The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander takes center stage as one of the most anticipated releases from the Japanese automobile manufacturer. Introduced as a bigger, more spacious version of its popular sibling – the Toyota Highlander – it came with lofty expectations of outperforming its little brother. Our hands-on experience with the newest addition to the Toyota lineup suggests that bigger isn’t always better.

Design and Exterior

The first thing you notice about the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is its sheer size. Although sleek in design and featuring modern LED headlights, its bulky frame doesn’t do it any favors in terms of aesthetics. The overall exterior design appears somewhat uninspired, lacking the flair one would expect from a new vehicle of any range.

Interior and Comfort

When it comes to space and comfort, the Grand Highlander does provide ample room for passengers. Three rows of seating make for a versatile family vehicle, accommodating up to eight people comfortably. However, despite the extra space, it seems that compromises have been made in regard to the quality of materials used throughout – mainly having large pieces made of hard plastics.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The infotainment system on the 2024 Grand Highlander follows standard conventions: a touchscreen display placed at the center of the dashboard providing access to entertainment and vehicle management options. The system remains user-friendly but lacks some crucial features that advanced users may appreciate like modern connectivity options such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Performance and Handling

Where bigger should have made a substantial difference is in performance – unfortunately, it falls short here too. Equipped with a V6 engine, the Grand Highlander struggles to provide quick acceleration or nimble handling coupled with subpar fuel efficiency compared to other vehicles in its class. As opposed to creating an engaging driving experience, piloting this massive SUV feels clunky and cumbersome.

Safety Features

Safety features have always been a strong suit for Toyota, and the Grand Highlander is no exception. The new model comes with a slew of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These driver-assistance technologies make it clear that safety remains a priority for the brand.

Conclusion

While the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander may excel in terms of spaciousness and safety features, it falters in other vital areas like design, performance, and material quality. Bigger doesn’t always equate to better, especially in this instance. It remains to be seen if Toyota will make adjustments in future iterations but for now, potential buyers might be inclined to stick with the tried-and-true Highlander or explore competing models.