2024 Toyota Grand Highlander XLE: Full In‑Depth Review
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander XLE lands at a sweet spot between family‑friendly utility and refined comfort. Toyota’s answer to the burgeoning three‑row crossover market, the Grand Highlander stretches the standard Highlander’s footprint, promising more passenger space without sacrificing the brand’s hallmark reliability. Below, we walk through the details that matter most – from the curb‑appeal of its exterior to the nuances of its powertrain, tech, and safety suite.
Exterior Design: Bigger Yet Subtle
At first glance, the Grand Highlander XLE looks like a Highlander that’s had a modest growth spurt. The wheelbase stretches by roughly 5 inches, giving the sedan‑like silhouette a more commanding presence. Toyota keeps the front fascia familiar – a bold grille with the signature “T” emblem, sleek LED headlights, and a sculpted bumper. The XLE trim adds chrome accents around the windows and a dual‑tone roof that whispers upscale intent without shouting.
Side profile reveals a slightly higher beltline and a roofline that tapers gently toward the rear, preserving a sleek silhouette while accommodating three rows of seating. The 18‑inch alloy wheels – standard on XLE – strike a balance between sporty and composed, and the roof rails stay practical for roof‑top cargo carriers.
Interior Comfort & Technology: Room to Breathe
Step inside, and the Grand Highlander XLE immediately distinguishes itself from its smaller sibling. The cabin offers a full‑length second‑row bench that slides forward and backward, plus a third row that folds flat with a simple pull‑up of a lever. This translates to roughly 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row – a noticeable jump from the standard Highlander.
The XLE’s upholstery pairs leather‑accented seats with soft‑touch inserts, delivering a premium feel without the price tag of a luxury brand. Front seats are power‑adjustable with lumbar support, and the second‑row bench includes a center console with cup holders – a thoughtful touch for families.
Tech-wise, Toyota equips the XLE with a 12.3‑inch touchscreen that runs the latest version of Entune 3.0. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration come standard, while the interface feels responsive and intuitive. A 9‑speaker sound system fills the cabin with clear audio, and a digital instrument cluster offers a customizable display for speed, navigation, and driver‑assist alerts.
Powertrain & Performance: Balanced Yet Efficient
The Grand Highlander XLE inherits the 2.4‑liter turbocharged four‑cylinder from the regular Highlander, mated to an eight‑speed automatic. It churns out 265 horsepower and 310 lb‑ft of torque, a modest boost over the base engine that helps the heavier vehicle feel sprightly enough for highway merging.
Acceleration is competent – 0‑60 mph arrives in the low‑mid 7‑second range, which is respectable for a midsize SUV of this size. Fuel economy, however, is where the turbo shines; the EPA rates the front‑wheel‑drive version at about 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while the all‑wheel‑drive variant drops a couple of points but still holds its own against rivals.
Ride quality is smooth, thanks to a well‑tuned suspension that absorbs most road imperfections without feeling overly soft. Steering offers a light, communicative feel, ideal for city maneuvering, though it may lack the razor‑sharp feedback some enthusiasts crave.
Safety Suite: Toyota’s Proven Shield
Safety remains Toyota’s strong suit, and the Grand Highlander XLE continues that tradition. The vehicle comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a collection of driver‑assist technologies that include:
- Pre‑Collision System with pedestrian detection
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane‑Keeping Assist with road‑edge detection
- Blind‑Spot Monitor with rear cross‑traffic alert
Crash test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA are expected to be excellent, as the platform shares the same reinforced cabin structure as the standard Highlander, which has historically earned top marks.
Practicality: Space That Works
Beyond passenger room, the Grand Highlander XLE shines in everyday practicality. The second row’s 60/40 split‑folding bench creates a versatile cargo‑loading area, while the third row can be folded flat to expand cargo capacity to roughly 84 cubic feet – enough for a full set of golf clubs or a weekend’s worth of luggage.
Storage pockets line the doors, and a generous center console offers both a 12‑V outlet and USB‑C ports for each row. The inclusion of a power‑adjustable rear liftgate (standard on XLE) makes loading heavy items a breeze, especially when the vehicle is parked on a slope.
Pricing & Value: A Competitive Proposition
Pricing for the 2024 Grand Highlander XLE starts around $41,500 before destination fees, positioning it just above the traditional Highlander but well below many premium three‑row competitors. When you factor in the additional interior space, upgraded tech, and Toyota’s renowned reliability, the XLE delivers a compelling value proposition for families seeking room to grow without breaking the bank.
Optional packages – such as the Premium Audio and Advanced Safety add‑ons – can push the price into the mid‑$40‑$50 k range, but even fully equipped, the Grand Highlander remains competitive against German and American rivals that often start higher and depreciate more quickly.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander XLE isn’t a radical reinvention; rather, it’s a thoughtful evolution that addresses the most common complaints about the regular Highlander – limited third‑row space and modest cargo capacity. Toyota’s blend of reliable mechanics, comfortable interior, and a solid suite of safety tech makes the Grand Highlander XLE a sensible choice for families who need a bit more room but don’t want to venture into luxury‑brand territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Grand Highlander XLE’s fuel economy compare to the standard Highlander?
The XLE’s turbocharged 2.4‑liter engine delivers roughly 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway in front‑wheel‑drive form, which is comparable to, and in some cases slightly better than, the standard Highlander’s hybrid variants in mixed driving conditions.
Is all‑wheel drive available on the XLE, and does it affect performance?
Yes, an all‑wheel‑drive option is offered. It adds about 200 pounds of weight and reduces fuel efficiency by roughly 1–2 mpg, but it provides improved traction in inclement weather and a more confident feel on winding roads.
What warranty coverage does Toyota provide for the Grand Highlander?
Toyota backs the Grand Highlander with a 3‑year/36,000‑mile basic warranty and a 5‑year/60,000‑mile powertrain warranty, matching the coverage offered on its other passenger vehicles.
Can the second‑row seats be configured for a third‑row passenger?
The second‑row bench can slide forward to create additional legroom for a third‑row occupant, though the third row is best suited for children or shorter adults due to its limited headroom.
