Summary
- The Toyota Highlander lineup has been expanded with the addition of the larger Grand Highlander, which offers more cargo space, passenger space, and onboard technology.
- The Grand Highlander comes standard with a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless charging, and more USB ports compared to the regular Highlander. It also has improved safety features and Toyota’s new proactive driving assist.
- The Grand Highlander is both larger and more premium-looking on the outside, with more interior space and a more modern design. It also offers a more powerful engine option with the Hybrid-Max powertrain, although it is slightly less fuel efficient and more expensive than the regular Highlander.
The Toyota Highlander is one of the most popular names among three-row SUVs. It has been available since 2001 and has been carrying families across countries ever since. For 2024, Toyota decided to expand the Highlander lineup by adding the Grand Highlander. As the name suggests, this is a larger version of the beloved SUV. However, it is by no means just a stretched variant. There are plenty of differences when it comes to the chassis but also the body of the vehicle.
In this article, we are going over those changes by providing you with information regarding cargo space, passenger space, exterior dimensions, and available engines. This will help you make the right decision when choosing between the two available Highlander models. Just keep in mind that the Grand Highlander is a model new to the Toyota lineup, so it may have a few hiccups that the decades-old Highlander has already worked through. Thankfully, both vehicles use the same basic foundation, so the general knowledge gained from the older version can be used on the newer, grander version.
Updated August 15, 2023: The Toyota Grand Highlander is new for 2024, but its smaller sibling has been around for a few years. Both versions are great midsize SUVs, each bringing its unique qualifications to the table. For that reason, we have decided to update this article with some more up-to-date information to keep you informed so you can make an educated decision between the two models.
Differences In Onboard Technology
The standard Highlander is already well-equipped and very comfortable. However, the Grand Highlander steps it up a notch. The smaller vehicle has an 8.0-inch infotainment screen and a seven-inch digital gauge cluster. A 12.3-inch gauge cluster and infotainment system are only available on more expensive trim levels.
On the Grand Highlander, the larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen comes as standard regardless of the trim level you choose, with only the larger gauge cluster offered as an optional extra. Also, the Grand Highlander comes as standard with wireless charging, while the smaller Highlander doesn’t. The regular Highlander has five USB ports, but the Grand Highlander has seven. USB ports can even be found in the third-row seats, where this vehicle excels.
When it comes to safety, the Grand Highlander has the upper hand as it implements Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The regular Highlander only features the older TSS 2.5+. This means the newer and larger SUV has improved safety features and comes standard with additions like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Furthermore, the Grand Highlander gets Toyota’s new proactive driving assist which provides automated speed control based on traffic and weather conditions.
One of the best upgrades for the TSS 3.0 driving assist is that the proactive system will use radar technology to slowly apply brakes around corners or when nearing an object, such as a pedestrian or bicyclist when needed. This not only keeps you safe but keeps everyone else on the roads safe as well.
Interior Space Is Drastically Improved In The Grand Highlander
Both the Highlander and Grand Highlander can be configured as three-row SUVs with second-row captain’s chairs available. The difference between them is primarily seen in passenger space – especially in the third row. The Highlander offers 36.1 inches of headroom and 28 inches of legroom in the third row. The Grand Highlander, on the other hand, provides 37.2 inches of headroom and 33.5 inches of legroom.
Cargo space is also drastically improved in the Grand Highlander model. You will get 26.6 cubic feet with the third row up or 97.5 with the third and second rows folded. Compare these numbers to the 16 and 84.3 cubic feet figures for the standard Highlander. It is evident that the larger variant is the one to get if you value cargo space.
The Grand Highlander Is Both Larger And More Premium On The Outside
As you would expect, more interior space also means a larger vehicle on the outside. So, how much bigger is the Grand Highlander? Well, size measurements come in at 201.4 inches in length, 78.3 in width, and 70.1 in height. In comparison, the smaller standard Highlander has a length of 194.9 inches and a width and height of 76 and 68.1 inches, respectively.
Aside from the size, the two vehicles also share different designs. At first glance, this might not be obvious, but the Grand Highlander certainly looks more modern and premium than the regular version. The front end features more modern and aggressive headlights paired with a prominent grille more fitting to Toyota’s current design language. The rear is much of the same story as the Grand Highlander makes the standard Highlander look a bit dated.
Engine Availability For Both Vehicles
The Highlander and Grand Highlander offer similar specs in the engine department. The standard engine available for both crossovers, is a 265-horsepower 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder. Now, when it comes to the Hybrid options, we have a difference between the drivetrains available for these two SUVs. Both will get a 2.5 liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder paired to an electric motor for a combined output of 243 horsepower.
Engine Specifications
|
Engine |
Horsepower |
Torque |
Model |
|
2.4-L turbocharged |
265 horsepower |
310 pound-feet |
Highlander/Grand Highlander |
|
2.5-L Hybrid |
243 horsepower |
175 pound-feet |
Highlander/Grand Highlander |
|
2.4-L turbocharged Hybrid MAX |
362 horsepower |
400 pound-feet |
Grand Highlander |
However, the Grand Highlander also receives the Hybrid-Max powertrain, which is paired with the 2.4-liter turbo engine for a total output of 362 horsepower. So, it is safe to say that the Toyota Grand Highlander won’t be a slow SUV.
Fuel mileage for a 2.4-liter engine in the standard Highlander is 21-22 MPG in the city and 28-29 on the highway. For the Grand Highlander, you will be looking at 20-21 MPG in the city and 26-28 on the highway, which is a little bit less due to the added weight of the new model. Which, of course, is not too surprising. The same will be with the basic Hybrid model for the two because the Grand Highlander’s weight will reduce the hybrid system’s efficiency.
What may be surprising is when you compare the best that the Highlander has to offer to the best that the Grand Highlander has to offer, regardless of the weight. For the current Highlander, the Hybrid model can get up to 36 MPG combined, according to the EPA. When you factor in the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX model, you can expect to get a combined average of up to 27 MPG. So to get 119 horsepower more, you will, in essence, lose nine miles per gallon in fuel economy.
Should You Upgrade To A Grand Highlander?
Between the two, which one should you get? Or, if you already own a Highlander, should you upgrade to the new Grand Highlander? Well, it depends. Obviously, there are benefits associated with going with the more recent and larger vehicle but also some drawbacks. The most significant benefit is more third-row space.
The regular Highlander offers a third row, but it is a bit cramped back there. It is mainly designed for kids or adults only over shorter distances. On the other hand, the Grand Highlander offers a much more impressive third row which can accommodate adults easily, both in terms of space and features like USB ports. Also, let’s not forget the added cargo space. Aside from more space, you will receive a much more up-to-date design that looks better than the regular Highlander.
Furthermore, you will get additional interior technology and better engineering as this is a newer vehicle. Finally, the Grand Highlander will offer the option of the 2.4-liter turbo engine paired to a hybrid system which is by far the most powerful engine ever fitted in a Highlander model. Therefore, if power is a high priority, the Grand Highlander is the SUV to go for.
The larger variant comes with the penalties of being harder to park and generally larger around the city. Also, it will be more expensive and slightly less fuel efficient. The choice between the two is on you. If you value interior space, more powerful engines, and a more modern design, the Grand Highlander is the vehicle to get. If you want to save some cash and don’t mind the standard Highlander’s features, then the cheaper option is the one to go for.