Toyota Grand Highlander 2024: larger, left-hand-drive version of Kluger revealed for USA, not for Australia

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Toyota has finally pulled the covers off its Grand Highlander model that will be built in the United States as a bigger and more spacious alternative to the smaller Highlander (also known as the Kluger in Australia). 

The Toyota Grand Highlander is set to enter the three-row SUV market to compete with other large models such as the Hyundai Palisade and the Kia Telluride. 

Just like those rivals, the Grand Highlander will be available in either seven- or eight-seat configurations, with the former offering two captains’ chairs in the second row while the latter has a traditional three-seat bench in place.

The new Grand Highlander will be available with three powertrains, including a 2.4-litre turbo petrol engine, a 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid and the pinnacle of the range – the Hybrid Max.

Toyota says that the Hybrid Max, which utilises 2.4-litre turbocharging with its hybrid drive, produces a significant 270kW of power and 542Nm of torque.  

The Grand Highlander has not been confirmed for Australia and is likely to be sold solely in the North American market in left-hand drive like its smaller Highlander sibling – despite Australia receiving the identical Kluger. 

Toyota’s new large SUV will go on sale in the US in 2024. 

Specification breakdown for the Toyota Grand Highlander 

The Grand Highlander will be offered with three variants at launch: XLE, Limited and Platinum. 

While we don’t know a complete rundown of specs just yet, what we do know is that the entry-level XLE variant will include a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and 7.0-inch driver cluster, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 18-inch alloy wheels, 10-way power driver’s seat and eight-way power passenger seat, heated front seats and a wireless phone charger.

Stepping into the higher-grade Limited, the Grand Highlander will come with larger 20-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights, leather interior seating, heated and ventilated front seats and heated second row seats and a larger 12.3-inch driving instrument cluster.

The flagship Platinum grade receives a specific design for its 20-inch alloy wheels, ventilated second row seats, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display for the driver, a 360-degree camera and safety systems including traffic jam assist and front cross traffic alert. 

How safe will the new Grand Highlander be?

Standard across the new range of Grand Highlanders will be the third-generation of Toyota’s safety sense, including a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, lane trace assist, road sign recognition, automatic high beam and ‘proactive’ driving assistance. 

An emergency stop system is also standard, in the event that the driver is unresponsive at the wheel of the vehicle. 

The Grand Highlander is yet to be safety tested.

Grand Highlander powertrains explored 

Three powertrains will be offered for the Grand Highlander in both front- and all-wheel drive. 

First up, the new Toyota SUV will be available with a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Although Toyota hasn’t disclosed exact power and torque figures, this powertrain is likely to be the same T24A-FTS engine fitted to other Toyota models including the smaller Highlander/ Kluger, as well as the Lexus NX and RX. Outputs are likely to be 197kW/420Nm. 

A second powertrain will be available – a 2.5-litre hybrid setup – that is also used in the current Kluger sold in Australia.

A Hybrid Max engine will be the flagship powertrain for the Grand Highlander. It’s set to make 270kW/542Nm thanks to a combination of electric motor and 2.4-litre turbo-petrol power. 

The Hybrid Max will only be available in all-wheel drive.