2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
For the most power and best efficiency in the 2024 Grand Highlander lineup, hybrid is the way to go. Toyota offers two levels of gas-electric power with its new big three-row, and neither is a plug-in. The Grand Highlander Hybrid slots between the smaller Highlander and larger Sequoia in the automaker's SUV range, and the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot are among its competitors.
What's New
The new Grand Highlander isn't simply a bigger Highlander. Toyota has created a separate model line that bridges the gap between its midsize three-row and full-size SUVs. It's also supposed to be a more upscale and capable conveyance, with a greater amount of premium fare than the smaller SUV. Grand Highlander Hybrid models are available with two powertrains, one geared for maximum efficiency and the other for maximum grunt.
What We Think
Dynamically, there aren't many surprises from the 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid, and that's a good thing. With its muscular Hybrid Max powertrain, the SUV is quick in a straight line, but around corners at speed and in sudden stops, body motions do get more exaggerated. Some low-frequency impacts (think potholes, speed bumps) will transmit up through the chassis as harshness. The ride is generally comfortable and peaceful, though. Although the pedal feels firm, its brakes required considerable force and in testing didn't stop as quickly as we expected on more than one occasion.
Rear cabin space is impressive—it almost felt like we were moving around inside a minivan back there. In typical Toyota fashion, interior packaging is one of the Grand Highlander Hybrid's strengths, with cubbies, bins, shelves, and cupholders galore. Though third-row seating feels thinly padded, the first two rows are super cushy. We also appreciate the amount of feature content at each trim level, including a huge standard infotainment touchscreen.
Grand Highlander Hybrids are not only the most upscale models but the most efficient. That said, it's near-luxury price tag and lack of cool factor cost it a comparison test victory to the all-electric Kia EV9. Ultimately, that could be the deciding factor for shoppers looking for a great all-around three-row SUV.
Performance and MPGs
Grand Highlander Hybrids offer the best fuel economy of the lineup and can go farther on a full tank, but that's only part of the story. There are two levels of powertrain performance, and the least expensive option happens to offer the greatest efficiency.
The most premium Grand Highlanders come equipped with the Hybrid Max powertrain. It pairs a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder with an electric motor up front and adds a second motor to drive the rear axle. Combined output is rated at 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, and AWD is standard. With this setup, towing capacity is rated at 5,000 pounds. EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid Max is 26/27 mpg city/highway.
For a little less, you can get the standard hybrid powertrain. This one uses a 245-hp 2.5-liter non-turbo four-cylinder and electric motor and is available with front- or all-wheel drive. With AWD, EPA-estimated fuel economy is rated at 36/32 mpg. The 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid FWD returns the best numbers of the lineup, though, at 36-37/32-34 mpg.
If you're wondering how much more efficient the Grand Highlander Hybrids are compared to the gas version, the 2024 Grand Highlander AWD returns 20-21/26-27 mpg city/highway. The FWD does only a little better at 21/28 mpg.
Which Grand Highlander is Quickest?
Toyota estimates the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max can get from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, but our test team found that was a conservative guess. Our almost-5,000-pound Limited AWD tester made the dash in a decent 5.9 seconds.
The standard hybrid models do the deed in 7.5 seconds. As for the non-hybrid Grand Highlander, we clocked a 265-hp 2024 Platinum AWD making the sprint in 8.3 seconds.
Safety Features
Lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beams, and road sign recognition are standard on the 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrids through Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. New Proactive Driving Assist is included, a separate but supplemental technology to forward automatic emergency braking that provides braking around curves.
It isn't in the TSS 3.0 suite, but blind-spot monitoring is also standard. Higher trim levels unlock parking sensors with automatic braking, front cross-traffic monitoring, and a 360-degree camera.
Safety ratings for the 2024 Grand Highlander haven't yet been announced, but if the smaller Highlander is any indication, it should do well. The 2023 version of the Toyota SUV is a 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winner, and the 2024 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
There's no difference in cabin space between hybrid and non-hybrid Grand Highlanders. However, there is a difference in headroom with or without the panoramic sunroof—you lose about 1.5 inches in the first two rows with the glass.
Grand Highlander Hybrids can be configured for seven passengers or eight. Third-row legroom and cargo space with the seats folded compare favorably to the 2024 Kia Telluride and Subaru Ascent.
Technology
Every 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid receives standard power and heated front seats, a digital key, 12.3-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a half dozen USB ports, and a wireless phone charger. On Limited models, Toyota adds ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and second row, 12.3-inch gauge cluster screen, 11-speaker JBL audio, and ambient lighting. The Grand Highlander Hybrid Limited also comes with a hands-free power liftgate, power-folding side mirrors, and puddle lamps.
Platinum trims gain a ventilated second row, head-up display, and digital rearview mirror. These top models also receive a Multi-Terrain Select dial with three modes: Mud/Sand, Rock/Dirt, and Snow.
Trim Levels and Prices
Like the gas models, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is available in three trims this year: XLE, Limited, and Platinum. That said, the Hybrid Max powertrain is available only with Limited and Platinum trims, and the standard hybrid powertrain is available only on the XLE FWD and AWD and Limited AWD.
Grand Highlander Hybrid prices begins at just over $46,000 for the 2024 XLE FWD. Prices can exceed $59,400 for the Platinum Hybrid Max AWD.
