2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Review and Off-Road Test

Go to www.originalgrain.com/DSTV and use code DSTV for $100 OFF the Toyota TRD Collection
We get behind the wheel of the new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander on the Big Island of Hawai'l.
#toyota #toyotahighlander #offroad
CONTENTS
00:00 - Introduction
00:50 - Sponsored
02:33 - Features
13:15 - Driving Impressions
22:05 - Off-Road Trail Test
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[@seanwatson3790]

Your Cherokee trailhawk time was almost 9 seconds. The v6 and turbo versions are mid 6. Was that supposed to say compass?

[@josephina24]

Probably had the 2.4l NA 4cl, it is a complete DOG of a motor. I believe it's called the tigershark

[@seanwatson3790]

@@josephina24 they don't offer it in that engine anymore

[@drivingsports]

Yup, that number was wrong. We had a 7.66 with the 2022 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. Never tested the Cherokee.

[@seanwatson3790]

@@drivingsports I kinda figured. Sad it's dead. But I have the 2.0 turbo and have seen as low as 6.26 stock. Mines lifted with a tent and awning and mts and camping gear and at a mile above sea level. Still quick but that 6.26 is a pipe dream for me lol

[@Eugen-E]

​@@drivingsportsIs that 0-60 grand highlander time at 6k ft altitude ??

[@IgorRyltsev]

Just purchased one! Was waiting for this video 😂🎉

[@alphafiddlesticks5623]

I've seen a good few of these Grand Highlander review videos, you're the only one I've seen so far that took it off-road. It's a very nice vehicle, top of my 'potential list'. Excellent review, thank you!

[@mhassouneh]

I have to tell you, man.. This is one of your best videos. Excellent shots and great journalism, as always.. But this one went beyond 👍

[@mariorivas9673]

You are, so far, the only car channel to give the correct cargo space info in KZbin. Amazing.

[@ianarsenault]

My wife and I have a 21 Rav4 Hybrid XSE, this is something I think we will be taking a look at when it hits lots.

[@americandude3825]

We have a 2022 rav4 XSE. My wife just said the same thing haha.

[@carsbykev7037]

@@americandude3825 We have a 23' Rav4 Prime XSE but need a 3rd-Row. Toyota CAN AND WILL do a PHEV for this I'm sure, and as Tesla owners and Rav4 Prime (Best Vehicle in the world) owners, I appreciate all electric driving on the daily miles. We drive more than most people (Tesla 4k/month visiting my business locations, Other car about 1,200/mth) so the PHEVs make sense for us (with tax credits). I wish they made this in PHEV, but we're changing to the CX-90 PHEV, which is disappointing after driving the RavPrime, but is nice and has a 3rd row that works. I was going to just update our Plaid S to an X because we love the Rav4 Prime so much, but financially my S has taken a hit with the Tesla price cuts so we'd lose almost a Rav4 on trade (about $30k). If you love the Rav4 like we do, this seems appealing. Especially if you're not power hungry like me and could take the more efficient Hybrid.

[@americandude3825]

@@carsbykev7037 well said. I don’t need the extra power. Regular hybrid for me!

[@LC.1990]

We have one too. I got the tires rotated a couple of days ago and the dealership has sent me multiple emails making an offer to buy it back from me.

[@americandude3825]

@@LC.1990 don’t do it!

[@Car_conversati0nz]

The scenery in all your videos are so nice, I have to watch it on my TV!

[@therichardrichyrich]

Ahhhhh the Toyota Grand Highlander (or as I like to call it, the lifted Toyota Sienna without the sliding doors) is gonna be a huge seller imo!

[@bakhtiyarpakhirdinov2461]

Yep, exactly, hooded minivans - that's what they are 😁

[@lordtark6736]

Exactly it's a sienna and it's lame

[@piggy310]

You all sound like gossipy Karen's from Illinois.

[@scottkasper6378]

Lol. Just went to lease our fourth sienna and came home with this since they had no siennas. Must say it’s a pretty awesome off-road sienna

[@JZirn]

I remember seeing this vehicle driving around the Toyota plant a few months ago covered up and was curious. Cool to see it finally!

[@jsfbay1]

Please tell Toyota (and Lexus for the TX) that some people want to be able to option in a 2nd-row bench seat (5:48 and 7:11) so we can fit three people in the 2nd row, leaving all that cargo space you get with the third row folded flat. And no, I don't want the base XLE nor the next one up, I want that bench seat in the top trim! Why not for cyrin' out loud? It's a common mistake in the industry, but I'm begging Toyota/Lexus to be brave and fix the problem. Please!!!!

[@enobongjackson2200]

Your videos are great. Honestly, I love your channel 🤞 Am off to go see another video from DSTV 😏 🔥🔥💯 I'd love to see how this competes with the Telluride so much

[@ExpeditionaryRanger]

Dude, you have the best reviews now I think.

[@andrewsworkshop]

Great review. Thank you Ryan and co.

[@LionRunner]

Can't wait to see you do proper offroad test on the Grand Highlander. I remember how bad the old Dynamic Torque Control AWD compared to something like Honda i-VTM4. I don't see much tests on Torque Vectoring AWD system. Atleast from what I see its very basic and may be adequate because Toyota has 4WD vehicles when needed. But most don't understand that AWD is not equal to 4WD and don't really know about viscous coupling, electromagnetic clutches vs mechanical / solid connection, locking diffs, etc.. They will just take the Highlander on scenic places since Toyota say "Lets Go Places". So love to see you test the limits of this.

[@Seriously140]

This is the most perfectly thought out vehicle for the majority of today's buyers.

[@peecee9571]

I have spent the last 3 days watching videos on the grand highlander. This is easily the best video.

[@jsac3939]

Great review!!

[@MegaRetr]

I have to tell you, man.. This is one of your best videos.

[@afrojoe24]

another great vid. Lovely location! Nice SUV

[@nielzachi]

8 inches of ground clearance, adult-friendly third row...impressive. Too bad they ditched their sweet V6.

[@stingygunner]

​@DavidRC for now, brand new.

[@sshah2545]

​@DavidRC yeah, exactly this. I completely get the historic stigma on turbo motors, but Toyota/Lexus have been mass producing these small Turbo 4s and 6s for over a decade now... NO unusual failure rates. At some point you gotta stop saying the same crap

[@EOtekk]

I'd rather have the 30mpg.

[@vichetkim5533]

I agree. Maintenance cost is less of a head ache on the tried and true V6 than 4 cylinders mated to a turbo and a hybrid battery setup.

[@sshah2545]

@vichetkim5533 you literally don't even know that this is true yet.. and you're saying it. The engine is literally smaller, it should take less consumables. 1st gen Priuses batteries were everyone's fear... they lasted for 15 years+ without issues. If this vehicle is in fact reliable, it should actually cost LESS to maintain over time. And you people are out here fear mongering before its even released

[@ibrahimbashir6634]

The black badge version of this is going to look bomb 🔥🔥🔥

[@freytheviking]

Best SUV/Truck content on the internet! Did they say they will have a TRD Pro/Off-road version? I am 100% buying one if so (whenever the second kid comes!)

[@ashleylitebrite6971]

Great video and review!

[@user-uz1yf4hk5s]

Thank you for showing the price first, saved me 30mins of my life 😂

[@michaelhale2594]

I spoke with my local Toyota dealer and was told they are offering the Grand Highlander for MSRP plus a $10,000 market adjustment. Needless to say, that deflated my enthusiasm.

[@indaydongtv5139]

Thank you for the nice review sir ryan very impressive highlander❤❤❤

[@Shambles7698]

For car like that it really doing good job plus love you review 👌

[@smallgaragehustle]

Can’t believe they made the highlander a lot larger and downsized the engine to a 4 cylinder. We bought the 2022 Highlander because it was the last year with the V6.

[@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.

[@lexylangley6179]

Great video, phenomenal sponsor segway!

[@MrFreddyd3]

excellent review!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Ryan, Others may wish to max out on the Hybrid Max but the ordinary, 34 mpg Hybrid is more to my liking. Your video was so thorough I am left with just one question - what was the owner of the silver Pontiac Vibe 16:14 doing out in that field in the middle of nowhere? 🤔😂

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

I believe both have the same top speed of 112 mph. I’d rather have more mpg. You make better time on a trip with the 2.5 Hybrid even if it takes a few extra seconds to get to speed.

[@guerrierim15]

Lol good eye!

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@guerrierim15 I own one myself but I can assure you it has never been to Hawaii. As a matter of fact, since it was shipped up from California it has never left Canada. 😉

[@OneBaldingWookiee]

Wow. I really like this vehicle. Now let’s see an off-road trim then I’m sold.

[@wesleygamboa2475]

Great video. This Highlander is definitely a win win. Great job Toyota.

[@UKR91]

Looks so good, wish Toyota update regular Highlander to same shape. Camera resolutions start looking better too, finally!

[@Mdcumminsw]

Great review…much anticipated vehicle since the launch announcement! It would be great to see a comparison with the Sienna…I will be cross shopping these vehicles in early 2024

[@thelawfamilyproduction329]

I have the new Sienna but might swap for this

[@azzy9532]

28:00 one of those soft buttons on the left side of the screen should be an option to have the camera automatically re-enable when you drop below a certain speed. Maybe they changed that with the new system but at least for the old system there was a button to do that.

[@davecesario950]

Great video! Wish you talked/showed a little more about the color since it’s new. Any metallic in the cloud burst paint??? Nicely done!!

[@cyberhard]

Wish I could give you a second thumbs up for the Highlander reference.

[@seadawg4278]

Great Video! Hawaii...you have a tough job.

[@robertangusjr4411]

Love my V6 '09 highlander sport! But this one is super nice!

[@piggy310]

You've got the good "old" 2gfre

[@peterr2237]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful video. I would like to get more information about the 6-speed transmission on their Hybrid Max version. Why is that? Isn't the 6-speed configuration old-fashioned nowadays?

[@elizabethescher5445]

Looks amazing!

[@TobyCostaRica]

That did a lot better than I thought off road.

[@loneapple440]

Great video.

[@adamcoleman7810]

Can you please do a review of the gas-only version? I’m very interested to see how that AWD system performs.

[@DarianDT]

Finally a functional 3rd row for Toyota beside a Sienna.

[@fireslayerx]

Highlander reference made me subscribe!

[@javierjavier-ht3yu]

Very good reviews , made with profesionalism, and I want saying also that the t-shirts are very beauty, and the sweaters too.

[@ashleylitebrite6971]

I know you just mentioned this off hand, however I honestly never knew Jurassic Park was filmed in Hawaii. Really cool!

[@fivefingerheist]

Love the shirt!

[@jsfbay1]

Ryan, did you get a chance to try the "Traffic Jam Assist" (or whatever they call it) functionality? I'm curious what it does that is different than any other adaptive cruise control system. From watching another channel, one of the functions that is not related to traffic jams is that it will slow you down if you go into a corner faster than it thinks is safe. But with a disability in my right foot and ankle that makes it painful to drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic, I'm anxious to know what they've done. Thanks for your review, I always enjoy them.

[@TobyCostaRica]

I don’t know if they improved it but it works ok in my 2021 Toyotas. My complaint is how smooth the acceleration and braking is. Feels like a teenage driver on a learners permit. In my subaru it was much smoother.

[@kingsleyagyemang7417]

Toyota is really satisfying the need of the people with this 3 row and they are gonna make more money on it other car brands are in serious trouble they got it so right no doubt

[@lilpeppa117G]

Not the kia telluride or palisade

[@nonameman3741]

Great video as always...and no,we were not looking at your watch :)))

[@user-nm9xo7gb3g]

Hi Ryan! I was wondering if you would consider doing a review of the new Subaru Ascent 23. I received my second generation Ascent in early October 22. And it will be very interesting for me to put it to the test with the familiar DUAL-X Mode. I look forward to every new episode.

[@user-tk7km1sr7e]

How loud is the pedestrian safety sound generation on the Grand Highlander hybrid models?

[@ayhamsaati7476]

Love the grand Highlander, and REALLY love the watch!!!,

[@michaelhale2594]

Having owned a Toyota Corolla, a Camry and currently an Avalon hybrid, I contacted my local Toyota dealer about purchasing a 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE. I was told they are taking orders (unknown delivery date) and their price is the MSRP plus a $10,000 "market adjustment." Needless to say, their pricing news quickly dampened my enthusiasm for the Grand Highlander and for Toyota.

[@jonkrispeterson6678]

That is too bad. I have a commitment from my local dealer for MSRP on a GH Hybrid.

[@dawood2u]

🤯

[@Abundance4LL]

I had my eye on pilot and mdx but now highlander looks really attractive 🤔

[@TundeEszlari]

Magical video. 😁

[@BAJAORY1994]

I wish I have this soon I really like it ❤

[@kennethhielscher1949]

nice job...I'd like this kind of test on the GH with the AWD and just the gas engine, NO ELECTRONICS in the power train. I want to check out how that AWD handles off roads like this NOT what you tested the Trail sport on in AZ. Thanks

[@eugenewang8928]

Cool, thanks

[@gregaclark2]

This model/powertrain/trim level isn't buildable on the Toyota website as of today??

[@anan7s294]

If ur wearing polarised sunglasses, is the HUD n screens still visible?

[@legambaz]

Toyota has definitely done a very good job on this Highlander

[@indaydongtv5139]

Realy cool grand highlander 😍😍😍

[@danelhouseofel7634]

Hell, yes. "THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE" - Christopher Lambert voice -

[@nv-systems]

Any Prado or 4Runner updates that we can expect for 2024?

[@beaglesinthesun]

Great video, I will research this, but I did not hear you say if it was available as a plug-in hybrid.

[@drivingsports]

Toyota did not announce any plug-in hybrid variation

[@markdougherty1636]

Why did they make the center console higher and wider?

[@huntstyle]

I wonder if Toyota would consider making a TRD Highlander? My guess is no, as it's too close to the 4Runner. But the next gen 4Runner better have improved gas mileage when the larger Sequoia is already better in that regard. Perhaps it'll be the same engines as the new Tacoma (though I haven't seen mpg figures for that one yet).

[@TobyCostaRica]

If they made a TRD Rav4 and a Woodland lifted Sienna. It’s not out of the question for a TRD Highlander. Just needs a small lift, skid plates, different bumpers for more clearance.

[@payasahermosa]

Yes I would buy it

[@cungzjohnjohn122]

I totally agree. I fir one is driving a 2005 toyota sequioa. I love it, but if I am getting a new bigger vehicle I would get this instead.

[@raihansomcn]

Does it has any ambient lighting?

[@Kiss__Kiss]

This Grand Highlander has the silhouette of the Land Cruiser.

[@rbb1111]

Thought I was the only person who thought that.

[@jhagen4850]

Love the fact that you actually lay down in the back. Real users sleep in their vehicles like this. Toyota is absolutely killing it with their product lineup! I question if competitors are going to keep up at this point.

[@tallll70]

Exactly, i'm renting santafes explorers and 4runners for that reason and slept in all of them

[@LifeCycle1978]

What!? “Real users”? You mean all those overlanders who use this vehicle for exploring their local grocery stores? 😂

[@VG22.]

A great everyday family hauler. Currently leasing a 2022 Pilot exl awd, While I love how the pilot drives and the space... I am extremely disappointed at the interior build quality of my Honda Pilot. Rattles and creaks from the dashboard began a week after ownership and the service department says they dont want to risk further rattles by trying to fix the dashboard rattle. WTF...

[@rajendramodusu5980]

Start of the video flashing strobe lights Does 2023 hybrid highlander has this

[@MIZUNOMP60]

I guess Ryan you preferred this over the Mazda CX-90?

[@zijousa]

This might eat into the Sienna space. A minivan-like spacious SUV with good mpg

[@kevin3051]

No other reviewers are testing the space for camping - Thanks! How tall are you and did you have additional space at your feet and head? I'm 6'2". Also, in the 2.5 hybrid the off road mode is "trail mode". Is that equivalent to "snow mode"? I'm wondering how it changes the power to the wheels. I would be using it in a snowy climate.

[@drivingsports]

Snow mode cuts power. Trail mode increases wheel spin. Very different. I’m 6’1”. Sorry I don’t remember exactly how much extra space was there. It was a while ago.

[@Ribyyonacc69]

For a adventures family person like me which one do you recommend Honda pilot trailsports or grand Highlander?

[@JRs-guitars]

I'd take the Pilot TrailSport. The Highlander might have a little more cargo and passenger space, but Hondas new AWD system will always win against a hybrid AWD system.

[@johnnylong2049]

Power or efficiency? 27mpg or 37mpg? Hard to pick.

[@thedarkking9705]

Can you please review the 5.0 ford f150 tremor ???

[@MariktheWolf]

love Highlander...even the 2nd one lol

[@danareynolds7843]

The only answer for that Sequoia is either a non hybrid using the space for a third row or an XL option

[@JacanaProductions]

Looks a hell of a lot better than the new Landcruiser!

[@leeyang1473]

Finally someone that doesn't complaint about a smaller infotainment screen. The 14"' tablet looking screen is so in your face and distracting

[@jml9550]

Right? Just bought my wife a new Lexus NX350H, $51K cash. The 10 inch screen is good enough. If I want a big screen, I could’ve bought a Tesla model Y which she refused.

[@Fadic4]

I don’t think it has a “facial recognition system”? i think that’s just eye tracking to make sure you are looking at the road. The features that you described that the car remembers are based on which key you use, not based on vehicle using facial recognition.

[@segnokosi1878]

Looks like a Highlanded 4 runner. It's a beautiful tho

[@azkhan70]

Great video up untill the end.. If you went up the rocks and tested it a bit more that would've sealed the deal for me.

[@rapide12345]

Test the new 2023 Outlander PHEV off-road.

[@tomgriesheimer4366]

Cool, cool, cool. Now, WHERE'S OUR LANDCRUISER???!!!

[@slandshark]

"A bench seat is available in lower trims"....and that's why I bought an 8 seater Subaru Ascent instead of something else. Pretty much every SUV manufacturer makes families as large as mine have to choose a lower trim than I want because of seat options. Looks like a great Toyota, but it won't be one I own simply because of that reason.

[@jonkrispeterson6678]

You can get a limited hybrid with the bench seat. About the only thing you sacrificed is ventilated 2 nd row.

[@slandshark]

@@jonkrispeterson6678 The 8 seat configuration is only available in bottom 2 trims. No 360 surround camera view, no all-time AWD, etc. Granted it's MPG and a larger vehicle, the toyota grand highlander starts at $2k more than I paid for a fully loaded Ascent Limited. I built out a Hybrid Limited version with 8 seat/bench with as many features to match my Ascent as were available and came to $56k MSRP. And I still don't get all-time AWD and a few other safety features. That said, it may be a good 2nd family vehicle for us since we are slowly building out our Ascent to be an offroad/overlanding vehicle. It has been extremely capable so far.

[@jonkrispeterson6678]

@@slandshark I have confirmed delivery in late august for my GH Limited Hybrid. 8 passenger, (bench seat). No surround view camera, but we have that in our RAV4 and rarely use it. Heated second row, AWD, Panoramic roof, panoramic rear view mirror, and about $1000 worth of misc I could do without. Price before the deliver fee is $56,200. You can’t order from Toyota anymore, you get what comes, and I got in line first for this one.

[@oluseyigearhead4466]

@Driving Sports TV. Please, why did Toyota decide to pair the hybrid max engine with a 6 speed automatic gearbox? Why not the 8 speed or 10 speed gear box for that matter? I will sincerely appreciate your response.

[@Rasteell]

One of the other reviewers reported that Toyota's Chief Engineer claims that the 8 speed would not fit in the available space.

[@oluseyigearhead4466]

@@Rasteell Really? I am finding that hard to believe.

[@bigedd82]

Can you compare it to the Acura MDX hybrid? Other than size of the Toyota, is the drive better?

[@jml9550]

New MDX hybrid? It exist?

[@GiantMaster]

After this video clip (review) issued, this Grand Highlander will be more hot and the waiting list would absolutely be longer.

[@larryk4082]

why do you think this has the Honda Pilot Trailsport beat? The Highlander does not have skid plate and doesn't do as well on chunky rock roads? The Highlander has appears to have a larger, nicer interior, and better gas mileage.

[@altamashparwaiz2097]

I wnt more better designed captains chair.. i mean u can take hints from front row seats. The shoulders to be specific

[@FrankTheRabbit]

The second lever is for the older siblings in the 3rd row to torment the younger siblings in the 2nd row lol. Looks like a great family hauler.

[@hentron]

no towing hitch?