2024 Toyota Highlander Redesign, and new Grand Highlander

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Toyota’s mid-size SUV has always been a great vehicle, though with one big drawback. It simply isn’t as spacious as most rivals, as the third row is very tight and practically unusable. Fortunately, this will change soon, with the 2024 Toyota Highlander, which is about to get a Grand Highlander version, with a longer wheelbase and much more space for the passengers. At the same time, the standard version will get a significant update. The 2024 Toyota Highlander will bring a new exterior, while interior updates are also possible.

At this point, the Japanese manufacturer keeps most things a secret. The test mule still wears complete camouflage. So, other than the bigger dimensions, not many things are known, except for the new hybrid powertrain, which will bring significantly better performance. The standard Highlander probably won’t get a new powertrain option but it will adopt the new aesthetics.

The premiere of the Grand Highlander is scheduled for February when we expect to find out full details about the new three-row family hauler.

2024 Toyota Highlander Redesign and new Grand Highlander

So, while the Grand Highlander is coming as a kind of brand-new model, the 2024 Toyota Highlander is about to receive a mid-cycle refresh. That sounds rational, considering that the current generation has been around since 2019. So, the standard HIhglander would come with the same styling as the new long-wheelbase version. We presume that the focus would be on the front-end design, which should bring some revisions to areas like headlights, grille, bumper etc.

The Grand Highlander test mule still wears complete camouflage, so it’s hard to talk about details. On the other hand, it’s easy to notice bigger dimensions, so there is no doubt that the wheelbase will be notably longer. That will bring obvious benefits inside the cabin and we will talk about that in a moment.

Interior

With the longer wheelbase, the Grand Highlander will solve the main issue of the standard Highlander, which refers to the third-row space, which is tight even by the standards of the mid-size SUV class. That’s why we expect to see notably more legroom. This model will be slotted between the standard Highlander and Sequoia. So, we presume this will reflect in passenger space as well. Of course, the cargo area should be bigger too.

At this point, it’s still unknown if the 2024 Toyota Highlander redesign is about to bring some novelties on the inside. Some sources suggest that the Grand Highlander would come with notable upgrades, which would make it look more luxurious. Will these upgrades happen in the standard-wheelbase model, it’s hard to say at this point. In any case, we expect to see some improvements regarding materials, as well as some new tech and convenience features.

2024 Toyota Highlander Redesign: Powertrain Options

We recently saw a powertrain upgrade in the standard Highlander, so bigger changes shouldn’t happen in this case. We are about to see two powertrain options, starting from the newly-introduced 2.4-liter turbo-four, which puts out at around 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers quite decent performance.

There is also a hybrid version, equipped with a system that’s based on a 2.5-liter inline-four engine, with a combined output of around 245 horsepower. This system comes coupled with a CVT and offers pretty impressive fuel economy, which goes around 36 mpg combined.

On the other hand, the Grand Highlander will get a new powertrain. The officials already confirmed that this model will come with the new Hybrid Max powertrain, which debuted in the new Toyota Crown. That system is based on a 2.4-liter turbo-four engine and features a combined output of around 340 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Another significant difference compared to most Toyota Hybrids is the transmission. Instead of CVT, this system uses a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Features

Of course, the 2024 Toyota Highlander Redesign should also bring novelties regarding standard equipment. We definitely expect to see some additions, especially in terms of tech and convenience features.

For reference, the current model comes standard with goodies like an 8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, a Wi-Fi hotspot, satellite radio, Bluetooth, five USB ports, a six-speaker audio system, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, tri-zone automatic climate control, remote keyless entry and push-button start. Of course, potential upgrades can be found on the current list of options. Some of the highlights are a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touch screen, navigation, wireless device charging and an 11-speaker JBL audio system etc.

2024 Toyota Highlander Redesign and Grand Highlander: Release Date and Price

The brand-new Grand Highlander will have a premiere in February, and we expect to see it on sale sometime in 2023. The standard 2024 Toyota Highlander should hit the market in the second half of the same year. The current model starts at around 37.000 dollars but we could see a slight price increase. Of course, the Grand Highlander will cost notably more.

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