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Whats the difference between a regular Highlander and a Grand Highlander?


The Toyota Highlander has long been a favorite among families and SUV enthusiasts for its reliability, comfort, and versatility. Recently, Toyota introduced the Grand Highlander, a larger and more spacious version of the beloved Highlander. But what exactly sets these two models apart? Let’s dive into the key differences to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your needs.


1. Size and Dimensions


The most noticeable difference between the Highlander and the Grand Highlander is their size. The Grand Highlander is larger, offering more interior space for passengers and cargo. This makes it an excellent choice for families who need extra room for long road trips or daily commutes with multiple passengers.



  • Highlander: Designed as a midsize SUV, it offers a comfortable ride for up to 7 or 8 passengers, depending on the configuration.

  • Grand Highlander: Falls into the larger SUV category, with increased legroom and cargo capacity, especially in the third row and trunk area.


2. Performance and Engine Options


Both models come with a variety of engine options, but the Grand Highlander often includes more powerful configurations to handle its larger size and weight.



  • Highlander: Typically equipped with a 2.4L turbocharged engine or a hybrid option, offering a balance of power and fuel efficiency.

  • Grand Highlander: Offers similar engine options but may include enhanced performance features to cater to those who need more towing capacity or a stronger driving experience.


3. Interior Features and Comfort


While both SUVs are designed with comfort in mind, the Grand Highlander takes it a step further with additional luxury features and more spacious seating arrangements.



  • Highlander: Comes with a well-appointed interior, featuring modern tech like a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

  • Grand Highlander: Includes all the features of the Highlander but adds premium touches such as upgraded materials, advanced driver-assistance systems, and more customizable seating options.


4. Price Point


As expected, the Grand Highlander comes with a higher price tag due to its larger size and additional features. However, for those who prioritize space and luxury, the extra cost may be well worth it.



  • Highlander: More affordable, making it a great option for families on a budget.

  • Grand Highlander: Higher starting price, reflecting its enhanced size and features.


5. Target Audience


Ultimately, the choice between the Highlander and the Grand Highlander comes down to your specific needs and preferences.



  • Highlander: Ideal for smaller families or individuals who want a reliable, fuel-efficient SUV with ample space.

  • Grand Highlander: Perfect for larger families or those who frequently travel with a full load of passengers and cargo.


Conclusion


Both the Toyota Highlander and the Grand Highlander are excellent SUVs, each catering to different needs. If you value affordability and a slightly smaller footprint, the Highlander is a fantastic choice. On the other hand, if you need more space, power, and luxury, the Grand Highlander is worth considering. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help you maintain and repair your vehicle, whether it’s a Highlander, Grand Highlander, or any other model. Feel free to reach out to us for expert advice and service!


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Grand Highlander and a regular Highlander?


What are the differences in dimensions for the Grand Highlander and Highlander? The Grand Highlander has a length of 201.4 inches compared to 194.9-197.4 inches for the Highlander. Also, the Highlander has a width of 76.0 inches vs 78.3 inches for the Grand Highlander.



How many miles per gallon does a Toyota Grand Highlander get?


Toyota Grand Highlander Limited (FWD) MPG: 21/28/24 (city/highway/combined)



Why is Toyota not selling the Grand Highlander?


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.



How big is the third-row of the Grand Highlander?


Third-row Headroom – 37.2 inches. Third-row Hip Room – 45.7 inches. Third-row Legroom – 33.5 inches. Third-row Shoulder Room – 57.5 inches.



How much bigger will Grand Highlander be?


For starters, the 2024 Grand Highlander is 6.5 inches longer, 2.0 inches taller, and 2.3 inches wider than the 2023 Highlander. This translates to a more spacious and luxurious driving experience around Beachwood.



What is the class action lawsuit against the Toyota Grand Highlander?


Who: Samuel J. and Belinda A. Prince filed a class action lawsuit against Toyota Motor Sales, USA. Why: The Princes claim Toyota fails to disclose that the fuel tanks in its 2020-2021 Toyota Highlander vehicles are defective.



How much is the Grand Highlander going to cost?


2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Pricing
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander has a starting sticker price of $42,310, with the range-topping Grand Highlander Platinum kicking off at $55,495. But Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Pricing currently suggests paying $974 to $1,177 less than MSRP, depending on trim and equipment.



What is the most luxurious Highlander?


Platinum
The Platinum sits at the top of the series of trim levels for a Toyota Highlander, where you get maximum comfort and advanced features including: LED projector headlights with Adaptive Front-Lighting System.



What's special about Grand Highlander?


Highs Spacious, well-appointed interior, comfortable ride, large cargo capacity. Lows Grainy engine note, not much else. Verdict The Toyota Grand Highlander SUV's combination of roomy, comfortable accommodations, excellent cargo space, reasonable fuel efficiency, and good value is what made it a 10Best winner.



Why are there no Toyota Grand Highlanders for sale?


Some 111,000 2024 Grand Highlander and Grand Highlander Hybrid produced between June 2023 and June 2024 were recalled. The issue was detected, and Toyota implemented a fix. A Reddit commentor dgbrown said, It's no longer on stop sale. Production resumes on October 21.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.