2024 Toyota Grand Highlander: Compare Bench Seat vs Captain Chairs

I compare the 2024 Grand Highlander bench seat vs captain's chairs configurations. What works best for you?
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[@rightlanehog3151]

Jeff, I can't believe that kids today get a seat of their own! In my day we were strapped to the roof and grateful for it. 😉🤣 On a slightly more serious note, I dream of the day the RAV4 once again gets a back seat that slides forth and back. 🤩

[@TheRealVivia]

I need that. But I’ll take this hybrid in the meantime lmao

[@WrongTimeWatch]

Toyota needs to offer the bench seat on the Hybrid Max

[@sfaryu]

I agree. Wanting to get the one of the Hybrid Max models but also want bench seats.

[@J.W.W.]

Always bench. When folded, much much better surface for loading cargo

[@chalpua8802]

My and the wife got the Bench seat in the XLE. We have 2 kids and if we have another we can do 3 across and leave the 3rd row down. As they get older then they can just into the 3rd row if they want.

[@nedar1]

Dont know why they dont offer bench seat configurations in all trims. For a family of 5, one has to utilize the third row in the 7 seat configuration that eats into the luggage space.

[@almassengale]

Honda has the best setup with the removable middle seat.

[@dimav975]

But not in offroad version (

[@Frazur]

A RAV4 on steriods. Give me the bench seats.

[@Toyotajeff]

that's a great way to look at it

[@americandude3825]

Yup. Love my 2022 rav4 XSE. Had a 2022 sienna XLE but it was too low and the rear suspension was way too soft when Loaded for trips. Eventually may replace my 2008 sequoia 5.7 for the grand highlander. Just hit 216k trouble free miles tho. Haha

[@savitriaravind7761]

@@americandude3825kjhg

[@happywife_happylife6294]

Ha! This is the same reason why I let go of my Sienna! Bottomed out too many times with 2 e-bikes racked. @@americandude3825

[@AhibarSantiago]

Thanks Jeff! Nice review. :) But Toyota does it again, I can't have the nice one because I need a bench seat, ridiculous... Why on earth Toyota keep thinking that those who need bech seat can't afford or want the nicer one, why?

[@paulneil7321]

Toyota, please consider adding Bench seat option in HybridMax

[@everydayfun9531]

They honestly need that version...

[@aryehrosenthal2138]

Thanks Jeff for sharing this awesome review.

[@thepoliticallyindependent1512]

Similar to the Highlander, I prefer the bench seat. The arm rest on those captain chairs slants down too much making it feel like no support to comfortably rest my arm.

[@Peace1dy]

Regular Highlander vs Grand would be greatly appreciated.

[@kwannak]

I hope Toyota gives us the option of choosing BENCH seats for the Platinum trim. Their customers pay lots of good money for these vehicles.

[@Toyotajeff]

That's not an option currently and I don't see that changing. But it's a really good suggestion I hope Toyota looks at

[@kwannak]

@@Toyotajeff Jeff, don't you think Toyota will give their customers what they want if the dealers let them know their customer's preferences?

[@ethanmckibbin]

I agree we need a bench on the hybrid max, I've heard owners say that center console is getting stepped on by kids. I would honestly prefer the bench to keep my dogs from coming forward in the cabin freely so the platinum is going to be interesting for me.

[@AhibarSantiago]

Agree, I can't have the nice one because I need a bench seat, ridiculous... Why on earth Toyota keep thinking that those who need bech seat can't afford or want the nicer one, why?

[@everydayfun9531]

Wish they gave bench seating as an option for the higher trims even if we have to pay a little extra for it.

[@cindywarhurst8984]

Love the white one! Limited!! Love the CAPTAINS chairs!! Home run Toyota!!!🎉

[@TRDJon]

You guys have gotten so many of these!!!

[@Toyotajeff]

It's shocking really. They are keeping a red XLE as a demo for people to drive and order off of. We just sold a storm cloud and navy one, oh and a black presold one. I'm happily surprised Toyota is producing so many. We have probably 30-40 cars on the lot for sale now

[@stevethevlogger]

Looking forward to when Toyota has new vehicles to test-drive! I look in the background of your videos to see what’s there now.😊 Thank you, Jeff!

[@tinhinnh]

@@ToyotajeffThey should give the XLE 19’s, the 18’s look so tiny in these lol at least in the videos

[@Rodzilla-wi1yu]

Thumbs up for the Ratt Lay it down reference!

[@yahooskip]

Hi, I would love to see what it looks like with ALL seats down. 2nd row bench should make it a lot later and nicer to load?

[@Rath-Angkor-Thom]

Thank you 😊 Love it 😊

[@1HartCharm]

I love your humor 😂

[@mystygrams1]

I prefer the bench seats. Simply allows an extra person in the car and more storage options. Unfortunately the one I got has captain chairs. Not a huge regret. Car still overall awesome.

[@bawarbarznji4491]

Hi there..... I alraedy put the down payment for a Grand, butI just figured it out it's captain's chair configuration. I really like the bench seats. Do you think it will be ok with the captain's seat?

[@mannyrosario83]

A rolling down 3rd row window will be a big game changer. Even if it won’t roll completely down since the wheel arch might impede it.

[@johnnylongfeather3086]

1:24 Jeff, I DONT SEE A GUT

[@mrvoyagerm]

I ordered a 2025 Grand Highlander Limited for August ish 2024.

[@1956jude]

Big Dexter fan here!

[@TheRealVivia]

I love the hybrid with the bench seats but I want the other wheels lol. Definitely itching to upgrade my lil rav4 😂😂

[@ChiefComplaintX]

Great comparison videos jeff! Now how bout a sienna LE AWD vs grand highlander XLE comparison. Cause I ThInk that'll be the true choices for family. (Wish toyota would make sienna XSE 8 seats)

[@CHATO629]

Hello @Toyotajeff Can You do a Review of either a 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE or Hybrid Limited, with the LIGHT GREY LEATHER BENCH Seats Interior. Preferably either in a RUBY FLARE PEARL Color, and if Not then on a CELESTIAL SILVER METALIC. I would Love to see how different the Interior would look compared to the Black Bench Seats Interior. Thank You for All the Great Information.

[@shaneh734]

Id like clean hybrid with bench seat and full moonroof💯

[@joewozniak2231]

I kind of like the bench and that is coming from my sienna with the middle seat that we never install.

[@binweng4937]

r the rear third row seats removable? thanks for the great review!

[@johnnguyen6859]

This is a grande version of RAV4. I would love to see a V6 turbo power engine.

[@ottocycle2446]

Hi Jeff, that is the black leather interior in the wind chill pearl one, correct?

[@cafelate9515]

Wished it does not look like a Rav 4. I prefer top trim with bench seats. Love with wind chill pearl

[@daddypickle0680]

Are these also being marked up ?

[@mysteryyyyyy]

what are the dimensions of the cargo area with the third row deployed?

[@smrtguy77777]

If you have 3 or more kids honestly you should be looking at the Sienna, much more passenger and cargo space. They are just hard to find unfortunately.

[@hamiltonjackson7544]

A lot of people don't like minivans though.

[@smrtguy77777]

@@hamiltonjackson7544 I used to be like that, but once you stop caring about the image you’ll see the real world value and comfort.

[@jimfost77]

Unless you need the 5000 lb. towing capacity...

[@smrtguy77777]

@@jimfost77The Sienna has a 3500lbs rating, that’s plenty for a cargo or Uhaul trailer.

[@paulneil7321]

Can you do a test drive on the Hybrid?

[@njt7117]

Hey Jeff. Do you think the Hybrid Max or new Lexus TX will eventually offer a bench seat?

[@AhibarSantiago]

I was thinking about same thing! Toyota does it again, I can't have the nice one because I need a bench seat, ridiculous... Why on earth Toyota keep thinking that those who need bech seat can't afford or want the nicer one, why?

[@albertmkwok]

What's the difference between the 2 driver displays?

[@kimle01]

Max Hybrid need to have bench seat version and PHEV option.

[@nguyentran-ne3fs]

Hi Jeff. I have ordered the Hibrid Max Platinum for 7 months now. What do think when I have it? My family is very excited. Thank You Jeff.

[@THirayama]

This is basically a minivan without the sliding doors and without the spacious trunk

[@davetechme]

Agree, but not everyone wants a minivan, even though it's the more practical choice for most families. If they were styled more like SUVs like the Carnival, that might be different. That said, I was in line to pick up my kid from school the other day. In my view of the line, there were 14 vehicles, 13 of which were SUVs (including my own) and 1 minivan. 😄

[@benniewalker312]

Not being able to option in a 2nd row bench has always been a deal breaker for me. I like having the fold flat 2nd row for a flat cargo floor. Yes I would love to buy the higher trim level but no bench, no buy. I’ll take the lower trim or I’ll find another vehicle that gives me a bench option.

[@scottdm9707]

The 2nd row bench is a $0 option on the Limited. They have to offer it due to the bench options available in the Pilot.

[@mickyshet]

is the 2nd row bench sit fold all the way down like captain sit ?

[@benniewalker312]

@@mickyshet most captains seats in most vehicles don’t fold completely flat. There’s almost always an upward angle towards the driver and passenger seats. Plus there is always that center gap between the seats for things to fall down into. It’s not the end of the world (1st world problems) but I’ll take a completely flat 2nd row. Lot easier to load in large items or car camp with a matt.

[@rexmarcellana2111]

Xle looks good with that meaty tires.

[@americandude3825]

Toyota hit a home run I wish they did a sequoia XL though - hybrid not hybrid max. Even if it only got 25 mpg. It would be worth the size. Cult following. Haha

[@longnguyen-zu1qe]

❤ Third row fr small kids. Captain seats are the best. 😊

[@Tomorrow32]

Can I get bench on Limited trim?

[@namelessdata4608]

Any way to get this Grand Highlander suspension to sit up higher? Toyota should make a TRD 4x4 version of this with a little more ground clearance and stronger control arms, stabilizers, axels, etc. Or they should just make an extended wheelbase 4-runner hybrid for that sweet mpg with 7 to 8 seats and still a very large leftover trunk. Big family with dog here that likes to go on the back roads...on a budget

[@lecruset]

The current highlander has lift kits available that make it look rugged and functional. I'm sure they'll be making one for the grand highlander as well.

[@rj12345rj]

@@lecrusetreally? From Toyota?

[@lecruset]

@@rj12345rj hey there, no it's not from Toyota but from Rough Country.

[@rscott2187]

Please do a video on the front seat width on this otherwise tremendous vehicle vs a 2017 Rav 4 base. The console continues to grow in width, as it does you need to be shoe horned into the driver seat. What I'm trying to say is a man can not semi spread his legs apart and be comfortable. Very, very unfortunate. And this is not the only model to do this. I would be thrilled with a front bench seat and a flip down arm rest. 4Runners are still very comfortable to sit in the driver seat but sure the remodel on those will have the huge console and less width for both the driver and passenger in the front. Sad

[@allenhong8434]

Almost want to fly to nc from az just to buy one from you and drive back. Almost

[@Jaredius]

Take the 2.4 turbo for a drive and review.

[@hendersonvillehank5664]

What’s the nearest Toyota dealership to Big Springs, Texas?

[@danieloriaku5571]

Midland TX

[@Toyotajeff]

Are you a bench seat or captain's chairs kind of person? Jeff

[@Porsche911guy88]

I bought a grand highlander with captains chairs it’s a platinum hybrid

[@jposerio2433]

Bench seats all the way.

[@Barb929]

By any chance does the 2 row bench seat have heat in it?

[@Porsche911guy88]

@@Barb929 my grandhighlander has the captains chairs

[@everydayfun9531]

I'd go for bench seats.

[@nicholasprice7004]

Hey Jeff, how do you add the tow package on the XLE? i'm considering a white XLE with gray interior hybrid FWD with tow package. I don't see the option online to add it? And how much does it cost?

[@balltunnel1399]

Too much

[@xns4ver]

We just asked today at the dealership. We were told about $200 for the u-haul type hitch and $1200 for the integrated with cooling for the engine tow.

[@bigahmed1]

2.5 is already too small for that big of a car

[@afzalshaikh2128]

Only Bench seat for XLE in Canada 🇨🇦

[@fredieready2620]

Does limited trim offer bench seating on the 2nd row?

[@mickyshet]

Yes

[@Fabulousprofound168]

Hey Toyota, go look at the Honda Pilot or Acura MDX. The middle row has a removable center seat so owners can have the choice of whether they want a bench or captains chairs configuration. Just saying 😑

[@jsfbay1]

Why does Toyota make the center of the bench seat so hard? Same thing in the regular Highlander. It's uncomfortable.

[@EsenbekAliev_]

Who even asks for captain chairs? These are not ultra luxury SUVs like maybach or RR... Family cars suppose to have as many seats as possible... I'm disappointed hybrid max has captain chairs, deal breaker for me as I need 8 seats. Have to keep looking at this point, but my 2007 odyssey is just fine I guess

[@afzalshaikh2128]

Exactly

[@gguzman1000]

I ordered mine with bench seat however it hasnt arrived yet. Its been over a month. Do you know how long they are taking to make?

[@fletchsar]

I work at the plant that makes these, and they are being made as fast as they are being ordered.

[@gguzman1000]

@@fletchsar really? I called the dealer I ordered from and they said they havent had an update and its been over a month. I might have to go to a different dealership

[@davewilson7602]

@@gguzman1000that’s normal for new cars these days, you might wait a couple months.

[@MaxHeadFan]

Took 2 weeks for me in Houston. Got the Limited, bench seat in Storm Cloud. The color is beautiful!

[@fletchsar]

@@MaxHeadFan I agree that that color is beautiful. Enjoy your new Grand Highlander.

[@josephperez3072]

i said stop looking at my gut! LOL

[@swantonbombthreat]

BENCH SEAT KINGS

[@everydayfun9531]

This is a Literal Jacked Highlander on steroids i literally complained on how less spacious the Highlander is especially the 3rd row and im a Tall guy so i think its worth it going for the grand highlander.

[@rolandocoronado774]

Captain

[@greghessig202]

They need a window that opens in the third rows - too claustrophobic in there

[@HunterXray]

1:25 Thanks, I will now look at your gut. Which I wasn't even paying attention to before you mentioned it. Was the point of mentioning it, so I'd look at it? 😂

[@pikeline4514]

Ipad holder?you mean tablet holder?

[@joedirt6222]

I really don't get why the top trims don't have bench seating. Imo it's by far the better configuration.

[@BrianMiller1973]

Team Captain Chairs

[@chrispatel3695]

Xle is luxury car ?

[@cyberotter06]

Toyota should have went with a machined wheel for the XLE.

[@icwolves]

I want a platinum gas

[@Toyotajeff]

what colors do you like?

[@HunterXray]

6:11 I'll be painting the wheels black or a darker color. Silver is so last decade.

[@Selah7791]

Bench

[@chadnature81]

I like Lexus TX 😂

[@jayk3783]

I wouldn't buy neither one overpriced for what it is. Let's keep adding electronics and jacking up the prices along with markups

[@joniboulware1436]

Toyota needs to work on interiors. Gray on gray is so boring.

[@mq46312]

I prefer traditional bench. Captain's chairs look ugly.

[@ICantthinkofahandleforme]

Damn I didn’t know the basic model didn’t have captain chairs. Womp womp

[@MelvinDlaCruz]

if they make the same honda design will be much better, I prefert honda interior way better

[@4315jdickey]

The Captain Chairs are better

[@yms9829]

Without leg support, captain chair is useless.

[@ljcool17]

That’s a sorry excuse for a second row bench seats. The middle seat is not seatable by a regular person.

[@joek1353]

Buy neither one when it's overpriced and marked up with add-ons. Actually sat in the limited and disliked the center console it blocks your right leg like a wall.

[@paulneil7321]

Toyota has many SUVs, more coming but still no good 8 seater with power and economy.

[@fx3650]

Spending all these money for a 3row SUV to have only one more seat or force 3 adults into the 3rd row is ridiculous

[@jpthsd]

This captain seat in Grand Highlander is a gimmick! Looks so cheap LoL!!

[@frankpoperowitzmusic]

Too expensive vs Way Too Expensive

[@groverwashington1480]

Toyotas sleep good for the homeless with the fold flat seats

[@linkfeeney8873]

this is just a big rav4... nothing much to it... very strange.

[@jimsomerville3924]

This captain chair trend is really stupid. Such a waste of space if need to haul 5 with stuff, or 8.

[@rayleung7668]

Captain chairs always make no sense for me

[@thelawfamilyproduction329]

10 minutes of getting in and out of a car rofl

[@savchuktaras]

Kinda ugly wheels. They’re not gonna get any younger customers with those

[@amelh]

captain chairs should be banned

[@Toyotajeff]

Except for the people who like them….right?

[@jml9550]

@@Toyotajeffexactly. I like them.

[@doakes3664]

Great video, but the attempt at being funny distracts form the video.