The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander has touched down as the latest member of the marque's expansive SUV lineup, freshly revealed ahead of its public debut at the Chicago Auto Show. The three-row crossover features unibody construction and takes the fight to segment leaders like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, and to do so, it's arriving armed to the teeth with horsepower.

Three engines will be made available at launch: a turbocharged 2.4-liter (pressed into duty last year), an efficient 2.5-liter hybrid, and the 362-horsepower Hybrid Max will cater to the needs of different customers.

The Hybrid Max receives all-wheel drive as standard, while the lesser engines are offered with front-wheel drive or AWD. Toyota says the range-topper is the most powerful midsize SUV it has ever built and claims it can hit 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. This model is also rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs.

Regardless of which engine you select, all Grand Highlander models receive three drive modes - Sport, Eco, and Normal. AWD variants add a Multi-Terrain Select that allows the driver to tailor the driving experience in different conditions, such as Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Snow.

The cabin is cavernous, and Toyota says the third row is big enough for a brace of adults. Unlike many three-row SUVs, the Grand Highlander doesn't sacrifice cargo room to accommodate the extra row of seating. The automaker claims there's sufficient space to carry seven suitcases behind the third row. Should you require more space, the rearmost row easily folds down to avail 98 cubic feet of carrying capacity.

Those relegated to the third row haven't been forgotten when it comes to gadgets and comfort.

A pair of support grips ensure smooth ingress and egress to the rearmost row, and once seated, third-row occupants will appreciate the individual USB ports, storage for portable electronic devices, and two cupholders.

The second row is an even nicer place to be, thanks to the addition of a dedicated air-conditioning control panel and two USB ports situated on the console. Depending on the configuration, the cupholder position varies.

Spring for a traditional bench seat - which creates space for up to eight occupants - and they're hidden within the armrest. The more decadent captain's chair configuration sees the cupholders relegated to the rear console. This is where you'll also find the multi-purpose tray and smartphone storage.

To compete against the best, Toyota has thrown its all at the interior of the Grand Highlander. From an infotainment perspective, the SUV gets a standard 12.3-inch infotainment display with over-the-air (OTA) updates, voice control, connected services, and Google POI search. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality are wireless, and two devices can be paired via Bluetooth.

The configurable center console between the front seats should be able to swallow up plenty of objects; with the tray removed, Toyota says it's big enough to fit a tablet. Additionally, it features a sliding cover that can be used without moving the armrests, further enhancing comfort.

The 2024 Grand Highlander will be available in three trim levels - XLE, Limited, and Platinum. The entry-level grade offers impressive equipment levels and ships standard with 18-inch wheels, heated outer mirrors, and roof rails.

Move inside, and you'll find Softex-trimmed seats that are power-adjustable and heated for the driver and front passenger. A Digital Key is also available. On the safety front, the XLE receives Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a power liftgate, and blind-spot monitoring, among other things.

Stepping up to the Grand Highlander Limited equips 20-inch wheels, LED daytime running lamps, and power-folding side mirrors. The Softex upholstery makes way for genuine leather, while front-row occupants benefit from ventilated seats and a memory seat setting. In this guise, the second-row seats also receive heating functionality and removable center console storage.

Other nice-to-haves include a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The driver's display also swaps analog gauges for a more modern 12.3-inch digital display. Safety spec is enhanced with parking sensors, automatic braking, rain-sensing wipers, and more.

The Platinum grade receives 20-inch "Clad" wheels and a panoramic sunroof to distinguish it from lesser models. Inside, the second row receives a ventilation function. AWD models and the Hybrid Max also gain paddle shifters. A head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and front cross-traffic alert also form part of the Platinum package.

There aren't many options to choose from. XLE and Limited customers can choose from the panoramic roof and a more practical bench seat, while the latter is privy to the optional panoramic view monitor - standard equipment on the Platinum.

Regarding interior color schemes, the XLE and Limited trim are limited to Black or Light Gray. The Platinum grade adds Portobello as an option. The Limited and Platinum Hybrid Max models receive the same shades as their gas-powered compatriots but gain Ultrasuede and leather trim.

As mentioned, all variants will receive the automaker's TSS 3.0 which includes lane tracing assist, a pre-collision system, pedestrian detection, road sign assist, and radar-guided cruise control.

Visually, the Grand Highlander has a more angular and aggressive shape when compared to the regular Highlander. There's a strong resemblance to the more upmarket Lexus LX, seen in the large "hammerhead" grille and upright stance. However, this does not share underpinnings with the LX. Hybrid Max models receive an exclusive front and rear bumper and the option of a dual exhaust finisher.

As part of Toyota's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality, the Highlander hybrid models will wear a "Beyond Zero" badge to symbolize the brand's environmental efforts. The first vehicle to wear this new logo was the fifth-generation Prius, which debuted late last year.

"There is definitely a need in the market for a midsize SUV that prioritizes interior comfort in all three rows and Grand Highlander is the ultimate option," said Toyota's Lisa Materazzo. Pricing and on-sale dates for the American-built SUV will be announced later in the summer, but the initial signs are promising that Toyota may have delivered a worthy rival to the Kia Telluride/Hyundai Palisade duo that have dominated the segment.