2024 Toyota Grand Highlander: Bigger Kluger family SUV unlikely for Australia

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander – a long-wheelbase, enlarged version of the Toyota Kluger – has been unveiled in the US, but it is not planned for Australia.

Due in Toyota US showrooms from late this year, the Grand Highlander is a larger sibling to the Kluger – which is sold in North America as the Highlander – with a roomier cabin, more boot space and more powerful hybrid options.

However, it is understood it will not come to Australia, as it and its upcoming luxury twin, the Lexus TX are not expected to be manufactured in right-hand drive.

Toyota has not stated how large the Grand Highlander is, however it's expected to be larger than today's Kluger/Highlander, and is underpinned by the same front- or all-wheel-drive underpinnings.

It is available with seven or eight seats, depending on model, and claims an "adult-sized" third row of seating, with space for seven carry-on suitcases behind them, or 2775 litres (or 2.8 cubic metres) with the second and third-row seats folded.

Toyota says there are up to 13 cupholders, seven USB-C ports, up to 11 speakers (with the optional JBL stereo), two 12.3-inch screens, and Toyota's latest technology.

US buyers will be able to choose from three engines – two petrol and two hybrid – offering up to 270kW, and claimed fuel economy of 6.9 litres per 100km.

These options include a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with front or all-wheel drive, and a 2.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder hybrid with front- or all-wheel drive (which is claimed to achieve the fuel economy above).

The flagship of the range is the Hybrid Max, a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid with 270kW and 542Nm, standard all-wheel drive, a 2267kg tow rating, and a claimed, hot-hatch-like 0-60mph (97km/h) acceleration time of 6.3 seconds.

Inside, top models feature a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster ahead of the driver, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with over-the-air updates, satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Available tech features include an 11-speaker JBL sound system, support for a smartphone app that connects to the car remotely, a wireless phone charger, tri-zone climate control, rear USB ports, heated steering wheel and side mirrors, and a hands-free power tailgate.

Leather-look, genuine leather or Ultrasuede and leather combination upholstery options are available, depending on model grade, with heating, ventilation, memory and power adjustment.

Also available is a panoramic sunroof, digital rear-view mirror, heated rear seats, a head-up display, and two 1500-watt home power outlets in hybrid models which can power small home electrical devices.

A suite of advanced safety features is available, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane following assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, auto high beam, a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, and front and rear cross-traffic alerts.

Toyota US says pricing and launch details for the US-made Toyota Grand Highlander are due to be announced later this year. However, an Australian launch is not expected.

"Toyota is always considering exciting new models as they become available for our market, but we have no announcements to make today," a Toyota Australia spokesperson said in a statement to Drive.