Why is the Grand Highlander not available in the USA?

In brief, the Grand Highlander is sold in the United States as Toyota’s larger three-row SUV, introduced for the North American market for the 2024 model year. There is no restriction or withdrawal that would prevent its sale in the USA.

There has been some confusion around regional availability, partly because Toyota markets related models under different names in other regions and because model lineups evolve over time. This article explains where the Grand Highlander is offered, what sets it apart from the standard Highlander, and why some readers might have heard conflicting information about its US availability.

What is the Grand Highlander?

The Grand Highlander is Toyota’s bigger take on the popular Highlander, designed to deliver more interior space, especially for the third row, while staying in the same mid-size SUV segment. It shares the same family-friendly DNA as the Highlander but prioritizes extra legroom and cargo capacity without a complete jump to a full-size SUV.

Key attributes and configurations:

• Larger exterior and interior dimensions to boost third-row legroom and cargo space


• Seating for up to eight passengers or seven with captain’s chairs, depending on configuration


• Powertrain options including a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and a hybrid variant in some trims


• Multiple trims emphasizing comfort and technology, with available all-wheel drive


• Enhanced tech and safety features, such as a prominent center touchscreen and Toyota Safety Sense

In practice, the Grand Highlander is pitched as a family-value option for buyers who need more space than a standard Highlander but don’t want to move up to a larger, more expensive SUV. It competes with other mid-size three-row SUVs on space, comfort, and efficiency.

Where is it sold?

The Grand Highlander is a North American-focused model. It launched in the United States for the 2024 model year and was subsequently offered in Canada; it is not universally marketed in all regions under the same name or with identical configurations. Differences in branding, regulatory approvals, and market demand mean that the Grand Highlander is not a globally standardized offering the way some other Toyota models are.

Markets and availability by region can influence which trims and powertrains are offered, so shoppers outside the United States may encounter a different Highlander lineup or a variant known by another name.

Market availability summary:

• United States — widely sold in multiple trims with 2.4L turbo and hybrid options


• Canada — offered, with similar powertrain choices and features

While the model is clearly available in North America, readers should verify local dealer offerings, as equipment and availability can vary by year and province/state due to regulatory or stock factors.

Why the confusion about US availability might arise

Several factors can lead to mistaken impressions that the Grand Highlander isn’t available in the USA. Industry naming practices, regional rollouts, and differences between model years can all contribute to confusion among buyers and observers.

Common points of confusion include:

• Naming variations across regions (some markets label similar vehicles differently or use entirely different model names)


• staggered rollouts where certain trims or powertrains arrive later in the model year


• Differences in standard vs. optional equipment by country or province/state

Despite these nuances, Toyota has marketed and sold the Grand Highlander in the United States since its 2024 model-year introduction, making the premise of a USA ban or absence inaccurate.

What should US buyers know when considering a Grand Highlander?

For shoppers, the Grand Highlander represents a balance of space, comfort, and price within Toyota’s SUV lineup. Prospective buyers can consider the following:

• Compare seating configurations and cargo space across trims to choose between eight-seat or seven-seat layouts


• Evaluate the engine options (turbo vs. hybrid) based on driving needs and fuel efficiency goals


• Test drive to assess ride quality, handling, and interior noise levels in real-world scenarios


• Check which tech packages and safety features are included in your preferred trim

Dealership availability and current incentives can influence the exact feature set and purchase price, so it’s wise to consult local Toyota dealers for the latest details.

Summary

The Grand Highlander is available in the United States, introduced to meet demand for a larger three-row option without stepping up to a full-size SUV. While it is a North American-focused model with some regional variation in trims and availability, there is no nationwide US restriction keeping it off the market. For buyers, it offers expanded space over the standard Highlander, with multiple powertrain choices and a range of tech features geared toward families.

In short, if you’re in the US and need more interior space from a mid-size SUV, the Grand Highlander is a legitimate option offered through Toyota’s US dealer network.

What is the recall on the Grand Highlander?

There are several Grand Highlander recalls, including a June 2024 recall for certain 2024 model year vehicles due to a curtain shield airbag that may not deploy correctly if a window is down, and a September 2025 recall for certain 2023-2024 models due to a potential issue with the instrument panel display. Toyota dealers will replace the airbags in the 2024 vehicles for free, and the remedy for the instrument panel issue is also available. You can check if your vehicle is affected by visiting Toyota's recall website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). 
2024 Grand Highlander airbag recall

• What it is: The driver's and passenger's curtain shield airbags on certain 2024 models may not deploy as intended during certain crashes if the windows are rolled down. 
• What to do: The fix is available and free of charge. Toyota dealers will replace the curtain shield airbags with improved ones. Sales and production resumed in late October 2024, and customer notification for the fix began in early November 2024. 
• Affected vehicles: Certain model year 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander and Lexus TX vehicles. 

2023-2024 Grand Highlander instrument panel recall 

• What it is: A recall for certain 2023 and 2024 Toyota models, including the Grand Highlander, due to an error in the instrument panel software. The issue may cause the instrument panel to fail to display the vehicle's speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights at startup. 
• What to do: The remedy is available. Check with your dealer for the fix. 
• Affected vehicles: Certain 2023-2024 Toyota Grand Highlander vehicles, along with other models. 

How to check your VIN

• Visit Toyota's recall website or the NHTSA recalls website.
• Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information. 

Additional information

• If you receive a recall letter, bring it with you to the dealership, as it contains important information about the recall and proves your vehicle is part of it.
• Recall repairs are free of charge when performed by an authorized dealer. 

What is the lawsuit against the Toyota Highlander?

Recent and ongoing lawsuits involving the Toyota Highlander address issues such as faulty door lock actuators, a potential transmission defect in certain models, and a claim that 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrids have fuel tanks that do not fill completely. Other recent lawsuits include an investigation into defective power liftgates and a separate class action settlement for a Bluetooth echo defect that affected some Highlanders. 
Current and recent lawsuits

• Door Lock Actuators: A class action lawsuit was filed because many Toyota models, including the Highlander, reportedly have defective door lock actuators that may fail to engage properly. The lawsuit claims owners have been charged for repeated replacements, which Toyota allegedly considered "wear and tear" items. 
• Transmission Defect: Lawsuits allege that certain Highlander models (2017-2022) equipped with the UA80 automatic transmission have a defect that can cause whining, erratic shifting, and premature failure. A Customer Support Program (CSP ZJC) was created but only covers a limited number of vehicles, according to Change.org. 
• Fuel Tank Defect: A class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of owners of 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrids, claiming a defective fuel tank vent causes it to not fill to its capacity. 
• Power Liftgate Defect: Some Highlander models (XU20, XU40, XU50, and Highlander Hybrid MHU28) are reportedly affected by a power liftgate defect that can lead to costly repairs, with the lawsuit alleging Toyota knew about the issue but did not issue a recall or warning. 
• Bluetooth Echo Defect: A class action lawsuit over a Bluetooth defect that caused an echo on calls in certain Toyota models, including the Highlander, resulted in a settlement, notes this article from Unión Rayo and ClassAction.org. 

How to proceed

• Identify your vehicle's details: Determine if your Highlander is included in any of these lawsuits by checking its model year, VIN, and the specific defect alleged.
• Gather evidence: Collect any repair invoices, service records, or documentation related to the defect.
• Contact an attorney: Speak to a lawyer who specializes in consumer or automotive class action lawsuits to understand your options and how you may be affected by an ongoing investigation or settlement. 
• Check settlement websites: Visit official settlement websites if they are available for a specific lawsuit, as they often provide important information and instructions for potential claimants. 

Why is the Toyota Grand Highlander not available in the USA?

This is a technical violation of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for ejection mitigation, leading to Toyota issuing a stop sale notice to its dealerships in June 2024, preventing the 2024 Grand Highlander from being sold until a fix could be developed.

Where is the Toyota Grand Highlander made in the USA?

Princeton, Indiana
Princeton, Indiana: This is where we are producing the Toyota Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, and Sienna cars.