In an unexpected move that has taken the automotive world by storm, Toyota has pulled back the curtain on its highly anticipated 2024 Grand Highlander. This bold introduction signifies Toyota’s keen effort to address a crucial gap in its SUV lineup, delivering a vehicle that’s tailor-made for the discerning South African driver. With the Grand Highlander, Toyota aims to elevate the driving experience and capture the hearts of families and adventure enthusiasts alike.
The SUV Gap That Needed Filling
Toyota, known for its robust lineup of sport utility vehicles, had a noticeable void that begged for attention—the space between the popular Highlander crossover and the larger-than-life Sequoia body-on-frame SUV. This gap grew even more conspicuous with the launch of the new Toyota Sequoia, a vehicle that embraced a more rugged and truck-inspired persona, leaving room for a more refined and spacious three-row SUV.
Introducing the Grand Highlander: A New Era
The arrival of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander marks a significant departure from the norm. This isn’t merely a lengthened version of the ever-popular Highlander; rather, it’s a ground-up reimagining, designed to elevate the driving experience in terms of size, comfort, and capability. The Grand Highlander steps confidently onto the stage, poised to rival competitors such as the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and Kia Telluride.
Diverging from the Highlander’s design ethos, the Grand Highlander features elegant and sleek flanks that set it apart in the crowded SUV arena. It’s not just about appearance—the Grand Highlander has been meticulously crafted to excel in the long-haul three-row SUV segment. The vehicle’s nomenclature isn’t just by chance; it’s a strategic move by Toyota, capitalizing on the name recognition and success of the Highlander by adding the word “Grand” to its moniker.
Spaciousness Redefined
One of the standout features of the Grand Highlander is the sheer expanse of its interior. In a country where family road trips are a cherished tradition, having ample space is a necessity, not a luxury. The Grand Highlander’s third row raises the bar for legroom and comfort, catering to taller passengers and longer journeys. With its capacious third row, the Grand Highlander directly addresses a common complaint found in its rivals.
And it’s not just the third row that’s roomy—cargo capacity is equally impressive. The vehicle boasts a commodious 21 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row. Toyota estimates this is sufficient to accommodate a considerable load, translating to seven carry-on suitcases. Practicality and convenience come together harmoniously in the Grand Highlander.
Unleash the Power
Under the hood, the Grand Highlander offers a range of powertrain options, designed to meet varying driving preferences and needs. Drivers can select from a base turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four engine, a hybrid powertrain complete with dual electric motors, and the Hybrid Max powertrain, which stands tall as the epitome of performance.
Let’s dive into the powertrain options:
| Powertrain | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 2.4L Inline-Four | 265 hp | 310 lb-ft | 23 mpg (combined) |
| Hybrid | 2.5L Engine + Electric Motors | 245 hp | N/A | 34-36 mpg (combined) |
| Hybrid Max | 2.4L Turbo-Four + Electric Motor | 362 hp | 400 lb-ft | 27 mpg (combined) |
On the Road Experience
When it comes to driving, the Grand Highlander effortlessly merges performance and comfort. The base powertrain provides capable performance, while the Hybrid Max powertrain steals the show with its impressive power output and fuel efficiency. The Grand Highlander remains poised on the road, offering a smooth ride and engaging driving dynamics.
Pricing and Availability
The 2024 Grand Highlander isn’t just a promise on the horizon—it’s set to hit South African dealerships soon. With prices ranging from ZAR 842,735 for the base XLE model to ZAR 1,127,880 for the top-of-the-line Hybrid Max Platinum, the Grand Highlander offers remarkable value for its features and performance.
In a market where families seek space, comfort, and versatility in their vehicles, the Toyota Grand Highlander emerges as a contender that checks all the boxes. As Toyota continues to push boundaries and cater to the evolving needs of South African drivers, the Grand Highlander stands tall as a testament to innovation, practicality, and unwavering commitment to quality.
