The GH is built specifically to take on the above competition in what Toyota calls the 'long-haul three-row SUV' segment. It also looks different from the Highlander, with smooth flanks that do not evoke the Supra-wannabe swoopiness of the Highlander. The Grand Highlander certainly has a longer wheelbase, but it's considerably larger in every other dimension too. The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is a completely new vehicle that is not merely a stretched-wheelbase Highlander. The change from an independent to a solid-axle rear suspension certainly improved towing and off-road capability, but ride smoothness and third-row passenger/cargo space suffered.
Meanwhile, the product gap grew into a chasm when the new Toyota Sequoia debuted, as it moved in a truckier direction to fill the vacuum left by the downsized Land Cruiser. Though it's a wildly popular vehicle (3.3 million-plus sold to date), the Highlander's middle row isn't exactly world-beating, and its puny third row is no match for the likes of the Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and Kia Telluride. HIGHS: Solid fuel-economy figures, Hybrid Max is quick, huge cargo-carrying capability.
