with driver’s position memory, and heated outboard second-row seats. As with the XLE, the option for a second-row bench seat is offered. The Platinum is the pinnacle of refinement, providing a panoramic moonroof, facial recognition software, a 10-inch head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and ventilated outboard second-row captain’s chairs.
Every ’24 Grand Highlander trim is set up with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, bundling a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, automatic high beams, and proactive driving assist. The Limited offers a panoramic view monitor, which comes standard in the Platinum along with traffic jam assist.
In the multimedia department, all trims feature a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the XLE gets a basic six-speaker audio system, the Limited and Platinum are amplified with a JBL unit with eleven speakers. To sweeten the deal even further, owners get a one-year trial subscription to Drive Connect, which includes Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist.