There Can Only Be ONE *Best* Three-Row Family SUV, But Is the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander It?

( www.alltfl.com/) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts! The Toyota Grand Highlander offers beefier styling and more space than the standard Highlander, as well as even more hybrid power. But is this top-of-the-line version of the top-of-the-line Highlander the best one to buy? Nathan takes a closer look in this review!
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#toyota #suv #review

[@DailyDriversCarReviews]

These companies really need to stop with the Captain seats in the top models, if you’re buying 3 row, more than likely you want full passenger capacity

[@sw6155]

Yes! 🙌 My case exactly! I need all 8 seats! 😅😅😅

[@jm4774]

The top models have captains chairs because all of the options and that 8th person's weight would prevent the towing from being 5,000 pounds. That is what I heard anyway. :)

[@rightlanehog3151]

Nathan, For families who can survive without 362 hp, the 35 mpg Grand Highlander Hybrid is a much better choice .😉

[@jonkrispeterson6678]

I drive my cars over 200k miles before getting rid of them. So I went with the proven hybrid powertrain. Is it wicked fast? Nope, but it is way faster than the Previa I owned in the ‘90s, with 135 hp. We have owned it 3 months, and I got 40 mpg last tank.

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

That’s great for a full size SUV.

[@paulneil7321]

is it AWD, how is it moving?

[@jonkrispeterson6678]

@@paulneil7321 not sure what you mean. It runs fine.

[@paulneil7321]

@@jonkrispeterson6678 I talked to a Toyota employee and he said get the AWD regular hybrid if I am worried about it running quickly on local roads. So I just wanted to check if you have the AWD model.

[@jonkrispeterson6678]

@@paulneil7321 yes, the regular hybrid only comes in AWD. It’s fantastic

[@loudandclearmedia]

We bought the first one on the lot a few months ago when they first became available, a gas-powered all-wheel drive Limited model. It's fantastic. Tons of space, great ride, great standard features....quiet. Yes, the $53K price tag wasn't awesome, but EVERYTHING else is. Toyota really hit it out of the park on this one.

[@ASD-DAD]

Wow, $53K for a non hybrid....

[@loudandclearmedia]

@@ASD-DAD Yeah, they're spendy. To put it in perspective, the difference between the Base trim and Limited trim is about the same as the Hybrid vs gas, cost wise at ~$5K. So, as we wanted to keep the price in the low 50's range, we had to decide which was more important to us. For our case, we don't put a ton of miles on the thing, so the horizon of being paid back on that extra 5 grand in gas savings was way out there, but wed DO enjoy the better stereo, seats etc that the Limited gives each time we drive it, so that's the direction we went. A few months in and I have zero regrets...I'd do it the same again.

[@jiet123]

Does the gas model feel underpowered? The only reason that I’m hating this vehicle is the fact that it doesn’t come in 8 seat configuration….i don’t want to go with the base xle for that

[@loudandclearmedia]

@@jiet123 Not at all, though I would say the pedal itself is a bit vague and laggy. Takes some getting used to but the vehicle itself has plenty of power to get it moving.

[@jonkrispeterson6678]

@@jiet123 my limited has bench seats. It’s a no cost option.

[@a_man_has_no_name]

it's a Sienna in a crossover/suv costume. Brilliant Toyota at last they got something right after the 3rd row disaster in the Sequoia

[@almassengale]

I really wish they did a second row bench on the hybrid Max, especially if they did a removable middle seat. Second row captains chairs don't work for my family.

[@paulneil7321]

That is the only reason for me too say a no to this

[@ronevans9277]

Should add- beside the Lexus I drove the non-hybrid grand highlander and was completely underwhelmed. My palisade, as I’ve learned at just under 1,000 miles now is not just loaded with features but very spirited when driving (I do have pedal commander just as I did with my 4runner). Sooo.. comment please. Had a 2021 4runner trd pro (lunar rock) with one heck of a build and less than 24k miles on it. Lost my job of 25+ years (I am 50). So had a few things going on. Got it in my head, can’t keep my 4runner with 11.5 mpg around town and 14.5 mpg combined. I absolutely loved my 4runner and off-roading was absolutely awesome. But I thought it would be smart to get something more,practical with better gas mileage when I lost my job. So researched … grand highlander would give me the space I wanted for my kids and dogs. And that hybrid max power train, hmm.. but the problem was that they weren’t available and dealers weren’t very helpful. So I turned to the Lexus TX 500H. That has the hybrid max drivetrain amped up a bit and drive phenomenal. However, I ended up purchasing a Hyuandai Palisade calligraphy night edition the day before I was depositing in my incognito TX. It came down to every day value and I couldn’t pass it up. The Hyundai is not as powerful or drive-tech savvy but when I considered the $20k price difference for the other option variances, couldn’t pass it up.

[@JohnLee-tb3nh]

Can't say no to 10-year 100,000-mile warranty! Say never to 5-year junk warranty! Especially never ever to Land Rover's 4-year DOA warranty!

[@Notadrianmonroy]

The Highlander font and pose from the “Highlander” film gives this video the extra razzle dazzle

[@vikashummer]

Sienna needs this MAX engine very badly!!!

[@santasanchezortiz1933]

lmaoooooo "if you have too many children, you're lower class" im dying. Ugh I want bench seats hella bad and it sucks that I cant get that model with it.

[@fsugrad03]

Been on a waiting list for one of these for 4 months. Get it together Toyota!

[@donwoodward7944]

Great review. So much more informative compared to what's out there. Gets straight to the point.

[@killerb5726]

Loved that movie back when it came out. Watched it again as an adult and, not as good as I remember. Love the concept, hope they do it justice with the reboot. Back to cars, Toyota did a nice job with this. When I’m in the market, I would consider it.

[@Baasicstuff]

the controls on the limited are better than the MAX I also like the looks better

[@D63-p7k]

Nathan cracks me up every time

[@culjonez22]

Nathan repping the Aquabats!!! Super Rad!!!

[@mingbean78]

Test drove this and the regular Hybrid Highlander. Settled on the regular Highlander. As nice as the grand is I didn't like the floaty feeling when driving around corners. It's to be expected in a body-on-frame suv, but inexcusable on a unibody car based suv.

[@Baasicstuff]

4T is a better deal than the MAX, which is like a SUperCharger that will cost you 6K up front and a lower resale. Also 600 pounds heavier 4T is a no brainer

[@mitchstein288]

Thanks for the great review, Nathan. Very informative. Seems to be a good compromise if you don't want to spend the big bucks on a Sequoia. Will Toyota be coming out with some tech similar to Blue Cruise/Supercruise?

[@archdavis6942]

Loved the movie reference!👍🏻👍🏻

[@reyflorenzo3644]

The reason of Grand highlander because it's for Canada. Love you boss your are great and awesome.

[@thebeddoctor4273]

Can you compare this to a similar equipped Lexus TX or similar priced and see what you get and don't get?

[@MartinMazur]

I like using the only can be one reference from the Highlander movie franchise and series.

[@Poitierj93]

It all depends to me. Most people I know doesn’t use their 3rd row and I have a 2022 Highlander (V6 thank God) and only kids I put back there but I’m driving by myself most of the time and it’s still capable of towing 5k lbs. if ur like me a regular highlander would work. If u need the max space available plus cargo and don’t mind being under powered a little get a Sienna. It offers the most space. If you don’t wanna be seen n a minivan lol but need good space (not as much as the Sienna) and want a higher ride Grand Highlander is perfect. Sequoia only matters at this point if u need that towing capacity and don’t want a pick up truck

[@joeblack1052]

Once the new land cruiser comes out it is possible sequoia will be axed.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@joeblack1052 anything is possible but I’m not sure why they would. Sequoia I think is still a bigger offering, even if just slight. It has additional wheelbase over the LC and though has a battery under the third row, so too will some LC versions with the hybrid.

[@Poitierj93]

@@ALMX5DP i agree the new LC wont be anywhere near like the LC overseas or like the old LC we use to get. The Sequoia is still going to offer a higher towing capacity than both Grand Highlander and LC. And still will be able to go off road. The Sequoia price point is what ultimately going to kill it. And that really needs to revise that “cargo” in that truck because it’s bad.

[@truyentruong9015]

The only problem is the wife thought the Highlander looked like a minivan. Cant imagine the longer version looks less minivan-ish. That makes it a No Go, especially now that the NEW GX fits adults in its 3rd row now...

[@robskinner1972]

I have a 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE ordered. I am 6' 2" tall and will be taking it on long road trips. I did notice, when test driving, that the driver legroom wasn't as large as I expected it to be with the seat all the way back. Did you have any issues as a tall driver in this area, seeing as how you are 6’ 3” tall? I am also about your size and have a 32” inseam.

[@D0NTsmokeCRACK]

I can’t believe more people aren’t talking about out this. I’m 6’4 and the only things I remember from my test drive was that it was too cramped. The seat didn’t go far enough back, the steering wheel doesn’t articulate as much as it should and that center console is just intrusive. Oh and the door panels felt hollow and cheap. My left knee was constantly pressed up against the door and it flexed every time I moved. Other then that I think it’s probably the best bet in the segment

[@mujjuman]

I thought this would be a comparison of this car vs regular Highlander vs sequoia

[@DukeofDSM]

Toyota should drop the Venza and make the regular highlander a bigger midsize two row. The price difference between the grand and regular highlander isn’t much!

[@faheemabbas3965]

Well, the Toyota Crown Estate is coming to America. It’s already been teased for North America (but for some reason call it a Crown “SUV”). People think the Venza will be dropped for the Crown Estate for 2025. The estate is being revealed on November 14th (tomorrow!).

[@preoksaha4504]

I have a feeling they will discontinue the regular highlander in the next few years.

[@SME5724]

@@preoksaha4504 sadly me too

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

@@SME5724Doubt it, more likely the Camry will get discontinued.

[@85bigGMC]

The best 3 row family vehicle is the Sienna. Change my mind (but preferably don’t as I just bought one 😂)

[@lightshunshine3861]

Mb you will be surprised if you country sold toyota alphard ( premium mpv from toyota japan)

[@dcman4902]

Can’t have a more practical vehicle than a van… sure suvs look nice and all that, but personally not so much for the price an not as practical, plus vans get good mpg considering they have the same amount of room if not more than a Tahoe that definitely does not get good mpg lol

[@kanwaryuvrajsingh]

Pretty darn good review. You have earned a subscriber.

[@jonzaremba]

Great presentation!

[@th003gh8]

Toyota manages to find a way to make 60k look cheap

[@jonathanverda5120]

Honestly $59k feels like a bargain when compared to the PHEV Dodge Hornet at $50k +.

[@ALMX5DP]

This isn’t a PHEV though.

[@iamswright1853]

Only those with low IQ buy or drive Dodge.

[@jonathanverda5120]

@@ALMX5DP it also isn't a Dodge. The point I was trying to make is you get a lot more vehicle for the price when compared to the Dodge. Also the point that PHEVs and electric continue to be very expensive.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@jonathanverda5120 well I guess the non-hybrid Highlander looks like even more of a bargain being like $10k less than the vehicle in this review.

[@JogBird]

too bad minivans have fallen out of favour, they make more sense from a utilitarian pov

[@iamswright1853]

Just trying to think how many things can go wrong in this vehicle like turbo, battery, hybrid system, electronic controls, etc. Back in the day you just had to worry about the engine.

[@ALMX5DP]

And even with all those things it’ll likely be more reliable than anything you could think of that just had an engine.

[@gdub350]

Warranties are a thing. Also why does everyone cry about turbos in a gas engine but never in a diesel? That’s a legit question cause I might just be naive.

[@LetMeCook86]

6 speed? What year is it, 1967!?

[@2018tundra]

I like it. They not producing enough

[@michaeljennrich8527]

Do you think it’s suitable for class 1 or 2 off road or forest service trails in Colorado? Have a growing family and need a 3rd row. I know most 3rd rows with the “off road trim” isn’t a jeep or truly trail worthy. New Pilot gets some okay stock features with Trailsport. As a family who is in that 5-10% of the US that would push a 3rd row to a limit going camping etc it’s great to see all this room and the hybrid mpg for around town. Any thoughts are appreciated and love the videos.

[@Baasicstuff]

The highylander is not SUV looking at all...I never knew Toyota had a Honda Pilot competitor.... I saw GRAND...though GRAND CHEROKEE....off road? not really....but dam way better te the 2014 Pilot and WOW great price for the size of car you get. This is not a stretched platform...stand alone ground up which is GRAND

[@nathanbeaner928]

You mentioned towing capacity, but you never mentioned payload

[@farhancsgo_25]

3:18 Me ? Toyota, the cup engine why still using prop rod & not hydraulic Toyota ?............

[@ALMX5DP]

Seems fine to me given how seldom people look under there.

[@tomcook8897]

Sienna is laughing at the lack of cargo and people space

[@tomjohnson8737]

Try going over 5inch bump with the sienna. Lol u big dummy

[@ALMX5DP]

⁠@@tomjohnson8737people do all the time when going over speed bumps. :P

[@tomjohnson8737]

@@ALMX5DP your iq to low to get what im talking about lol its okay buddy

[@electrikoptik]

Nathan looking cooler than cool!

[@hynsum]

5:53 Where is the ground on the AC outlet grounded? Or it that just dummy ground? (I'm not electrician, just curious)

[@ALMX5DP]

Probably grounded to the chassis somewhere.

[@walengvang77]

Nice car. I don’t like black bumper

[@EvendimataE]

if i want a 3rd row, i just go with mini vans

[@phild9813]

Unless you want to tow or do light off roading. For space alone, mini van is hard to beat.

[@bosse641]

Rather have a mint 1st Gen.

[@phild9813]

Holy crap, is this a competitor, size wise, for the yukon/tahoe?

[@phlydude]

probably more the new Traverse / Acadia than the Yukon/Tahoe

[@huanronghu4432]

more the redesigned traverse/acadia, but not far off tho. if u want something that is not a body-on-frame SUV (like the Yukon/Tahoe), and you don't want GM products, and you want the best mpg, the Grand Highlander is the only option

[@jayray274]

They should drop the standard Highlander and give this one a 3rd row delete option. Toyota has way too many SUVs right now.

[@ALMX5DP]

Not sure a third row delete would be very popular when the current version folds up pretty darn flat and out of the way.

[@yurenquan777]

Rav4 XXL

[@jneis1497]

Looks like a gigantic RAV4

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

It’s pretty much the same vehicle.

[@abilityboatworks5024]

Sweater tied around the waist gives a bit of a kilt look. Perhaps there's a wee bit of Scotch in ya lad.

[@64mrobie]

Scotch is an alcoholic beverage. A Scotsman (or a Scot) wears a kilt. 😊

[@jxmar_]

Can’t wait for the 2025/2026 Sienna refresh! Hopefully it offers another electrified power plant w more power.

[@sail72]

AC vents for the rear? Where are they?

[@alexsmba]

Roof mounted

[@latenightcereal2390]

The design is fine, but it's typical Toyota. Toyotas are everywhere, so it's not unique, even if no one else drives a grand highlander. My Corolla looks like small that.

[@hynsum]

Maybe the next (regular) Highlander should become 5-seat like Passport?

[@DanielDaniel1]

That’s a RAV4 lol

[@hynsum]

@@DanielDaniel1 RAV4+ or RAV5 😅

[@omarrodrig]

I hate the captain chair in a family SUV. Is a SUV no a sport car.

[@son-in-law7372]

What are you wearing 😂

[@danpatrick5944]

SouLvenir 😂😂

[@ItsAlive111]

Test driving the SUV in that outfit looks like a biker carjacked the family and tries to get away

[@josephcullen2512]

Give me the rear sliding doors of an MPV any day tho

[@freytheviking]

Any word they will make a TRD Pro/Off-road version?

[@markcoopers1930]

Should they? The regular Highlander doesn't, and this is a bigger and less maneuverable version with worse approach angles off the bat. The 4runner and sequoia and land cruiser should have that all covered. This is a minivan by another name.

[@freytheviking]

I would be in the market. The fact that the new Traverse/Acadia will be getting off-road versions seems to indicate there’s a broader appeal as well.

[@markcoopers1930]

@@freytheviking A TRD pro version would be well into the price range of, and still not be as capable as, the Sequoia. And the tires and lift would be throwing away the fuel efficiency and on road advantages it has. If changing tires isn't enough to meet off-road needs then it's just the wrong vehicle. It's like someone demanding a bigger Honda Civic but refusing to look at an Accord.

[@freytheviking]

⁠@@markcoopers1930Agreed. If the Sequoia was actually a practical vehicle, with 3rd row room and cargo space, I wouldn’t be asking for this lol.

[@lordsknight4516]

You honestly gave so much misinformation that it's embarrassing ! You have the wrong dimensions, and wrong gas mileage, the Subaru doesn't have more cargo or interior space, nor does it have better gas mileage!

[@jeepcam84]

thanks calling me lower class for buying a toyota.

[@NathanDAdlen]

Did I? Is that what you heard?

[@sunny-sq6ci]

toyota making a suv logically and reliably? nnooo....

[@1lovesgreatness]

It's a shit box that can't go up a dirt driveway without getting stuck. One of the greasy nerds at TFL got stuck in the dirt in it.

[@NathanDAdlen]

"Greasy nerds?" 🤨

[@jeepcam84]

thanks calling lower class with three children

[@kevonwalker8392]

I’m not buy a big suv with a little 2.4 turbo engine big suvs should come with a v6 or v8

[@alexsmba]

It used to have a V6. This thing destroys it in power and torque. Gotta get with the times dude.

[@faheemabbas3965]

Tell that to CAFE laws.

[@lordsknight4516]

I love this vehicle and I want to trade my 2022 Sienna for it, but Toyota as of right now is price gouging this vehicle. This vehicle in it's base form is almost up to 50k, for 5k more you can get a base Chevrolet Tahoe, with more space, greater power, and more cargo!😒

[@gs98999]

Yes but you would also get insane $$ for your Sienna. Where I am they are 2-3 year wait and slightly used ones sell for $10-$20k over new msrp.

[@Max-jv3yg]

Or buy the much-larger Tahoe with the baby DuraMax for the same price...

[@StephensonPropertyGroupSPG]

yet the tahoe has less cargo room behind the third row..and good luck finding a duramax at a dealer.

[@Max-jv3yg]

@@StephensonPropertyGroupSPG That is false. The Grand Highlander has 20.6 cubic ft. behind the 3rd row while the Tahoe has 25.5.

[@Sport-wg2tv]

No that is not the best that front end is ugly as can be that grill looks like a whale month open

[@steviepusmc88]

Are you dressed like that for a reason?

[@NathanDAdlen]

It was cold. Then it got warm... later it got hot.

[@johnmendiola2054]

"Top of the line" ugly.

[@jamesclapp6940]

MORE JUNK FORM TOYLET!

[@hynsum]

Hey Alexa, do you spy on me?

[@DAC7476]

Toyota just pricing themselves out of the middle class with all their great updates

[@nowayoutstp4]

Meh 🫤 give me a Black Edition Pilot

[@StephensonPropertyGroupSPG]

pilots third row is a joke..

[@jonathanfree6234]

Great review as always, it would be great to see a Sienna, Grand Highlander, Sequoia side by side comparison/discussion/buddy review. It could tease out use case, cost, efficiency, and utility for folks needing that third row while committed to Toyota reliability. I could see the buddy review with a different TFL staffer committed to convincing the viewers to pick each vehicle.

[@ivankorth4458]

I loved my 11 Highlander , and now own a 23 Lexus GX 460 and actually miss my Highlander

[@hynsum]

6:29 he said the quiet part out loud...🤣

[@Bigbillyrayfan]

A minivan that won’t open the rear doors for you. I don’t get it.

[@aeneas116116]

Love the Highlander reference. Great movie and tv show

[@jfox71]

Which SUV/crossover is the Kurgan?

[@NathanDAdlen]

Urus ...

[@scottymoondogjakubin4766]

Jeep and volkswagen had a baby and named it highlander ! 🤪

[@naveenthemachine]

The best 3 row family suv is the telluride or palisade. Pilots a runner up too Hyundai Kia Honda are laughing at this suv that failed to threaten them in any sort of way

[@ALMX5DP]

If those had more available powertrain options I think I’d agree. As it stands the Highlander has a good spread of options depending on your want or need.

[@SweetDrummer2007]

Coming from someone that had the telluride and now have a grand Highlander. The telluride looks great, but many issues with their infotainment. The grand Highlander, though not as stylish, is a better vehicle with better infotainment and doesn’t catch on fire while sitting in your garage

[@phild9813]

“Best” is relative. I’m still a hard pass on a Kia or Hyundai. I’d much rather stick with the Honda or Toyota. Although both seem to have embarrassingly small fuel tanks, as an aside.

[@ibrahimbashir6634]

Cartoon naveen cartooning himself here too 😂😂😂

[@daweed980]

Trash