2024 Toyota Grand Highlander | First Drive

For the latest Toyota Grand Highlander pricing and information:
www.kbb.com/toyota/grand-high...
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a 3-row midsize SUV. Even though it’s built on a different platform than the existing Toyota Highlander, the Grand Highlander is kinda the same thing …but with more room for people and cargo.
Starting in the front, there are independent armrests with a separate console lid. There’s a passenger-side dashboard tray with an adjacent USB port. There are also 3 cupholders for front occupants including a big one that can house hefty water bottles.
Poke around and material quality is fine, but this is not a premium product. If you want premium vibes, look to the upcoming Lexus TX, whose underpinnings are shared with the Grand Highlander. Maximum occupancy for the Grand Highlander is 8 though that drops to 7 in higher trims thanks to 2nd-row captains’ chairs.
For cargo space, the Grand Highlander offers a healthy 20.6 cu-ft behind the 3rd row. Nearly matching the Kia Telluride’s 21 cu-ft figure and exceeding the standard Highlander by 4.6 cu-ft. If you need more cargo space and fewer seats, dropping the 3rd row can be frustrating. I swear I’m not trying to make this look harder than it is. Finicky 2nd and 3rd-row seat operation is a trait the Highlander and Grand Highlander share.
On a more positive note, we have infotainment. The Grand Highlander offers a standard 12.3” touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android auto, over-the-air updates, and voice control via the “Hey, Toyota” prompt. It’s the same system we’ve seen in other modern Toyotas and I find it easy to operate.
Front-wheel drive comes standard with the base and hybrid models. All-wheel drive adds $1,600 to the price tag. Move to the most powerful Hybrid Max powertrain and all-wheel drive comes standard. That hybrid Max option is the same powertrain I drove in the Toyota Crown, which I described as “Spunky”. Beyond simply being more powerful, I enjoy the familiar acceleration feel delivered by the Max’s inclusion of a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission.
Regarding price, the base XLE trim costs $43,070 plus destination and includes power heated front seats, smart key access with sensors on all the doors, a power liftgate, plus blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, full-speed dynamic cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorcyclist detection, and a feature that’ll bring the Grand Highlander to a safe stop if the driver is incapacitated.
Unlike the smaller Highlander that’s offered in cheaper L and LE trims, the Grand Highlander has ditched those lower trims, skipping right to the well-equipped XLE. For perspective, the regular Highlander XLE starts at about $42,000. So, depending on which trim you're comparing, the Grand Highlander is anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 pricier than its OG Highlander equivalent.
Roomy 3-row midsize SUV alternatives include the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Chevy Traverse, and perhaps the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The nagging question for me is whether the Grand Highlander can justify its elevated base price versus the competition. Sure, the Grand comes well-equipped. But for buyers who want a comparatively simple yet roomy 3-row SUV, there are cheaper choices.
00:00 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
0:30 Interior
4:11 Engine Options
5:05 Driving Impressions
7:46 Exterior
8:09 Cost
9:28 Competitors

[@lucasl.5084]

Micah has never skipped chest day in his life

[@RnBFAN06]

Hm.. Never really looked but he might be kinda fine 👀 and yes Micah, I think you have a tramp stamp lol 5:57

[@katmanjenks1961]

Ewwww

[@christopherstreet2214]

I have always crushed on Micah since the very beginning lol 😂

[@seekingtruthnotfindingany7301]

If you look up you can see his face..

[@koukimonzta]

Im not scared of the price Im scared of the markups

[@hungergameshub]

At least they don’t depreciate (barely) and have good resale value, so if you go to sell it the resale price will be jacked too.

[@koukimonzta]

@@hungergameshub I might not jump too soon for this as price correction is beginning at dealers' end.

[@Shane23Armada]

I am scared of the fkin monthly payments

[@Jamal-ub1ko]

Markups will be insane, and I can only imagine how in places like Canada people will be waiting literal years to get their hands on one

[@seanaxel1004]

Thankfully my dealership doesn’t do markups

[@christopherwarsh]

Toyota will need to build a brand new factory just to fulfill these orders…

[@ruturaj47]

This is going to eat up a lot of highlander sales though, so probably they can reuse assembly lines being on the same platform.

[@everydayfun9531]

Oh this thing is gonna sell out unbelievably fast since it will be harder to keep up with the orders of the grand highlander's as compared to the highlander itself damm..

[@mbenton6]

They look cheap

[@omardrives]

Great riding along with you Micah! You're one of the best in the biz! Was awesome watching you do your thing!

[@nikhilyelleswarapu885]

I had started to think Micah might have quit. Glad to see him back.

[@Shambles7698]

Not going regret pick Toyota because it reliable and dependable 👌

[@AutoRevLife]

1:44 glad to see I'm not the only one who struggles with this. Same problem on my dad's 2011 Toyota Sienna! 🤣🤣

[@allendavid4139]

Nice to see you review the base model and engine configuration ,I think the value point is just as important as the higher specked models

[@ryanfrisby7389]

I think this will sell very well, but for me personally, I prefer the looks of the Highlander.

[@newsmedia-one9756]

I am 100% agree! I like the looks of the current Highlander better with the curvy lines. It has more of elegance to it.

[@everydayfun9531]

Man finally I can relate wish they made the grand highlander a bolder design just like the highlander's and make it look more classy not saying the design is bad but wish they did better with the design since it's obiously a grand highlander which is a successor to the highlander itself!

[@mattk741]

I love the KBB reviews with Micah!

[@noahjefferies9469]

Love the subtle dig at Toyota loyalty 😂😂 you got me there Micah! 10:14

[@NileshR12]

The wheels on this Grand Highlander trim look great!

[@aryehrosenthal2138]

Great review. Micah.

[@tannerl6901]

How is the traffic jam assist different from adaptive cruise control? Does Toyota’s acc not function at low speeds? Our 2018 Honda and 2019 VW both run at low speeds in traffic staying in lane and can resume from a stop.

[@tomglass2342]

Any thoughts on front passenger leg room? Compared to other mid size SUVs? Thx!

[@alh5470]

are there 3rd row AC vents??

[@cdb5662]

Excellent review. Great host. More please.

[@user-wi7pp7hv7n]

2.4 turbo hybrid is competitiveness no one else

[@mbenton6]

Cvt transmissiin.... hell no. Too loud

[@qichen5316]

Hi thank you so much for this great review. Can you please compare the interior space of the sienna against this, especially the third row seats? I ordered a sienna 8 months ago and the delivery date is unknown. Really like this grand highlander but i need to carry adults (seniors) in the 3rd row so need to find out how it stacks up against the sienna 3rd row.

[@ExpeditionaryRanger]

I ordered my sienna 10 months ago. No known delivery date. I have a xle grand highlander with my name on it for august. Decisions decisions. Currently have a 2016 highlander…. And row about 4500 lbs with it.

[@midlifechrisis8164]

Their website shows only available as a hybrid. Is the base turbo 4 coming later?

[@ALMX5DP]

The US build page shows all models for me. 🤷‍♂️

[@BarcelonaBlitzer]

Good to see ya Micah!

[@mark8684]

Does it have OTA software update capability? That’s a deal breaker for me.

[@Tech316Ent]

Should have called it the Toyota RAV 8...

[@RRLV434]

They should have called for that

[@jwuhome]

or Grand Rav4 XL MAX Pro Ultra.

[@everydayfun9531]

Or the Grand RAV 4.

[@YourMom-vl2sp]

Welcome to America. Bigger is better. 😂🤣

[@fakedazzleful]

I still don't see the point of this car and highlander while sienna is the better option for 7 seater

[@ALMX5DP]

@@fakedazzleful well it’ll have better ground clearance and all wheel drive than the Sienna. Plus people are irrational and often buy what is popular. Makes sense to offer a product that fulfills those aspects.

[@fakedazzleful]

@ALMX5DP is the regular highlander will be discontinued?

[@ALMX5DP]

@@fakedazzleful at this point they haven’t said what will happen to it. It’s already designed and built though, so nice to have a small and large three row CUV option for people to choose from.

[@fakedazzleful]

@ALMX5DP true. Most people will probably buy the smaller highlander just for the backseat as an extra storage space and its probably going to be cheaper

[@beardown6574]

Lol always enjoy Micah videos even when it's vehicle I'm not interested in. Test driving in Hawaii not a bad gig! And yes Micah totally has a tramp stamp 😂😂

[@cnfusd]

some creppy dude standing in a towel impressed with the interior! can't beat that KBB

[@vagabond1776]

Definitely prefer the Grand Highlander over the Lexus TX styling.

[@CommentSectionsSuck]

Only complaint we had was how far the armrests are. Can’t hold the wheel with your elbows on the armrest on either side. I would imagine back/shoulder pain on long trips.

[@christopherstreet2214]

Still kinda wish they would have used the sienna platform as - then lifted it and squared it off to make a crossover

[@edrcozonoking]

They do share the "platform". Along with Camry, Lexus RX, Avalon, Venza...

[@mc.charleymusic]

Tbh, on the outside of the highlander, it looks like it's an older, older model if you know what I'm talking about, especially on that side shot

[@elcoquito82]

It's like if the 4Runner 5th Generation and the Highlander 2nd Generation (2010) had a baby. 🤣

[@brianfru1025]

Exactly those wheels are atrocious

[@christianj252]

I miss when you could spend $15k for a Toyota and have all your needs met

[@jml9550]

I missed the day when gas was $1 per gallon.

[@everydayfun9531]

Well ajust that 15K to today's inflation gonna be 3 times the price mate...

[@1spartacus1337]

The last 2 minutes of the video…I feel seen…or attacked😂. Got me to the t. Not really cross shopping asking competitors and more crossshopping among the different Toyotas. They succeeded as prior to the grand being announced I was pretty much considering the Honda pilot and maybe the cx-90.

[@abhi4ify]

Wiser words of Micah: "Fun will come from where you are going and with whom you are going with"

[@jpthsd]

are you average Joe ??? you look like 6ft to me (5.10') :) but I appreciate your video review! This is great!

[@Ethan7s]

Big missed opportunity to see if Mike Danger can fit laying down with second and third rows folded.

[@devrenfreestone1272]

Why do I feel like I can’t both love Toyotas AND have Micah’s approval? There were zero offers for a high-five.

[@jsfbay1]

4-way lumbar is a requirement at this price point (hybrid max platinum trim.)

[@Gerberbaby922]

Get this man some sunscreen!

[@frankie5072]

@6:01 - yes, yes you do.

[@michaelhale2594]

Spoke with my local Toyota dealer about the new Grand Highlander Hybrid :) ...was told they would consider selling at the MSRP plus a $10k market adjustment add-on. Toyota knows how to burst customer enthusiasm. :(

[@tylerxaysana]

Lowkey I do think that it would have been better to replace the current highlander with this but hey 🤷‍♂️ the more the merrier

[@everydayfun9531]

Highlander can just be a standard 5 seater which is bigger than the RAV 4 though if people want a more roomier mid size SUV.

[@kyrosmike]

Tramp stamp is Evie put her name there

[@macmanmpls]

NO tramp stamp!!' I like the Grand Highlander although I'm leaning more to the Honda Pilot.

[@AyoBrownKid]

SN: completely off topic, thanks for editing out the tramp stamp joke 😂👌🏾

[@kkp4297]

when are they gonna stop using plastic cladding on the outside? those are gonna fade nasty

[@criznitty]

Seems to be close to interior space of the first Gen sequoia.

[@ncvman]

Lots of plastic. Seats look uncomfortable. How is road noise? Honda Pilot or Lexus tX

[@stephenwinter8892]

Greetings from southern Ontario Canada I really enjoyed the video looking forward to seeing this crossover here but im enjoying my Toyota RAV4 PRIME and I won't give it up because of its fuel efficient

[@AyoBrownKid]

1 year from now I BET this vehicle will outsell its little brother

[@KJVirander]

Looks like a Rav4 on steroids

[@johnpezzullo9644]

Yes Sir you definitely have Tramp Stamp. !!!! :) :)

[@ttcmr2]

Naah...I'll stick with my 2023 Honda Pilot Trailsport...

[@shopwithaaron]

Hope your wifey and daughter got to join you!! TY!

[@RosieGosie]

I had a 2020 Highlander… you could only fit under 5 footer humans in the back… I might make a comeback for this one tho.

[@telliesmith9825]

They should have called it the grand rav4 smh

[@staticbeans]

Oh shut up Tellie

[@barbz_zayne]

That's what the Venza is

[@carlk3989]

It’s an elevated cup holder on wheels 😂

[@ryanshawgeneration2704]

Is the Toyota Grand Highlander taking over for the Land Cruiser in North America? 🚙

[@BahamianLily]

The side profile is giving Jeep Cherokee/Dodge Durango.

[@user-tb4gh4qq1m]

The one thing that really bothers me about the new Grand Highlander has nothing to do with its great amenities and improvements in power and size. It’s when a test driver who has years of experience driving hundreds of different vehicles, describes the “ body roll” or FLOATY” feeling when changing lanes or on a curvy road. If you have driven over hundreds of thousands of miles like I have with about 40 different vehicles, that feeling is disconcerting at best. It’s a feeling of loss of control, like when you need to pass another vehicle and need to get back into the right lane on a busy highway or freeway. When I’m transporting my family, this body float feeling is worrisome. Imagine you need to make a sudden lane change with any SUV (because of their high center of gravity) a roll over is a possibility. The Honda Pilot does NOT exhibit this problem like the Grand Highlander. Just sayin.

[@NadeemAhmed-nv2br]

That problem is directly linked to ground clearance, lower the car and that problem mostly goes away. The way electric cars are able to skirt that problem is because they're very bottom heavy with their Center of mass being low to the ground due to the battery being in the bottom

[@contreras9776]

Micah is too wholesome to have a tramp stamp.

[@markjose1160]

Micah with a tramp stamp?! Sayyy less…..lol

[@itscivic0]

The grand highlander is like the replacement for the Land Cruiser here in North America and it looks like a Land Cruiser not gonna lie

[@jermainedouglas7301]

Definitely not. Landcruiser was pricier, more offroad worthy and less practical inside. The land cruiser just left the toyota version off but its still here as the Lexus Lx500

[@everydayfun9531]

But land cruiser is an offroading vehicle and this is just a family purpose vehicle and going on trails for camping and stuff like that.

[@elcabopr]

Why did Honda and Toyota decide against a 4-way lumbar on the Pilot and Grand Highlander? It cannot be that much of a cost savings.

[@almassengale]

Differentiation versus their luxury brands?

[@jml9550]

@@almassengale yep. Lexus TX will offer more comfort features.

[@naveenthemachine]

@@jml9550 that didn’t happen 😂 The tx doesn’t offer 4 zone climate control massaging seats air suspension heated 3rd row seats etc. not to mention the interior in the tx is not luxurious at all the tx is already a failure and it’s not even out yet

[@jml9550]

@@naveenthemachine ok. Get yourself the GLS 63 AMG then, all those features are presented.

[@naveenthemachine]

@@jml9550 the GLS63 of course it’s better. You expect that lol. An x7 is better. The grand Cherokee summit is better. But those are significantly more expensive

[@sultanniazi2394]

Wow it’s expensive

[@RyanBalmes]

Micah’s tramp stamp. Can’t unsee it now.

[@cafelate9515]

Keep your eyes on the road and not looking around

[@alex_erazo]

Looks like a big Rav 4. The normal highlander is more stylish.

[@sethporter3145]

Frankly I'm not impressed by the interior quality of the "Grand" Highlander. You could have told me that interior was from 2015 and I would have believed you.

[@bighosre10]

Just buy the Sienna minivan.

[@jml9550]

Just buy whatever you want, your money and no one gets to vote.

[@nitinkumar5241]

The cargo area is a little too small (should be longer) and the third row should have 2 inches more legroom and more height (adults don't fit well) This wouldn't be a big deal if the Sequioa had good space and a good third row...but it doesn't There is STILL no Toyota (or Lexus) with a good third row for adults, other than maybe the Sienna (which is also smaller than the competition)

[@ExpeditionaryRanger]

Driving sports tv guy is 6’1” and he fit fine.

[@firstlast9292]

Why do they even make this in gasoline only? Hybrid is so cheap now with no downsides compared to gas that it doesn't make any sense.

[@davids1816]

I think you and Yvie have matching T Stamps... 🙂. This car is "fine" It's a car, it has styling, the interior has features and the engine makes power for the passengers who have room. No more, no less. I'm sure the people who own one and don't pay attention to the gasoline consumption will think it's amazing.

[@RellupNorth]

Just buy a Sienna. It looks better and is more versatile. This is a bit much for an extra inch of legroom lmao

[@smzee27]

I have never regretted getting my minivan. Once you get over the "image" issue, it's way more practical than a similarly priced SUV.

[@Acc0rd79]

It's too bad you can't find cars anymore on dealer floors. We just had our '17 Sienna E in the dealer for it's routine maintenance in Orlando and there may have been 20 new cars on the entire lot! Ridiculous when Ford/Dodge etc have full lots, though over priced. This isn't 2020 anymore Toyota, get your acts together.

[@coindigger5392]

Biggest flaw, built in USA.. not Japan.. first generation highlander shipped in..

[@avaizk]

The seat quality looks so average though.

[@jorad4887]

The grand is small, get a Honda pilot it has a v6 and real transmission not cvt like grand highlander

[@christophermatthews4361]

No Micah, I don’t think you have a tramp stamp

[@seekingtruthnotfindingany7301]

Yeah I would stick with the pilot.

[@Agent77X]

Will this beats out a Tesla Plaid in drag race?

[@joestuff8]

....no.

[@DJ454]

yea I would not be shocked if Micah had a tramp stamp

[@Hat65]

Big

[@fatbart8551]

Dealer markup = $10,000. Enjoy.

[@chuckmak]

Grand RAV4

[@manosuba3516]

rav4 big brother

[@Dutillac01]

I don’t think Micah has a tramp stamp.🤔

[@peiwu979]

Aren't we going in the wrong direction? I don't see these big cars in Europe!

[@chukwuemekanwoke9003]

Europe generally has smaller roads

[@Ethan7s]

Europe is going the wrong direction.

[@chryslerprowlerv8]

There's nothing GRAND about the Interior! That's a 2018 Kia Interior and the "MAX" powertrain comes with a 6speed..... Toyota shoots.....all net..........AIRBALL! 🗑️

[@naveenthemachine]

Agreed. It’s doa. Typical Toyota

[@Jamal-ub1ko]

This would be an excellent choice if there were no other 3 row crossovers. Too bad for Toyota the Telluride and Pilot exist

[@naveenthemachine]

Just as I thought from the beginning - overpriced - mediocre interior - missing features This is another complete dud before it hits dealerships I told you all this would happen yet none of you listened

[@azkmn7]

Who uses Microsoft teams in a car 🤔

[@farcinue]

Your tramp stamp says “Evie4Eva”.

[@QueturasEdmonton]

First

[@chukwuemekanwoke9003]

Deputy to the First 😂!

[@steveboyd3455]

No I do not think you have a tramp stamp. 😜

[@mbenton6]

Cx90 for me. Cx 90bis more stylish, pleasing to look at, a drivers delight and has enough space for me, my 2 teens and girlfriend. This GH just looks cheap and boxy. Wheels are ugly. Its a budget car. No effort were tonupdate the enterior. Just looks a hot ass mess

[@kobinaa4088]

Toyota made highlander so ugly that they soon regretted hence this do over. The regular highlander wasn't really thought through. This is far better but certainly unaffordable for the people its intended for.

[@jeepcam2692]

5000$-10000$ not a fan boycott markup people

[@YuanweiLao]

It’s not grand at all.

[@Quinton0520]

Boring

[@rustbeltrobclassic2512]

The interior, a sea of black plastic with no color, looks like a dreary place to spend time.. another yawn product from toyota

[@jml9550]

GLS 63 AMG anymore?