The battle between the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander has become a hot topic for anyone in the market for a midsize SUV. With both models offering impressive features, ample space, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability, it’s not always easy to decide which one is right for you. Do you prefer a more compact and agile SUV, or does the larger Grand Highlander appeal to your family’s growing needs? Let’s dive in and compare the Toyota Highlander vs Grand Highlander to help you make an informed decision.
Introduction
If you’re looking for a family-friendly SUV, both the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander stand out as strong contenders. Whether you’re planning a long road trip or need a reliable vehicle for daily commutes, both vehicles offer incredible versatility. However, they come with some important differences that can make one more suitable for your needs than the other. In this article, we’ll compare the Toyota Highlander vs Grand Highlander across several key areas to help you choose the right SUV for your family.
Toyota Highlander Overview
The Toyota Highlander has been a popular choice for families for many years. Known for its smooth ride, reliable performance, and spacious interior, the Highlander continues to win over drivers who need a practical and safe vehicle for everyday use. With options for both hybrid and gas-powered engines, it offers impressive fuel efficiency along with powerful capabilities.
Engine Options and Powertrain
The Toyota Highlander comes with a few different engine options, including a hybrid powertrain for those who prioritize fuel economy. The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine offers ample horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It provides a balanced driving experience that combines comfort with capability.
Technology and Features
In terms of tech, the Toyota Highlander is equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system. Features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration come standard. The interior also offers plenty of charging ports and available Wi-Fi connectivity, keeping everyone in the vehicle connected.
Grand Highlander: What’s New?
The Grand Highlander takes everything that is great about the Toyota Highlander and adds more space, power, and advanced features. This newer variant is designed for larger families who need more room without sacrificing performance or comfort.
Engine Options and Performance
One of the most notable upgrades in the Grand Highlander is the option for a more powerful engine. Alongside the traditional V6 and hybrid powertrains, there’s a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that offers enhanced towing capacity and more dynamic performance. If you need extra muscle for hauling, the Grand Highlander is ready to deliver.
Interior and Features
Inside, the Grand Highlander steps up the game with additional seating configurations and luxury features. It’s perfect for families that require more space, whether it’s for growing kids or extra gear. Advanced tech options such as a larger touchscreen, wireless charging, and a more intuitive infotainment system are also available.
Exterior Design: Aesthetic Appeal
When comparing the Toyota Highlander vs Grand Highlander in terms of exterior design, the key difference is the size. While the Highlander has a sleek and streamlined appearance, the Grand Highlander is larger, with a more imposing stance.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander has a sophisticated look, with a bold front grille, sharp headlights, and a refined body shape. It’s designed to be practical but stylish enough to stand out in a crowded SUV market.
Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander, as its name suggests, is bigger. It has a more muscular presence with wider dimensions, which adds to its imposing look. While both vehicles are visually appealing, the Grand Highlander gives off a more luxurious and premium feel.
Interior Space and Comfort
If comfort is a top priority for you, both the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander excel in this area, but there are significant differences in space.
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander offers seating for up to eight passengers in a three-row configuration. While it is spacious, it’s a more compact option compared to the Grand Highlander, which might feel a bit cramped for larger families on long trips.
Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander boasts a more spacious cabin, offering more legroom and headroom in both the front and second rows. Its third-row seating is more accessible and comfortable, making it a better choice for families who need more space for adults or teenagers.
Performance: Engine Power and Driving Experience
Both vehicles offer excellent driving dynamics, but they do so in slightly different ways.
Toyota Highlander
The standard V6 engine provides solid performance for most driving situations. It’s not the fastest vehicle on the road, but it strikes a nice balance between comfort and power. The hybrid option also delivers impressive fuel economy without sacrificing much in terms of driving experience.
Grand Highlander
With the Grand Highlander, you get more options for performance. The turbocharged engine provides more torque, making it better suited for heavy loads and challenging terrains. Additionally, the Grand Highlander’s advanced suspension system offers a smoother ride, particularly on longer journeys.
Technology Features: Keeping You Connected
When it comes to staying connected on the road, both the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander offer great tech, but the Grand Highlander does take it up a notch.
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander comes equipped with a responsive touchscreen, smartphone integration, and a suite of driver-assistance features. It includes the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which provides key safety features such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more.
Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander includes all the tech features of the standard Highlander but adds an upgraded infotainment system with larger screens, additional charging ports, and wireless connections. It also has enhanced driver-assistance technologies for an even safer ride.
Safety Features: Peace of Mind for Families
Both the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander prioritize safety, but the Grand Highlander offers a few more advanced features.
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard on the Highlander and includes features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, and blind-spot monitoring. These features help ensure that your family is safe during every drive.
Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander builds upon this by offering more sensors and cameras for an even more comprehensive view of your surroundings. Features like front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and automatic high beams add extra layers of safety.
Fuel Efficiency: Saving at the Pump
Fuel economy is an important factor for many families, and both the Highlander and Grand Highlander offer solid options.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander offers an estimated 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with the standard V6 engine. The hybrid variant is even more fuel-efficient, with an estimated 36 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander’s fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine choice. The hybrid variant also boasts impressive fuel economy, while the turbocharged engine offers slightly lower mileage due to its increased performance capabilities.
Pricing: What’s the Cost Difference?
Pricing is always a crucial consideration when choosing a vehicle, and the Grand Highlander does come with a higher price tag.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander starts at around $37,000 for the base model and can go up to around $50,000 for the fully loaded version.
Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander’s starting price is around $43,000, with fully-loaded versions climbing to $55,000 or more.
Cargo Space: Which SUV Fits Your Lifestyle?
Space for luggage, groceries, or gear is important, especially for families that love to travel.
Toyota Highlander
With 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, the Toyota Highlander is suitable for everyday use, but it may not be enough for larger families with lots of luggage.
Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander offers more than 20 cubic feet of space behind its third row, providing significantly more room for your belongings.
Seating and Passenger Comfort
The Grand Highlander’s larger size allows it to provide more comfortable seating for passengers, especially in the third row.
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander offers comfortable seating for adults in the first and second rows. The third row can be a bit cramped for taller individuals, but it’s still suitable for children or shorter trips.
Grand Highlander
In contrast, the Grand Highlander’s third row is much more spacious, offering ample legroom for adult passengers. This makes it a better choice for larger families or those who frequently transport multiple passengers.
Driving Dynamics: Handling and Ride Quality
The driving experience in both SUVs is smooth, but they each handle differently due to their size and powertrains.
Toyota Highlander
The Highlander has an easy-to-handle, car-like ride that’s perfect for those who want a comfortable and quiet drive. It’s nimble enough for city driving but can still handle highways and long trips.
Grand Highlander
With its larger frame, the Grand Highlander offers a more commanding ride. It feels more stable at higher speeds and on rougher roads, thanks to its more powerful engines and improved suspension.
Which One Should You Choose?
When choosing between the Toyota Highlander vs Grand Highlander, the decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs. If you want a reliable, efficient, and affordable midsize SUV, the Toyota Highlander is a great option. On the other hand, if you need more space, power, and advanced features, the Grand Highlander might be a better choice for your family.
Conclusion
Both the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander offer outstanding value, but the Grand Highlander’s larger size, enhanced features, and performance options make it an ideal choice for larger families or those needing more power. If you’re in the market for a family-friendly SUV, you can’t go wrong with either vehicle, but understanding the key differences can help you make a more informed decision.
FAQs
1. What’s the main difference between the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander?
The main difference is size, with the Grand Highlander offering more interior space, a more powerful engine option, and additional luxury features.
2. Is the Grand Highlander worth the extra cost?
If you need more room, power, and advanced features, the Grand Highlander justifies its higher price. However, if you’re okay with a smaller, more fuel-efficient SUV, the Highlander is a great value.
3. Does the Toyota Highlander come with a hybrid option?
Yes, the Toyota Highlander offers a hybrid model that provides better fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.
4. How does the driving experience compare between the Highlander and Grand Highlander?
The Grand Highlander offers a more stable ride, especially at higher speeds and with heavier loads. The standard Highlander is more nimble and easy to maneuver.
5. Which one is better for larger families?
The Grand Highlander is better for larger families due to its more spacious third-row seating and additional cargo space.
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