Talking Cars 425: Driving the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

Toyota continues its three-row growth with this roomier SUV

Jon Linkov, Consumer Reports Autos Editor.

By Jon Linkov
Autos Editor

September 6, 2023

Main theme: This week our podcast panel looks at the new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. Despite the name, it’s not merely a “grander” body on the same-old Highlander platform. We’ve driven two versions of the SUV: Our purchased model with the 265-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo engine and one we rented from Toyota with a 362-hp, 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. There are some things we like about this new, roomier midsized SUV, but not everything is . . . grand.

Audience question: It’s common to see Jeep Wranglers, Jeep Gladiators, and Ford Broncos driving around with their doors off when the weather is nice. Is this safe or even legal?

Talking Cars 425 panel — "Talking Cars" panelists (from left) Jon Linkov, Michael Crossen, and Alex Knizek.

As with other “Talking Cars With Consumer Reports” episodes, this one is available free through Apple Podcasts. (Subscribe to the audio or video.) You’ll also find the audio on Spotify (log-in required) and video on YouTube.

• Driving the 2023 Dodge Hornet, episode 424
• Driving the 2024 Subaru Impreza, episode 423
• We Take Delivery of Our 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale, episode 422
• All Your Questions Answered, episode 421
• Living With the 2023 Maserati Grecale, episode 420

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Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.