The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander joins Toyota’s three-row SUV lineup alongside the Sienna, Sequoia, and smaller Highlander. It’s a standout choice for families.
Compared to the smaller Highlander, the Grand Highlander is larger and more spacious, with a better third row. It also improves on the Sequoia’s seating.
It doesn’t just differ in size. The Grand Highlander offers three trims, focusing on quality over quantity. It’s the only Highlander with the powerful Hybrid Max option. Plus, its design is more elegant.
Next, we’ll explore the key differences between the two Highlanders, showing why the Grand Highlander is the best in Toyota’s SUV range.
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Toyota Highlander: Price
| Feature | Toyota Highlander | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (FWD) | Around $39,000 | Around $44,400 |
| Starting MSRP (AWD) | Around $40,600 | Around $46,000 |
| Price Difference (Base FWD) | – | +$5,400 |
| Price Difference (Base AWD) | – | +$5,400 |
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Toyota Highlander: Colors
| Feature | Toyota Grand Highlander | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Color Options | 7 | 8 |
| Available Colors | – Blueprint (Dark Blue) – Celestial Silver Metallic – Coastal Cream (Off-White) – Midnight Black Metallic – Ruby Flare Pearl (Red) – Storm Cloud (Gray) – Wind Chill Pearl (White) | – Wind Chill Pearl (White) – Midnight Black Metallic – Celestial Silver Metallic – Magnetic Gray Metallic – Cypress Green – Blueprint (Dark Blue) – Ruby Flare Pearl (Red) – Moon Dust (Gray) – Cement (Gray) |
| Two-Tone Options | Not Available | Not Available |
| Additional Cost for Pearl Colors | $425 (Ruby Flare Pearl & Wind Chill Pearl) | $425 (Ruby Flare Pearl) |
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Toyota Highlander: Mileage
| Feature | Toyota Grand Highlander | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Option | ||
| Mileage (FWD / AWD) | Mileage (FWD / AWD) | |
| 2.4L Turbocharged I4 | 22 city / 29 highway / 21 city / 27 highway | 22 city / 29 highway / 21 city / 28 highway |
| 2.5L Hybrid I4 | – | 24 city / 29 highway / 22 city / 27 highway |
| Hybrid Max (2.4L Turbocharged I4 + Electric Motor) | 36 combined | – |
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Toyota Highlander: Top-speed
| Feature | Toyota Grand Highlander | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Expected Top Speed | Up to 120 mph (estimated) | Up to 120 mph (estimated) |
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Toyota Highlander: Features
| Feature Category | Toyota Grand Highlander | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Safety, Security & Locks | – Airbags (standard) – Seat Belt Warning (standard) – Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (standard) – Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) (standard) – Engine Immobilizer (standard) | Same as Grand Highlander |
| Comfort & Convenience | – Parking Sensors (optional on some trims) | Parking Sensors (optional on some trims) |
| Doors, Windows, Mirrors & Wipers | – Anti-glare Rearview Mirror (standard) – Power Mirrors (standard) – Remote Trunk Release (standard) – Door Handles (standard) – Door Pockets (standard) | Same as Grand Highlander |
| Lighting | – Headlight Height Adjustment (standard) – Taillights (standard) – Interior Dome Lights (standard) | Same as Grand Highlander |
| Seats, Upholstery & Storage | – Cloth or Leather Seat Trim (varies by trim) – Driver Seat Height Adjustment (standard) – Front Passenger Seat Adjustment (standard) – Rear Seat Folding (standard) | Same as Grand Highlander |
| Interiors | – Variety of Interior Color Options | Variety of Interior Color Options |
| Cup Holders | – Standard cup holders in both rows | Standard cup holders in both rows |
| Entertainment, Information & Instrumentation | – Standard Instrument Cluster – Trip Computer (standard) – Tachometer (standard) | Standard Instrument Cluster – Trip Computer (standard) – Tachometer (standard) |
| Warranty | – 3-year / 36,000-mile (typical) | 3-year / 36,000-mile (typical) |
| Technology Features | ||
| Infotainment System | – Standard infotainment system with touchscreen display | Standard infotainment system with touchscreen display |
| Navigation | – Optional navigation system available on some trims | Optional navigation system available on some trims |
| Driver Assistance Features | – Toyota Safety Sense (suite of driver-assistance features) standard | Toyota Safety Sense (suite of driver-assistance features) standard |
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Toyota Highlander: Specs
| Feature | Toyota Grand Highlander | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions & Weight | ||
| Width (in) | 78.3 | 76.0 |
| Height (in) | Not Available | Not Available |
| Wheelbase (in) | 121.4 | 118.5 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | Not Available | Not Available |
| Capacity | ||
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 | 7 or 8 |
| No. of Seating Rows | 3 | 3 |
| Cargo Space Behind Seats (cu ft) | – 1st Row: 97.5 – 2nd Row: 57.9 – 3rd Row: 20.6 | – 1st Row: 84.3 – 2nd Row: 48.4 – 3rd Row: 16.0 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 17.1 | 17.0 |
| Engine | ||
| Displacement (L) | 2.4 | 2.4 |
| Engine Type | Turbocharged I4 | Naturally Aspirated I4 (Hybrid) |
| Cylinders | 4 | 4 |
| Valves | Not Available | Not Available |
| Max Power (hp) | 265 | 243 (combined) |
| Max Torque (lb-ft) | 310 | 175 (engine) |
| Mileage (EPA) | – 22 city / 29 highway (FWD) – 21 city / 27 highway (AWD) | 24 city / 29 highway (FWD) – 22 city / 27 highway (AWD) |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed Automatic | Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) |
| No. of Gears | 6 | – |
| Drive Train | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Suspensions, Brakes, Steering & Tyres | ||
| Suspension Front | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Suspension Rear | Multi-Link | Multi-Link |
| Front Brake Type | Disc | Disc |
| Spare Wheel | Optional | Optional |
| Wheel Size (inches) | Not Available | 18″ or 20″ (depending on trim) |
| Tire Size Front | Not Available | Not Available |
| Tire Size Rear | Not Available | Not Available |
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Toyota Highlander: Competitors
| Feature | Toyota Grand Highlander Competitors | Toyota Highlander Competitors |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Pilot | – Similar three-row SUV offering | – Competes in the same segment as Grand Highlander |
| Nissan Pathfinder | – Three-row SUV alternative | – Competes in the same segment as Grand Highlander |
| Ford Explorer | – Three-row SUV competitor | – Competes in the same segment as Grand Highlander |
| Chevrolet Traverse | – Competitor in the three-row SUV market | – Competes in the same segment as Grand Highlander |
| Kia Telluride | – Competitor offering a spacious interior | – Competes in the same segment as Grand Highlander |
| Hyundai Palisade | – Offers three-row seating like Grand Highlander | – Competes in the same segment as Grand Highlander |
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Toyota Highlander: Reviews and Ratings
| Feature | Toyota Grand Highlander | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews & Ratings | * Limited Reviews Available | * Numerous Reviews & Ratings Available |
| * Focus on Size & Third-Row Space | * Generally Positive Reviews | |
| * Early Praise for Powerful Engine (Hybrid Max) | * Praised for Reliability, Safety, and Comfort | |
| Resources | * Car previews from automotive publications | * Reviews from automotive websites (e.g., Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, Car and Driver) |
| * YouTube comparisons | * Consumer reviews on shopping platforms | |
| * Early test drives by journalists | * Ratings from safety organizations (e.g., IIHS, NHTSA) |
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Toyota Highlander: Pros and Cons
| Category | Toyota Grand Highlander | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | * Spacious third-row seating | * Generally positive reviews for reliability and safety |
| * Powerful engine options | * Well-established reputation for comfort | |
| * More functional seating configurations | * Availability of hybrid option | |
| Cons | * Limited reviews and ratings available | * Smaller cargo space compared to Grand Highlander |
| * Higher starting price | * Mixed reviews on infotainment system usability | |
| * Limited availability of hybrid option | * Less powerful engine options compared to Grand Highlander |
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Toyota Highlander: Accessories
| Accessory | Toyota Grand Highlander | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Accessories | * Roof rack | * Roof rack |
| * Running boards | * Running boards | |
| * Crossbars | * Crossbars | |
| * Tow hitch receiver | * Tow hitch receiver | |
| Interior Accessories | * All-weather floor mats | * All-weather floor mats |
| * Cargo liner | * Cargo liner | |
| * Cargo net | * Cargo net | |
| * Seat covers | * Seat covers | |
| Electronics | * Rear-seat entertainment system | * Rear-seat entertainment system |
| * Wireless charging pad | * Wireless charging pad | |
| * Dash cam | * Dash cam | |
| * Parking assist sensors | * Parking assist sensors | |
| Safety & Security | * Car alarm | * Car alarm |
| * Vehicle immobilizer | * Vehicle immobilizer | |
| * Emergency roadside kit | * Emergency roadside kit | |
| Performance | * Performance air intake system | * Performance air intake system |
| * Performance exhaust system | * Performance exhaust system | |
| * High-performance brake pads and rotors | * High-performance brake pads and rotors |
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Toyota Highlander: FAQs
Q: Which SUV is bigger?
A: The Toyota Grand Highlander is larger than the Toyota Highlander in most dimensions, offering more passenger and cargo space, especially in the third row.
Q: How many passengers can each SUV seat?
A: Both can seat up to 8 passengers, but standard configurations differ. The Grand Highlander has 7-seat standard seating (8-seat optional on some trims), while the Highlander offers 8-seat standard seating (7-seat optional on some trims).
Q: Which SUV has more power?
A: The Grand Highlander offers a wider range of engine options, including a powerful Hybrid Max option not available in the Highlander. The Highlander’s standard hybrid powertrain delivers good fuel economy but might be less powerful.
Q: Which SUV gets better gas mileage?
A: The Highlander’s standard hybrid system boasts better fuel economy ratings compared to the Grand Highlander’s base gasoline engine. However, the Grand Highlander’s Hybrid Max offers impressive fuel efficiency.
Q: Which SUV might be a better choice for me?
A: Consider your needs. If you prioritize maximum space and a powerful engine, the Grand Highlander might be ideal. If a proven, reliable option with strong reviews is your preference, the Highlander might be a better fit.