Anthony on Autos: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum

by Anthony Fongaro  - Photos via Toyota- 12/17/2022 

Toyota had a bit of a size issue. Their top-dog Sequoia can be a little too large for some families, yet the ever-popular Highlander didn’t have seating for seven. That’s where the Grand Highlander comes in. This new SUV is the middle point between those two. Competition is fierce for a three-row SUV with the likes of the Hyundai Palisade and Mazda CX-90. How does Toyota’s new SUV do, and can it usurp the top dog?

In terms of exterior looks, the Grand Highlander looks big but bland. The rear-end is the worst offender, with taillights taken from a Volkswagen Tiguan. I am happy the Grand Highlander doesn’t have fake exhaust, and there is a bit of trim near to them. One thing to not complain about is the Hybrid MAX Platinum’s standard 20-inch wheels. The silhouette is in-offensive and in line with the rest of Toyota’s products. I’d say the front end is the best part of the Grand Highlander with slim slights and a huge grille.

Step inside the Grand Highlander, and you may be in for a bit of a surprise. This is a stylish and well-laid-out cabin. Steering wheel controls for the adaptive cruise control and infotainment system are simple to use. In front of the steering wheel is a drowsiness sensor. While there are digital dials, there isn’t a lot of customization to them. Next to the drive is a large 12.3-inch infotainment system along with 11 JBL speakers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both wireless. Using the infotainment system is quite easy to use, but I mostly used Apple CarPlay.

Toyota also gives you physical dials for climate control. Not surprisingly, their easy-to-use Grand Highlander has front and second-row heating and first-row ventilation. The seats are very comfortable and supportive. There are plenty of USB-C outlets abound, and gold elements around the shifter and other surfaces. Third-row access is easy but is a little snug. Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum vehicles have a power-operated tailgate and panoramic roof.

There are two engines available, depending on which trim level you get. Lower-level trims get a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four engine with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. Upper trim levels, such as the Hybrid MAX Platinum, get the same engine plus 2 AC motors. These come to 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft. This engine comes with a 6-speed automatic along with direct drive. Combined with AWD, the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum gets from 0-60 MPH in 5.6 seconds. That is very respectable, and those 2 AC motors mean you fly off the line. If you don’t always floor it, you can expect around 24 MPG.

This is a big SUV, and it feels like a big SUV. There is some body lean and the suspension could be more comfortable. I didn’t notice too much wind noise on the highway. This is a vehicle to transport many people in, so handling isn’t high on its priority. Being able to cruise about with Toyota’s safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring makes driving this more calming.

With an asking price of around $60,000, the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum isn’t cheap. Thankfully, there are far less expensive models. Base XLE trim comes in at $43,000, but the non-hybrid to go with is the Limited for $48,000 or the $51,000 Limited. If you want to go all-out, this Hybrid MAX Limited will work. The Toyota Grand Highlander does everything you’d want in a three-row SUV with plenty of technology and comfort. Sure, the exterior is a little bland, but everything else works in the Grand Highlander’s favor. If there is a three-way tie with the Mazda CX-90 and Hyundai Palisade, this would be included.