Stuck between choosing the Toyota Highlander vs. the Grand Highlander? You’re definitely not the only one wondering about the actual differences between these two Toyota SUVs. Though they may share similar names, these three-row vehicles cater to quite different family needs and driving styles. Let’s break down what sets these popular Toyota models apart so you can figure out which one fits your family’s actual day-to-day life.
What Makes These Two SUVs Different?
The Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander aren’t just different sizes of the same car — they’re completely separate models. The Grand Highlander gives you way more space, especially in the third row, which matters a lot if you’ve got a bigger family or regularly haul extra passengers.
Both SUVs come with hybrid options and Toyota’s safety tech, but they fill different roles in the lineup. The standard Highlander focuses on getting better gas mileage and being easier to drive around town, making it a great daily driver for smaller families who care about saving money on gas. The Grand Highlander, meanwhile, emphasizes roominess and serves families who actually use the third row all the time and need tons of cargo space for all their Texas adventures.
Size and Dimensions
When comparing the Grand Highlander vs. the Highlander, you’ll notice the size difference right away. The Grand Highlander is 201.4 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 70.1 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 116.1 inches. With the regular Highlander standing 68.1 inches tall, 194.9 inches long, and 76 inches wide, the Grand Highlander is bigger across every measurement. This extra size translates into real usable space that matters when you’re loading up for family road trips or dealing with school pickup madness in Prosper’s busy parking lots.
As for interior space, the Grand Highlander offers 153.3 cubic feet of passenger room compared to the Highlander’s 141.3 cubic feet. Behind the third row, you get 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space vs. just 16 cubic feet in the regular Highlander. Fold those seats down, and the Grand Highlander offers a maximum of 97.5 cubic feet vs. 84.3 in the standard model.
Performance and Powertrain Options
The Highlander Hybrid is equipped with a 243-horsepower four-cylinder 2.5-liter gas engine paired with electric motors, standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and a continuously variable transmission. The non-hybrid version produces 265 horsepower using a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine. The hybrid achieves 35 mpg combined, while the regular version gets 25 mpg with front-wheel drive (FWD) or 24 mpg with AWD. You also get a towing capacity of 3,500 to 5,000 pounds.
The Grand Highlander offers three powertrains: a standard 265-horsepower 2.4-liter turbo engine, a 245-horsepower combined 2.5-liter hybrid, and a 362-horsepower combined Hybrid MAX 2.4-liter turbo. The Grand can also tow up to 5,000 pounds. In exchange for this power, it gets slightly lower gas mileage at 24 mpg combined with FWD and 23 mpg combined with AWD. Grand hybrids get up to 34 mpg combined.
Seating Configuration and Interior Layout
The seating setup differs between models, affecting both comfort and how you’ll use these SUVs. All Highlander models come with three rows and seat at least seven people, with eight-passenger seating only available on the base LE. Most other Highlander versions only come with captain’s chairs in the second row, making it more comfortable and easier to reach the back. However, with only 28 inches of legroom available, the Highlander’s third row works best for kids — not full-sized adults.
The Grand Highlander features a similar seating arrangement, but with a generous 33.5 inches of legroom in the third row. The eight-passenger setup comes with 60/40-split folding bench seats in the second row, while the seven-passenger version features two captain’s chairs with dedicated armrests.
Technology and Infotainment Features
The tech packages vary between these two, with the Grand Highlander typically featuring more advanced tech as standard. The Highlander starts with an 8-inch touch screen, though upgrading to the dual 12.3-inch displays in the Limited and higher trims makes a big difference in how easy everything is to use. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard across all Highlander models.
The Grand Highlander features a large 12.3-inch multimedia touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, an available 11-speaker JBL system makes those boring drives a lot more fun. For keeping devices charged, both models include USB-C ports throughout the cabin and a wireless charging pad on certain trims.
Safety Features and Ratings
Both Toyota models put safety first, but they offer different standard equipment. The Highlander has earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It comes with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system to make driving on busy Texas highways less stressful.
The Grand Highlander also features five-star NHTSA ratings and comes with Toyota’s newest 3.0 Safety Sense package, which adds Proactive Driving Assist. You also get a digital rearview mirror with HomeLink and a 360-degree camera system that helps you park this large SUV in Prosper’s crowded shopping centers and school parking lots.
Trim Levels and Pricing Structure
Offering 10 trims — four gas models and six electrified versions — the Grand Highlander’s prices range from $40,860 for the base LE to $58,775 for the top-tier Hybrid Max Platinum. On the other hand, the 2025 Toyota Highlander begins at $40,320 for the LE and goes up to $54,475 for the Hybrid Platinum.
Which Toyota SUV Should You Choose?
Choose the more compact Highlander if you have a small family and are looking to save on gas and park easily. It works perfectly if you rarely use the third row or mainly seat kids there.
But if you have a larger family, the Grand Highlander’s comfortable third-row seating and large cargo area are hard to ignore. Relatively similar in price, you’ll need to decide whether you prioritize the Highlander’s fuel efficiency or the Grand Highlander’s size and roominess.
Find Your Perfect Toyota SUV at Longo Toyota of Prosper
Choosing between the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander means weighing fuel efficiency and maneuverability against maximum space and comfort. Both offer Toyota’s reliability and safety technology, but serve different family needs.
Visit Longo Toyota of Prosper to test-drive both models and find your perfect match. Our team understands Prosper families’ needs and can help determine which SUV delivers the best value for your driving habits. Whether handling school runs or weekend adventures, we’ll guide your decision.
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