The Toyota Highlander has been a staple of the three-row crossover segment since its introduction in 2001. In the two decades since, the Highlander has undergone several redesigns and updates, and the 2024 model year will bring another round of changes to the popular SUV. The 2024 Toyota Highlander is expected to receive a mid-cycle refresh, which should include several updates, as well as a brand-new, more spacious variant called the Grand Highlander.
From what we know so far, the upcoming update will bring novelties in different aspects. Of course, styling is the first thing that comes to mind and we presume most of the changes will happen to the front. More standard equipment is another thing that’s almost certain, while it is also quite possible to see a few interior tweaks. On the other hand, most of the mechanics should remain the same.
We expect to see the 2024 Toyota Highlander sometime in the second half of the year.
2024 Toyota Highlander Exterior
While we are still waiting for official confirmation, rumors suggest that the 2024 Toyota Highlander will feature several exterior updates as part of the mid-cycle refresh. These changes are expected to follow the example set by the Grand Highlander, which features a larger and lower-positioned grille, along with sharper headlights. Other possible updates include new color options and wheels.
On the other hand, we don’t believe that this update could bring more important updates in terms of mechanics, especially in terms of the chassis and suspension setup. So, the ride quality should remain pretty much the same. The current-generation Highlander is characterized by a smooth and comfortable, pretty relaxing ride.
The Grand Highlander, which will be an all-new model, will feature a stretched wheelbase and significantly larger dimensions than the standard Highlander. This new version will be longer, wider, and higher, which means more interior space. The Grand Highlander will also feature exclusive features, such as the Hybrid Max powertrain, based on a turbo-four engine.
Interior Updates
We don’t believe that bigger changes could happen on the inside. The current model still looks pretty impressive in this aspect, so the best that could happen are new color schemes and materials, while we won’t exclude the possibility to see minor modifications in areas like the center stack, center console etc.
The overall cabin layout will remain the same, which means the same seating configuration. Three rows of seats will be standard, while the new Grand Highlander will be even more generous in this aspect. The two models will be similar in terms of passenger space in the first two rows, but the Grand Highlander will feature 37.2 inches of headroom and 33.5 inches of legroom in the third row, compared to 36.1 and 28 inches, respectively, in the standard Highlander. The Grand Highlander will also have a larger cargo area, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row and a total cargo volume of 98 cubic feet.
Features
The 2024 Toyota Highlander is expected to bring a couple of new standard features but let’s forget that the current model already stands pretty well in this aspect. It comes standard with features like an 8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, a Wi-Fi hotspot, satellite radio, Bluetooth, five USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system.
So, the novelties could come from the current list of options, which includes a 12.3-inch touch screen, navigation, wireless device charging, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, LED ambient interior lighting, a 120-volt household-style power outlet, a universal garage door opener, a moonroof, and a panoramic moonroof.
The Grand Highlander will be even better equipped, offering more standard equipment in base models.
2024 Toyota Highlander Powertrain Options
The 2024 Toyota Highlander will continue to offer two powertrain options: a 2.4-liter turbo-four that puts out around 265 horsepower and a hybrid system based on a 2.5-liter inline-four unit. The hybrid system offers a combined output of 243 horsepower and an impressive fuel economy of around 36 mpg combined.
The Grand Highlander will feature the same powertrain options as the standard Highlander, but it will also be offered with the new Hybrid Max system. This hybrid is based on a turbo-four engine and is expected to produce a maximum output of 362 horsepower. Unlike the standard hybrid powertrain, which uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Hybrid Max system comes with a classic automatic gearbox.
2024 Toyota Highlander Release Date and Price
We expect the 2024 Toyota Highlander to arrive in the second half of the year, with a starting price of around $38,000. The Grand Highlander is expected to start at around 43.000 dollars. Key competitors are models like Chevy Traverse, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot etc.
