2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander - Design Review

Overall Grade = C
​AVERAGE​

CopyCat Award Winner

Front End: C
    Good: In your face attitude
    Bad: Grown up RAV4
Rear End: C-
    Good: Lighting Showcase
    Bad: Cheap plastic bumper
Side: C+
    Good: Clean hard edges
    Bad: Bland and boring wheels
Overall Appeal: C- 
    Good: Good hard edges
    Bad: Can be easily mistaken​

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander​​​​​
Score: 51.33%
Grade: C
Rating: AVERAGE
AutoLooks Rating: 5.1 out of 10

Front End: 53.08%
Rear End: 48.73%
Side: 56.57%
Overall Appeal: 46.96%
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​2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum​​​​​
Score: 54.37%
Grade: C
Rating: AVERAGE
AutoLooks Rating: 5.4 out of 10

Front End: 57.04%
Rear End: 52.00%
Side: 57.14%
Overall Appeal: 51.30%

AutoLooks Buy List: YES
Recommended Tuner: YES
Trent Setter: YES
Future Classic: POSSIBLE
Stock Value: INCREASE

      It may have taken a bit, but Toyota has finally given the public, what we require.  With the rise of Full Size and Extended CUV's, it was only a matter of time before Toyota would go bigger.  Sure, the Highlander was big and they do have the Sequoia, but not everyone wants to move about in a land yacht.   That is where the new Grand Highlander bridges the gap, as not everyone requires a body on frame SUV, the Grand Highlander caters to those who just want a bigger vehicle.

      Toyota has not only gone bigger with the Highlander, but they have also gone all out.  Going after more of a premium marketplace with their Hybrid Max Platinum model, this alternative to the base is not only better looking, but better on your wallet.  Well on the fuel side of this equation.   

      Bigger was not only the question when it came to this product.  Better was in the cards as well, as both models, do improve on the suburbanized look of the standard model.

      It may not seem like it falls into the Highlander ring, as the front end of this larger alternative, seems to borrow its face from the RAV-4, not the Highlander.  This could be a step up for this product, as the RAV does have more of that truck appeal.
​

       If you don't opt for the base model, the Hybrid Max will offer you a better look, as the bland front bumper accent gives way to a  proper front splitter.  Adding a touch of sport appeal to the front, the Platinum Hybrid version is the better looking alternative for front end appeal.

      Running down the side of both models, you will find that Toyota has left this area untouched.  With barely any character lines to break up the open world of steel, the Grand Highlander has nothing but a blank space or desolation.  Guess Toyota could take a look at this area for their mid-cycle refresh.  

     Similar to the regular Highlander, Toyota has once again left us with some cheap plastic body cladding and boring wheels.  The Grand in its name should have suggested something better, but along the side, it just stands for bigger.

      Out back, Toyota has once again decided to grace us with the presence of RAV, as its notchback appeal is not that hard to miss.  An oversized bumper is also not that hard to miss, as both models overuse cheap black plastic to ensure your rear end is safe.  Guess no one told Toyota that the plastic body cladding days of the late 90's are over and done with.

      Similar to the front end, the rear of both models has key attributes which have been enhanced for the Platinum series.  Better integration of the exhaust along with reflector accents, help improve the rear over the base model.  Guess your decision for looks is plainly made back here.

      A bland bare look with a limited amount of character, really brings out the profile of something else.  Toyota may have the appeal of their standard product here, but the overall look of this grand product, is very similar to something else.  AutoLooks takes notice at how the Grand Highlander seems to embody the soul of the new Wagoneer products from Jeep.  Not only does the Highlander go big over their standard product, but they go big with a profile from someone else.

         Standing the products side by side you really start to see how the Grand Highlander is similar to the Wagoneer.  Guess Toyota forgot that we take notice in similar designs.  Maybe its a full size thing, as two of their competitors do the same as well.

      Overall the Grand Highlander is a welcome addition to the Toyota stable.  This is a product which will see home to many consumers, as there is a market for it and a customer base which demands it.  Let's just hope that Toyota can move on from the RAV and Wagoneer appeal for the next generation, so that this product can be a true class winner all around.

Everett J.
​#autolooks

​​​COMPETITION:
Ford Explorer - 51.60%
Kia Telluride - 47.92%
Hyundai Palisade - 55.32%
Jeep Wagoneer - 65.68%