Kona, Hawaii — Although the new three-row Grand Highlander shares the same name as its popular, best-selling sibling, in reality, this newcomer is a completely different machine. It checks boxes unavailable with the regular Toyota Highlander—most notably, an adult-size third row with enough legroom for adult legs and three powerful powertrain options, including the potent 362 horsepower 2.4L Hybrid MAX we drove here. This variant is Toyota’s most powerful mid-size SUV ever, where the regular Highlander doesn’t even come close.
Related – Price & Power: The 2024 Grand Highlander Won’t Break the Bank
A Pair of Hybrid Powertrains and One Gas Engine
In addition to the 362 horsepower 2.4L Hybrid MAX, Grand Highlander shoppers can opt for the less potent 2.5L 4-cylinder Hybrid and gas-powered 2.4L 4-cylinder turbo. But if you’re planning to buy the range-topping Limited or Platinum grades, you’re stuck with the Hybrid MAX. And while we didn’t get to drive the 265 horsepower gas or 243 horsepower 2.5L hybrid variants on this trip, we’d say being stuck with Toyota’s new Hybrid MAX is a good thing. Here’s a look at each of the three powertrains:
2.4L Turbo
| Spec | Metric |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb.-ft @ 6,000 rpm |
| Drivetrain | FWD, AWD |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto (electronic) |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs. |
2.5L Hybrid
| Spec | Metric |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 243 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | N/A |
| Drivetrain | AWD only |
| Transmission | ECVT |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs. |
2.4L Hybrid MAX
| Spec | Metric |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 362 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 400 lb.-ft @ 2,000-3,000 rpm |
| Drivetrain | AWD only |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs. |
On the Road: A Quick-Shifting Mid-Size SUV with Plenty of Torque
We left the confines of our hotel and hit the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway (HI-19), heading north to test Hybrid MAX. We punched the accelerator once, making that initial turn onto the main road. Torque felt almost immediate, turbo power was instant, and the Hybrid-MAX’s direct shift 6-speed transmission is a big reason for this surprisingly quick acceleration — safe to say, the eCVT in the less robust 2.5L hybrid wouldn’t render the same results (not even close).
We’re sure nobody is dragging racing their mid-size SUVs, but this turbo Hybrid MAX will propel the Grand Highlander from 0-60 mph in a respectable 6.3 seconds, backed by 400-pound feet of torque. Compare that to the more efficient 2.5L hybrid’s 7.8 seconds. So, getting the kids to soccer on time shouldn’t be an issue.
The Lexus equivalent to the Toyota Grand Highlander is the new TX, which has the more powerful 3.6L V6 plug-in hybrid making 406 horsepower. Here’s our 2024 Lexus TX 500h F Sport first drive review.
Rear-wheel drive bias in an all-wheel drive SUV
What you may not expect, however, is the feeling of being behind the wheel of a rear-wheel-drive SUV. When you punch the Grand Highlander’s gas pedal, this 362-horsepower hauler takes off with responsive acceleration and straight-line stability.
The full-time electronic AWD securely plants the Grand Highlander on the road, but it also distributes power to the front and rear wheels depending on the driving situation, courtesy of a front-mounted hybrid motor and a rear-mounted eAxle electric motor, respectively. So, when the Hybrid MAX’s AWD isn’t delivering its standard 70:30 front/rear power split suitable for most driving conditions, the system will toggle to a nifty 20:80 division for that grin-inducing, rear-wheel performance feeling.
Overall, it’s a good-looking mid-size hauler that’s light on its feet when paired with the potent turbo Hybrid MAX with full-time electronic AWD; the real-wheel power distribution is a treat on the highway.
Side note: the non-MAX hybrid’s electronic on-demand AWD delivers a 100:0 and 20:80 front/rear power split. It’s less about performance, but it will throw more power to the rear for added stability when needed, like slippery conditions.
Overall, we didn’t expect the Grand Highlander Limited Hybrid MAX to be this fun to drive. Granted, an SUV designed to carry nearly ten people with sufficient cargo space is enough for most. But when that same SUV is enjoyable to pilot on the open road while still providing good fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 27 combined MPG, that’s never bad.
Grand Highlander Towing Capacity Depends on the Engine
It’s worth noting the gas-powered 2.4L turbo, which makes 265 hp and 310 lb. ft or torque, will tow as much as the Hybrid MAX at 5,000 pounds towing capacity. The smaller engine also pairs with an electronically-controlled 8-speed automatic transmission with DirectShift and all-wheel drive.
The 2.5L Hybrid is more for those seeking the utmost efficiency over performance. It has less power at 243 hp and will only tow 3,500 pounds maximum. Plus, it’s the only powertrain that mates to an electronic CVT—and not everyone is a fan of the continuously variable transmission. But that’s another topic. It also comes with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
While all three versions get three drive modes (Sport, Eco, Normal), only the gas and Hybrid MAX have the bonus of Multi-Terrain Select, which adds Mud, Sand, Rock, Dirt, and Snow modes.
Takeaway
The current Toyota SUV lineup is vast. But the Grand Highlander has a lot going for it, and it does an excellent job separating itself from the pack with its impressive dimensions and spacious interior. It’s not just a Sienna minivan alternative for growing families but offers current Highlander owners a chance to step up to something larger without jumping to a full-size SUV. With well over 3-million Highlanders sold since inception in the US alone, we’re guessing a good number of these people are repeat Highlander buyers.
Just having that adult-sized third row, with its ample cabin space, convenience features, and large cargo space accommodating seven carry-on suitcases behind that last row, is simply a game-changer. These three-row SUVs in a medium format are hard to come by now. And with three powertrain options to suit different needs, coupled with affordable pricing, Toyota’s Highlander winning streak may have just hit another level.
Overall, it’s a good-looking mid-size hauler that’s light on its feet when paired with the potent turbo Hybrid MAX with full-time electronic AWD; the real-wheel power distribution is a treat on the highway. The new 3rd-row is undoubtably the star here. But it’s the Grand Highlander’s Hybrid MAX turbo that will surprise you — in all the right ways. Check out some more 2024 SUVs to keep on your radar.
