Trims and Powertrains

Offering choices for different driver preferences, Toyota sells the Grand Highlander in three trims—XLE, Limited, and Platinum—with three powertrain choices. The base engine for the Grand Highlander is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 265 horsepower. XLE and Limited buyers can upgrade to a 245-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powerplant. For most trims, these two engines can be teamed with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The third powerplant option, the 362-horsepower Hybrid MAX system, is available only with the Limited and Platinum trims in conjunction with AWD. Toyota says this powertrain takes the Grand Highlander from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds – not bad for this class. The maximum towing capacity for all powertrain configurations is 5,000 pounds.

The 2024 Grand Highlander’s other main attraction is its interior space, with roomy seating for up to eight, or as much as 97.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo area (with the second and third rows folded flat). That’s 15% more interior volume than the 2023 Highlander and 12% more than the full-sized Sequoia SUV. With all three rows in use, cargo capacity tops off at 20.6 cubic feet.

Standard Features

The XLE’s middle row can be configured with captain’s chairs (resulting in seven-passenger seating) or a bench seat for an eight-passenger capacity. This well-equipped base trim also gets proximity keyless entry, SofTex (simulated leather) upholstery, heated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, a ten-way power driver’s seat, an eight-way power front passenger seat, push-button start, a power liftgate, LED exterior lighting, rear privacy glass, heated power side mirrors, second-row sunshades, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, roof rails, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Limited trim’s improvements include leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, a driver’s memory system, a hands-free power liftgate, heated side mirrors with power-fold, LED fog lights, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, ambient cabin lighting, rain-sensing windshield wipers, puddle lamps, and 20-inch alloy wheels. An accessory power outlet with a 1500-watt output capacity is included with the hybrid and Hybrid MAX powertrains. The seven-passenger-only Platinum goes further upscale with a panoramic moonroof, heated and ventilated second-row seats, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, paddle shifters, and trim-specific 20-inch alloy wheels.

Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Technology

Toyota’s latest-generation suite of advanced driver aids (TSS 3.0) comes standard on every Grand Highlander. Its features include adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, proactive driving assist (for enhanced braking support and distance control), and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is also included. The Limited and Platinum get front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, while only the Platinum adds a surround-view monitor, a digital rearview mirror, front cross-traffic alert, and access to traffic jam assist services.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Grand Highlander has standard wireless smartphone charging and plenty of USB ports for its occupants. Its 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system manages Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the sound system; the XLE has six speakers, while the two higher trims move up to an 11-speaker JBL arrangement.

All Grand Highlanders are set up for Cloud Navigation services and have access to a Wi-Fi hotspot and Toyota Connected Services (for emergency assistance, remote vehicle monitoring, and additional features). A digital key is also standard, enabling vehicle access and operation with a smartphone app.