The Ultimate Family SUV: Toyota Grand Highlander Makes World Premiere

• Three Available Powertrains, Adult-Sized Third Row and Ample Cargo Space


• Performance Aplenty with 362-horsepower on the Hybrid MAX Powertrain


• Noteworthy features like available Digital Key and Standard 12.3-Inch Multimedia Display


• Available tech like Traffic Jam Assist, Head-Up Display and Digital Rearview Mirror

TORONTO, Ontario (February 8^th, 2023) – The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander made its world premiere hours before the opening day of the Chicago Auto Show to showcase the latest and greatest addition to the successful SUV lineup for Toyota.

“There is definitely a need in the market for a midsize-SUV that prioritizes interior comfort in all three rows and Grand Highlander is the ultimate option,” said Lisa Materazzo, Group Vice President of Toyota Marketing at Toyota Motor North America. “This 3-row model takes the Highlander legacy to an entirely new space while also keeping on our promise to deliver on electrification.”

Grand Highlander offers options from entry level to efficiency to performance all in one incredible package. It is available in three powertrains across three grades: the well-balanced 2.4L turbo gas engine, the efficiency-leading 2.5L hybrid - with a manufacturer-estimated combined fuel consumption of 6.9 L/100 km, and the ultimate performance-seeking, 362 horsepower Hybrid MAX.

As part of Toyota’s diverse approach to carbon neutrality, the Grand Highlander Hybrid and Hybrid MAX vehicles are part of a lineup that looks to move “beyond zero.” With ten hybrids, two plug-in hybrids, the new bZ4X battery electric vehicle and the zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell technology of the Mirai, Toyota is committed to finding highly efficient and zero emission solutions that fit customers lifestyles across North America. As a symbol of that commitment, the 2024 Grand Highlander will be the second Toyota vehicle to wear the new “Beyond Zero” badge, after the all-new Prius – a global effort toward achieving carbon neutrality in Toyota’s products, manufacturing and beyond.

Creature Comforts with Added Versatility

Built on the TNGA-K platform, Grand Highlander is the active family cruiser fit for everything from short trips to long drives. It offers thoughtful storage areas throughout the cabin, ample cargo capacity with room for seven carryon suitcases behind the 3^rd row. A total of around 98 cubic feet of space with the seats folded down, and a spacious adult-sized third row.

Whether you’re the driver, passenger or are in the second or third rows – the Grand Highlander is fully functional for the road ahead.

Controls are centered around the standard 12.3-inch multimedia display. The configurable centre console can fit a tablet (with internal tray removed) and also features a wireless charger, two USB ports and three cup holders - including one capable of holding a large water bottle. While on the passenger side, a pocket capable of holding a small bag is provided. A sliding console cover is offered so that the lid can be opened and closed with the armrests in use, allowing for even more versatility for both driver and passenger. On the passenger side of the dashboard, another USB port and a tray capable of neatly holding a cord during charging are included, providing more usability for the passenger.

In the second-row seats, an air conditioning control panel and separate left/right USB ports are placed together on the top of the console end, within easy reach of second-row passengers. Cup holders are also provided on the centre armrest (bench seat specification), while cup holders, a smartphone storage slit, and multi-purpose tray are provided on the rear console for the captain’s seat configuration. A multi-purpose tray as well as additional water bottle storage is provided in the door trim.

And, for third row passengers, individual USB ports, smartphone/tablet storage space, and two cup & bottle holders are provided on the deck side, allowing for diverse usage scenarios. Additionally, a support grip for use during ingress and a hand support space for use during egress are provided to enhance the accessibility. Across all three rows, Grand Highlander is road-trip ready – equipped with 13 cup holders big enough for large water bottles and seven USB-C charge ports to keep devices charged and at the ready.

In Canada, heated front seats and heated steering wheel are standard on all grades. Other available conveniences include power folding mirrors (Limited and Platinum), heated and ventilated front and second row seats (Platinum), 1,500-Watt power outlets (Limited Hybrid and Platinum Hybrid MAX), and a hands-free power back door (Limited and Platinum).

A Powertrain for All

When it comes to performance and efficiency, Toyota offers both in the first-ever Grand Highlander. Offered in three powertrains with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada - the well-balanced 2.4L turbo gas engine, the efficiency-leading 2.5L hybrid and the ultimate performance-seeking, 362-horsepower Hybrid MAX with 400-pound feet of torque with standard AWD – there is something for everyone.

All three powertrain options come with three Drive Modes (Sport, Eco, Normal) to make driving more engaging – while Multi-Terrain Select with Three Modes (Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow) are offered on the gas and Hybrid MAX powertrains for even more on and off-road capability. 

The Hybrid MAX powertrain makes Grand Highlander the most powerful Mid-SUV Toyota has ever built. Drivers will experience impressive performance off the line, as well – thanks to a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds. The Hybrid MAX powertrain also offers 5,000 lbs of towing capacity.

Advanced Technology for the Long Drive

When it comes to the latest tech, the Grand Highlander is equipped with the best from Toyota – thanks to the standard 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system designed and engineered by Toyota’s Connected Technologies team. Grand Highlander drivers will also have the opportunity to access a wide range of enhanced available connectivity and convenience features, including Over-the-Air (OTA) updates.

Users can interact with the system through intuitive touch and voice activation controls. With the available Connected Service Drive Connect, drivers and passengers have access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. With Intelligent Assistant, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awaken the system for voice activated commands to search for directions, find Points of Interest (POI), adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more. Cloud Navigation, the available onboard navigation solution, utilizes the cloud to download the latest available map, traffic and routing information. To ensure users have the most up-to-date search capabilities, POI search is provided by Google Points-of-Interest data. Destination Assist also gives access to 24/7 live agent assistance to locate the next destination.

The new Toyota Audio Multimedia allows for dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity, audio playback ability with HD Radio®, USB data and a SiriusXM® Platinum Plan 3-month trial subscription, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.

For those looking for an enhanced audio experience, Grand Highlander offers an available JBL® Premium Audio system with 11 speakers, creating a mobile concert from any music genre. Standard on the Limited and Platinum grades, with the use of Clari-Fi® technology, the system is also able to breathe life into compressed digital music formats enhancing the audio experience.

Each Grand Highlander offers a host of additional available Connected Services. Safety Connect includes an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator and Collision Assistance with up to a 10-year trial. Service Connect gives drivers the ability to receive Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts and reminders, also with up to a 10-year trial.

With the Toyota app, users can stay connected to their Grand Highlander with a 3-year trial of Remote Connect service. Users can activate headlights, lock/unlock the doors and remotely start the vehicle. Users can also check vehicle status, receive reminder notifications and set Guest Driver Alerts. Digital key is also standard on all Limited and Platinum grades with Remote Connect– making it easy to lock and unlock doors, remote start and more all from a smart phone.

Ready to handle all your device charging needs, Grand Highlander is equipped with seven USB-C ports in the cabin. Up front is a wireless charger for the driver, as well as two Type-C USB ports at the bottom of the centre stack plus a dedicated USB port for the front seat passenger. For second-row passengers, two Type-C USB ports are located at the top of the centre console. Third row passengers get a USB port at each outboard seating position.

Convenience features are aplenty for Grand Highlander, too. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) is standard on all grades. Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is available on Limited and Platinum grades. A Panoramic View Monitor is available and provides a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle.

Styling

The Grand Highlander offers an exterior design that is distinctive and beautiful, coupled with a spacious interior found in all three rows. From the front, it is inspired by the Highlander shape, but in an entirely new way, thanks to the trapezoidal, hammerhead front grille and available 20” wheels. The sophisticated design continues to the rear, thanks to a sharp rear bumper. The hybrid MAX powertrain variant takes it one step further with an available dual exhaust.

The exterior is beautiful yet functional. Body-coloured rear pillars express a certain robustness and 3rd-row utility when seen on the road, while black rockers give it that raised SUV look. The side surface flows seamlessly from the doors through the fenders to the front and rear tires, expressing a simple yet dynamic-looking design. For the Hybrid MAX grades, an exclusive front/rear lower bumper is available for a premium result.

The thoughtful and spacious design continues to the interior. The soft-padded instrument panel floats above the available wood-effect ornamentation that continues into the door trim, with a functional tray shape that is seamlessly integrated between them. Additionally, positioned low in the centre is a sturdy console that gives the impression of a finely crafted sofa, expressing a comfortable living room-like space. The form of the instrument panel upper continues into the door trim to create a broad expanse, while the instrument panel lower features independent driver/passenger side armrests allowing use regardless of whether the console lid is open or closed. Ornamentation accents make the interior feel like a modern work of art carved from a solid piece of wood. High-quality leather stitchwork expresses a modern and refined elegance.

Drivers will enjoy available leather trimmed seats with 10-way power driver and 8 –way passenger adjustments. And exclusively for Hybrid MAX, drivers will experience Ultrasuede® and leather-trimmed seats with bronze-coloured accents.

Grade by Grade

The Grand Highlander is offered in three grades across three different powertrains – the XLE grade, Limited and Platinum.

XLE Grade (Gas and Hybrid)

• Exterior:
  • 18" Alloy Wheels
  • Black Painted Grille
  • Roof Rails
  • Heated Outer Mirrors
• Interior:
  • Softex®-trimmed Seating
  • 10-way Power Driver & 8-way Power Passenger Seats
  • 8-Passenger Bench
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • 2nd Row Sunshades
• Multimedia/Technology:
  • 12.3” Touchscreen
  • 7” MID
  • 6 Power USB / 1 Media USB
  • Wireless Charger
• Safety & Convenience
  • TSS 3.0
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • 5 Door Smart Key
  • Power Liftgate
  • Garage Door Opener
  • Auto-dimming Mirror

Limited Grade (Gas and Hybrid)

• Exterior:
  • 20" Alloy Wheels
  • LED DRL
  • Power Fold Outer Mirrors
  • LED Fog Lamps
• Interior:
  • Panoramic Moonroof
  • Leather Seating
  • Heated & Ventilated Front Seats
  • Heated 2nd Row Seats
  • Memory Seat function for 1^st row
  • Power outlet (100W Gas / 1500W Hybrid)
  • Ambient Lighting
• Multimedia/Technology:
  • Digital Key (requires active Remote Connect trial or subscription)
  • 12.3" Premium Multimedia w/ 11 Speaker JBL Audio
  • 12.3" Full Digital MID
• Safety & Convenience
  • Parking Sensors w/ Automatic Braking
  • Rain Sensing Wipers
  • Kick Power Liftgate

Platinum Grade (Hybrid MAX)

• Exterior:
  • 20" Clad Alloy Wheels
  • Puddle Lamps
• Interior:
  • Heated & Ventilated 2nd Row Seats
  • Paddle shifters
  • Dial Multi-Terrain Select
• Safety & Convenience
  • Head Up Display
  • Puddle Lamps
  • Panoramic View Monitor
  • Digital Rearview Mirror
  • Traffic Jam Assist (requires active Drive Connect trial or subscription)

For interior colour options, the 2024 Grand Highlander is offered in:

• XLE Gas and Hybrid: Softex®-trim in Black
• Limited Gas and Hybrid: Leather-trim in Black
• Platinum Hybrid MAX in Ultrasuede®- and leather-trim in Portobello or Black

Safety

The 2024 Grand Highlander will come standard with the latest Toyota Safety Sense generation, TSS 3.0. This suite of safety features includes:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection


• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist


• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control


• Lane Tracing Assist


• Road Sign Assist


• Automatic High Beams


• Proactive Driving Assist

Proactive Driving Assist is new to the Toyota Safety Sense package. When system operating conditions are met, using the vehicle’s camera and radar, this system provides gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist. Proactive Driving Assist is not a substitute for the Pre-Collision System and operates in different circumstances.

The Toyota Safety Sense features has been enhanced for TSS 3.0:

• The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection has enhanced detection capabilities thanks to new system sensors. It receives enhanced intersection support with improved detection capability in certain circumstances. It also adds the capability to detect a motorcyclist, in addition to a bicyclist and pedestrian.


• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist has enhanced lane recognition that includes detection of certain 3D objects, like guardrails, that may be used to help define the lane.


• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control adds a fourth following distance setting, from the previously available three. Enhanced vehicle detection allows for the ability to detect more than one preceding vehicle, as well as vehicles in adjacent lanes. This helps the system to provide smoother, more natural speed adjustments, especially when the driver changes lanes.


• Like Lane Departure Alert, lane recognition is enhanced for Lane Tracing Assist. This system now also helps provide more space between vehicles being passed in adjacent lanes. It works by offsetting the vehicles’ driving path with minor steering adjustments while keeping the vehicle within its lane.


• An Emergency Driving Stop System has been added to Lane Tracing Assist. It’s designed to monitor the driver’s inputs, such as steering operation, to determine if they’re inattentive or non-responsive, such as during a medical emergency. This feature can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver doesn’t respond to alerts to take control.


• Road Sign Assist gets expanded sign detection capabilities that now include certain intersection signs and warning signs, like pedestrian crossings.

The price and on-sale date of the all-new 2024 Grand Highlander will be announced later this summer.

About Toyota Canada Inc.
Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Toyota has sold over six million vehicles in Canada through a national network of 287 Toyota and Lexus dealerships. Toyota is dedicated to bringing safety, quality, dependability and reliability to the vehicles Canadians drive and the service they receive. TCI’s head office is in Toronto, with regional offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Halifax, and parts distribution centres in Clarington and Vancouver. Toyota also operates two manufacturing facilities in Canada. Having produced more than nine million vehicles, popular Canadian models built at these facilities include Toyota RAV4, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid, as well as Lexus NX 250, NX 350 and NX 350h hybrid. The company has sold more than 20 million electrified vehicles worldwide and is the number one seller of electrified vehicles in Canada.

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