Since the early 1990s, the midsize SUV market with three rows has been a hot one. The segment has been booming for the past five years with new models offering attractive pricing, practicality in the real world, an array of desirable features, and generally upscale interiors. In the last five years, models like the Hyundai Grand Cherokee L, the Kia Telluride, and the upcoming Mazda CX-90 have been introduced. These have raised the expectations of buyers for a family hauler that rides higher. These models, along with the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder, among others, provide plenty of choices for buyers looking for a midsize SUV capable of carrying up to eight people.

Toyota’s Highlander is another mainstay of the segment. Like the RAV4, it’s an impressive sales success. The Grand Highlander is a great option for those looking for more space inside without having to go for a full-size SUV such as the Toyota Sequoia. The Grand Highlander 2024 offers more interior space than the Highlander standard, thanks to its larger dimensions. Its “grand” designation is due to the more luxurious amenities. The Grand Highlander was unveiled in February and will be available for the 2024 model. Here are some reasons why it is a better choice than the other midsized SUVs with three rows.

The Grand Highlander is more spacious than the Standard Highlander

Grand Highlander is 6.5 inches longer, two inches wider, and taller than the standard model. However, the interior dimensions of the Grand Highlander are its biggest selling point in a segment that values size. The Grand Highlander offers up to 33.5 inches of extra legroom for the second row.

Front-row legroom: 41.7 inches

Front-row hip space: 56.5 inches

Front-row headroom: 41.5 inches

Second-row legroom: 39.5 inches

Second-row hip space: 57 inches

Second-row headroom: 40.2-inches

Third-row legroom: 33.5 inches

Third-row hip space: 45.7 inches

Third-row headroom: 37.2 inches

The Toyota has more legroom in the third row than the Honda Pilot (31.9″), Kia Telluride (31.4″), and full-sized luxury SUVs such as the Sequoia and GMC Yukon XL.

The Toyota Grand Highlander has more cargo space than you might need.

The Grand Highlander offers five cubic feet more storage behind the rear seat than the Highlander standard. The Grand Highlander offers 97.5 cubic feet behind the front seats.

After you have crammed eight people in the Grand Highlander’s seats, you can still fit seven carry-on suitcases behind the third row. As a couple or traveling alone, the Grand Highlander can accommodate up to 30 pieces of carry-on luggage. This is more than any couple could ever need on a trip or vacation.

Grand Highlander 2024: The Only ICE Available Is A Turbocharged 4-cylinder

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander’s first engine option is the turbocharged, 2.4-liter four-cylinder. It can produce up to 265 hp and 310 pound-feet of torque. The power is 20-30 horses less than the competition, but that’s to be expected.

The Grand Highlander has a better trade-off with its eight-speed transmission. It produces around 50 pound-feet more torque than its competitors. You can anticipate an average of 22 to 24 MPG depending on the Grand Highlander trim level that you choose, with a high of 28 miles per gal.

The Grand Highlander 2024 can come with a basic hybrid system

The basic hybrid system is the second drivetrain that will be available for the Grand Highlander in 2024. This is not to be confused with Hybrid MAX, the vehicle everyone is talking about. The basic hybrid system uses a 2.5-liter, non-turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total of 243 horsepower.

The Grand Highlander uses regenerative braking to charge its hybrid battery while driving, as with other hybrid systems. The EPA found that for the Hybrid, fuel consumption ranges from 34 to 36 MPG, depending on the trim level. City figures can reach as high as 37 MPG.

Grand Highlander is available with Toyota’s hybrid MAX engine

It will be able to go from 0-60 in just 6.2 seconds and tow up 5,000 pounds. The setup is the same as that of the U.S.-spec Toyota Crown.

The Toyota Grand Highlander equipped with the Hybrid MAX Engine comes with standard all-wheel drive.

The Grand Highlander is Available in a Variety of Trim Levels

You will understand the excitement if you remember when you could only choose between one or two trim options. The Grand Highlander offers up to 7 choices. There is a small level for every budget, need, and want.

Toyota Grand Highlander:$43.070 as a starting MSRP

Toyota Grand Highlander Limited – Starting MSRP at $47,860

Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum – Starting MSRP at $54,545

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid: $44670 as MSRP

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited: Starting MSRP at $51,060

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Limited: Starting MSRP of $54,040

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum: Starting MSRP of $58,125

Certain features come standard with each trim level, and other options can be added. It would be best if you did thorough research on the qualities you are looking for before you commit to one trim level or another. Remember that even if a trim level does not include a particular part that you desire, it can still be added. There are aftermarket shops that will install the region for a small fee if you don’t order it at the time.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander comes with plenty of connectivity

The Grand Highlander is a great example of how to differentiate yourself in the competitive three-row midsized SUV segment by offering the most advanced tech and connectivity. The gauge cluster has a 7-inch digital display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen as standard. A fully digital unit is also available. The SUV will have standard wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and an integrated streaming feature that links separate Apple Music and Amazon Music subscriptions through the SUV.

Grand Highlander also supports over-the-air upgrades to “…access a variety of enhanced connectivity and convenient features. The SUV comes with Connected Services Drive Connect. This system uses “Hey Toyota,” similar to Mercedes’ MBUX, for voice control, navigation, and adjusting climate controls.

JBL Audio System Bumps The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

1927 was an excellent year for America. Lansing Manufacturing Company, which still makes some of the finest speakers in the industry today, was founded to manufacture them. Lansing Company is now known as JBL, but the parent company is Samsung. You’ve heard that name a thousand times, so you can be sure they are high-quality speakers.

The 2024 Grand Highlander, like many other Toyota vehicles, will come with a JBL stereo system, which includes 13 speakers spread throughout the SUV. You can expect an 11-inch JBL Subwoofer powered by an amplifier, depending on the trim level.