Is the new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander really offered at a low starting price? Most new vehicles, especially three-row SUVs, carry high starting prices well above the $50,000 mark. The new Grand Highlander XLE is the base model and is advertised with a base MSRP of $43,070. Does this price actually give you the desired features necessary to give your family a great drive?

Is the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander starting price a bit misleading?

The Grand Highlander is the newest addition to the Toyota SUV family, giving us a three-row SUV with a new turbocharged engine and a larger size than the regular Highlander. This new SUV comes in three trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum.

What powertrain does the Grand Highlander include?

All three trims utilize the same powertrain, which is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain produces 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This SUV is offered with standard FWD for the XLE and Limited trims, while the Platinum trim has standard AWD. The tow rating is limited to 5,000 pounds.

Does the starting MSRP offer good value in this Toyota SUV?

The Grand Highlander XLE is the base model, and it includes:

• 18-inch silver-painted alloy wheels
• Deep-tinted rear privacy glass
• Auto on/off LED headlights
• Heated side mirrors
• A height-adjustable power liftgate
• Toyota Smart Key
• Three-row seating
• 10-way power driver’s seat
• Eight-way power passenger seat
• SofTex simulated leather upholstery
• Tri-zone automatic climate controls
• 12.3-inch color touchscreen
• Wireless connectivity
• Toyota Connected Services
• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0

The only options offered for the XLE trim are a panoramic moonroof and a second-row bench seat to replace the standard captain’s chairs.

For the starting MSRP, this Toyota SUV seems to be a pretty good value with features that aren’t often found in base models. Although some automakers use a starting price to draw in customers who will likely move up to higher trims to receive more equipment, the base model of the Grand Highlander has a generous standard package.

Which Grand Highlander trim offers the best value?

Typically, the middle trim provides the best value for any vehicle, and that’s the case for the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. Skip the base trim and affordable starting price and move up to the Limited trim to receive:

• LED daytime running lights
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Power-folding side mirrors
• Puddle lights
• LED fog lights
• A foot-activated power liftgate
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Real leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated front seats with memory settings
• Heated second-row seats
• A heated steering wheel
• Ambient interior lighting
• A removable second-row center console
• Two 120-volt outlets
• 12.3-inch digital instrument display
• 11-speaker JBL audio system
• Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking

The options for this trim include:

• Panoramic moonroof
• Second-row bench seat
• Panoramic 360-degree monitor
• 20-inch satin black wheels

The Limited trim starts at $47,860, which seems like a bargain considering the standard features added to this middle trim level.

Is the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander starting price a reasonable expectation?

Considering the impressive XLE standard package, most shoppers can drive this new Toyota SUV at the stated starting MSRP. Toyota did an excellent job packaging this SUV the right way to ensure customers can drive away at the expected price. Most shoppers might not move up to the Limited trim with its added comfort and convenience features, and those customers won’t feel they’re missing out by driving the Grand Highlander XLE.