The battle for dominance against the Telluride and Palisade begins now.
Revealed last year, the all-new 2024 Grand Highlander is Toyota's answer to the popular Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The Japanese automaker has now released pricing for the three-row SUV. With three trim levels, three engine options, and available all-wheel-drive, there's something to suit just about every customer and budget.
The range kicks off with the XLE grade. $43,070 gets you behind the wheel of the base model, which makes use of a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Opt for all-wheel drive, and the price jumps to $44,670. Sadly, a V6 is no longer available.
Should you desire a hybrid powerplant, the XLE can be specified with the 245-hp 2.5-liter hybrid engine. Again, front-wheel drive ($44,670) or AWD ($46,270) can be specified on the Hybrid XLE.
Despite its status as an entry-level model, the XLE is well-equipped. Buyers will appreciate standard luxuries like heated and power-operated front seats, SofTex upholstery, a wireless charger, a power-operated liftgate, a blind-spot monitor, and 18-inch wheels. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 also forms part of the package, among other things.
Like the XLE, the Limited can be specified with the turbocharged 2.4-liter, paired with FWD ($47,860) or AWD ($49,460). Interestingly, the 2.5-liter Hybrid Limited can only be specified with AWD. This model costs $51,060.
The Limited is also available with the Hybrid MAX powertrain, which blends efficiency and power in one package. With 362 hp, this electrified engine transforms the Grand Highlander into the most powerful midsize SUV Toyota has ever made. Hybrid MAX-equipped variants can scorch to 60 mph in a rather impressive 6.3 seconds. You pay for this performance, though, as the Limited Hybrid MAX is priced at $54,040.
Limited models build on the XLE's standard equipment levels with leather upholstery, heating capabilities for the second row and steering wheel, as well as ventilation for the front seats. The interior also benefits from ambient lighting, along with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen.
Passengers are also privy to the 11-speaker JBL Audio system. The mid-spec model also receives 20-inch wheels, as well as front and rear parking assistance with automated braking.
Occupying the highest rung of the Grand Highlander ladder is the Platinum grade. Just two models are offered, and both receive all-wheel drive as standard. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine will set you back $53,545. The lesser hybrid is not available here, so if you want an electrified Platinum, you'll have to fork out $58,125 for the 362-hp Hybrid MAX.
Platinum models enjoy all the luxuries found on the XLE and Limited, along with ventilated second-row seating, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and column-mounted paddle shifters, among other nice-to-haves.
“Grand Highlander will serve as the ultimate tool that can take our customers anywhere from the school pick-up line to the ultimate long-weekend road trip,” said Lisa Materazzo, Group Vice President of Toyota Marketing. “We've sold over 3.3 million Highlanders in the US and developed a loyal customer base in the process.” Materazzo added that the Grand Highlander will arrive at Toyota dealerships in the summer.
How does it stack up to the competition, though? Well, the Hyundai Palisade has a more affordable starting price ($35,900) and more trim levels. But there's only one engine; a 291-hp 3.8-liter V6 that does 22 MPG (combined) with FWD.
The Kia Telluride (a CarBuzz favorite) also undercuts the Grand Highlander on pricing, with a base MSRP of $35,890. Again, there are more trim levels to choose from, but the Telluride is mated exclusively to the V6 that does duty in the Palisade.
Keyword: 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Pricing Starts At $43,070