I was fortunate to get the keys to Toyota’s new 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum. Being the first model year of this vehicle the slate is clean. Toyota has positioned the Grand Highlander as it’s name would suggest above the Highlander and below the Sequoia models.
I am going to get right to what features allow it to hold its own in not only Toyota’s line up but the market segment as well. Here are the PROs and CONs of the 2024 Grand Highlander Platinum.
PRO: Lexus Luxury Sprinkled Throughout
A few weeks ago I went through much of the Toyota cousin Lexus’ model line up like in the RX 350h and sitting in the Grand Highlander Platinum I definitely get the vibe they wanted it to be a “Grand” experience to match the name and the best way was to sprinkle some of their luxury cousin about the cabin.
The gear lever is straight from Lexus, quality leather seats sprinkled about the cabin, everywhere you touch steering wheel or otherwise has that Lexus quality touch to it. All good remarks on what they are going for.
PRO: Tons of Space
Even with quoting measurements the amount of space in a vehicle can be a subjective thing sometimes, but the 2024 Grand Highlander is a roomy vehicle. It comes with three rows that I would bet could fit some NBA players in the back. Speaking of measurements though, if you fold down the seats you get over 97 cubic feet of space. Incase you were wondering, the seats fold flat!
PRO: Hybrid Max Power
The Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max comes with the standard trims 2.4 liter turbocharged 4 cyinder engine paired to an electric motor. This Max Power combo give you 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. For reference, that is just 20 horsepower short of a Toyota GR Supra.
PRO: Fuel Economy
Not only do you get all that power I just mentioned, but you get a pretty strong mileage per gallon as well. The trade off on the Hybrid Max is you lose some of those MPGs bringing you to 27 MPH combined, while the non-MAX trims will net you 36 and 34 MPGs for the Hybrid XLE and Hybrid Limited trims respectively.
CON: Without Hybrid MAX, You Get No Power
I really love the power of the Hybrid MAX, so while this is a listed CON it is a con for the other trim levels. Hybrid MAX gives you the 362 horsepower I mentioned, but the “standard” turbocharged 2.4 liters give you 266 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and the “regular” hybrid gives you 247 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. So near 100 horsepower drop on one and way over 100 horsepower drop on the other.
CON: Quite Pricey
This “Grand” experience with the 2024 Grand Highlander comes with a Grand price to go with it. The base trim – the XLE – can be had for $43,320, but the Hybrid MAX Platinum I tested starts at $58,475. A lot can be had for $58k.
For more of his automotive exploits, you can follow Danny on Instagram @DKorecki and subscribe to his YouTube channel, Danny Drives.
