2024 Toyota Highlander vs. the Highlander Grand

The 2024 Toyota Highlander remains true to its mission in the mid-size SUV category, offering various options and configurations for buyer preferences. The 2024 lineup includes the extreme sports Highlander XSE, fuel-efficient Hybrids, and the slightly larger Toyota Grand Highlander with more passenger and cargo room. The Highlander, first introduced in 2002, has faced some tough competition in the mid-size SUV class until now. This year, Toyota introduced a larger, all-new Grand Highlander, making it more attractive to families looking for a roomier three-row, fuel-efficient SUV. I recently had the opportunity to test drive the 2024 Toyota Highlander XSE and the new Grand Highlander. They share many of the same standard features, including alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, heated mirrors, wireless phone charging, seven USB-C ports, 13 cup holders, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. They also have some of the latest safety and driver assist features, like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, emergency braking, pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, and more. Although the base Highlander and the Grand offer seven- or eight-seat configurations and optional captain chairs in the second row, the Grand Highlander’s wheelbase is extended an additional 6.5 inches, resulting in more comfort and cargo space. Models/Price: The regular Toyota Highlander offers nine trim levels: LE ($40,665), Hybrid LE ($42,365), LE Nightshade $43,115), XLE ($43,815), XSE (445,410), Hybrid XLE ($45,515), XLE Nightshade ($46,265), Limited ($47,920), and Hybrid Limited ($49,620). The Toyota Grand Highlander offers three trim levels: Limited, Platinum, and XLE. It has fifteen different versions, including the XLE ($44,465), XLE Hybrid ($46,065), Limited ($49,255), Limited Hybrid ($52,455), Platinum ($54,940), Limited Hybrid Max ($55,435), and Platinum Hybrid Max ($59,520). Check any car-buying site for details and prices in your area. The Highlander XSE starts with the features of the XLE and adds sport suspension, 20-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim, dual exhaust tips, exclusive sporty styling touches, and interior ambient lighting. Available features include leather seating and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen. While the Grand has more space for up to eight adults, it has features such as a power liftgate, power-adjustable heated front seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a suite of driver-assist safety features. Power: Both models offer gasoline and hybrid powertrains, including a 265-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with either front- or all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the Highlander hybrid comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that produce 245 horses. The top-tier Highlander Grand offers the new Hybrid Max powertrain with a turbocharged 2.4-liter electric motor generating 362 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2024 Toyota Highlander and Grand models produce a smooth and balanced ride. They are quick and sporty from stop to start. The hybrid powertrain is quiet, powerful, and efficient. In addition, the all-wheel-drive system maintains stability and traction in all road conditions. Fuel Efficiency: The MPG for the gasoline and hybrid models varies depending on the powertrain variant.  For details on each model, visit the EPA website. For a complimentary subscription to my auto blog, visit www.decisivemedia.net to find updated car-buying tips and reviews on the latest new cars, SUVs, and trucks. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network