When you’re in the market for an SUV, Toyota has long been a popular choice. Among the most well-known models are the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota Grand Highlander. But what’s the real difference between these two vehicles? Should you opt for the more compact Highlander, or is the larger Grand Highlander the better fit for you and your family?
This article will break down the Grand Highlander vs Highlander, examining their features, design, performance, and more, to help you make an informed decision. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which SUV suits your needs best.
Introduction: The Toyota SUV Lineup
Toyota has a rich history of producing SUVs that cater to a wide variety of drivers. Whether you want a vehicle that’s family-friendly, fuel-efficient, or packed with technology, Toyota’s lineup has something for everyone. The Highlander and the Grand Highlander are two of the most popular models, but how do they compare?
Both vehicles offer plenty of space, comfort, and advanced features, but there are distinct differences in terms of size, performance, and overall design. By understanding these differences, you’ll be able to choose the right Toyota SUV for your needs.
What is the Toyota Highlander?
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV that has been around for nearly two decades. It’s known for its reliable performance, excellent safety features, and comfortable interior. The Highlander is available with both hybrid and traditional gasoline engine options and offers plenty of cargo space for families and adventures.
Some of its key features include:
- Seating for 8 passengers in the standard configuration
- All-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive options
- A suite of driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.
The Highlander is perfect for those who want a balanced SUV that provides a bit of everything—style, performance, and practicality.
What is the Toyota Grand Highlander?
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a newer, larger, and more premium version of the classic Highlander. While the Grand Highlander shares many of the same qualities as the standard Highlander, it has some added features that make it a more spacious and comfortable choice for families who need more room and power.
Key differences with the Grand Highlander include:
- A more luxurious cabin with upgraded materials
- More legroom in both the front and second-row seats
- Increased towing capacity and engine options
The Grand Highlander is ideal for families who need a larger, more comfortable ride or those who often travel with a lot of gear.
Design Differences: Grand Highlander vs Highlander
When it comes to design, the most obvious difference between the Grand Highlander vs Highlander is the size. The Grand Highlander is notably longer and wider, offering more interior space, especially in the backseat and cargo area.
Here are some of the key design differences:
- Exterior Size: The Grand Highlander is a larger SUV, measuring several inches longer and wider than the Highlander. This makes a noticeable difference when you’re inside the vehicle.
- Interior Space: The Grand Highlander offers more headroom and legroom, especially in the second row. Families with taller passengers or those who need extra space will appreciate this.
- Cargo Capacity: While both models offer generous cargo space, the Grand Highlander’s larger design allows for even more room for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment.
Performance and Engine Options: Which is More Powerful?
When comparing the Grand Highlander vs Highlander in terms of performance, you’ll notice a few differences. Both SUVs offer excellent performance, but the Grand Highlander takes things a step further with more powerful engine options.
- Toyota Highlander: The standard model comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower. It also has a hybrid variant with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with electric motors, offering 243 horsepower.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: The Grand Highlander offers a more robust lineup, with a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 265 horsepower and an optional hybrid powertrain.
While the Highlander’s V6 engine is solid, the Grand Highlander provides an additional option for those who want more power or a smoother, more responsive driving experience.
Interior Space and Comfort
One of the primary selling points of both the Highlander and the Grand Highlander is the interior comfort. But how do they compare?
- Highlander: The Highlander’s interior is spacious for a midsize SUV. It offers room for 7-8 passengers, with the option of captain’s chairs or a bench seat in the second row. Standard features include comfortable cloth seating, with higher trims offering leather upholstery and heated seats.
- Grand Highlander: The Grand Highlander takes comfort to the next level with more high-end materials, a larger cabin, and extra space in the second row. It also offers features like ventilated front seats, upgraded leather upholstery, and heated rear seats on higher trims, making it an excellent choice for long road trips.
If interior comfort and space are your top priorities, the Grand Highlander might be the better option for you.
Technology Features: Grand Highlander vs Highlander
Both the Highlander and the Grand Highlander come equipped with a wealth of modern tech features. These include:
- Touchscreen infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Premium sound systems (available on higher trims)
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- Advanced driver-assistance systems like lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more
The Grand Highlander offers a more advanced version of Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, which includes additional tech like automatic parking assistance and an upgraded multi-camera system for better visibility.
Safety Features and Ratings
Toyota’s commitment to safety is evident in both the Highlander and the Grand Highlander. Both SUVs come with a range of standard safety features, including:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
Both vehicles have earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Fuel Economy: Which One is More Efficient?
Fuel efficiency is always a consideration when choosing an SUV. Here’s how the Highlander vs Grand Highlander stacks up:
- Toyota Highlander: The gasoline-powered version of the Highlander achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The hybrid version offers even better efficiency, with ratings of 36 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: With its larger size and more powerful engine options, the Grand Highlander may not be quite as efficient. The turbocharged engine offers an EPA rating of 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while the hybrid model offers around 29 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
If fuel economy is a top priority, the Highlander Hybrid might be a better option. However, the Grand Highlander Hybrid still offers solid efficiency for a larger SUV.
Towing Capacity Comparison
If towing is a concern, here’s how the two models compare:
- Toyota Highlander: The Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making it a great choice for hauling light trailers, boats, or campers.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: The Grand Highlander offers slightly higher towing capacity, with the ability to tow up to 6,000 pounds, making it a more capable option for those who need to haul heavier loads.
If towing capacity is important for your lifestyle, the Grand Highlander takes the edge.
Price and Value: Which SUV Offers Better Bang for Your Buck?
The price of the Toyota Highlander typically starts at around $35,000 for the base model, while higher trims can cost up to $50,000. The Toyota Grand Highlander, being larger and more luxurious, starts at a higher price point, usually around $45,000 for the base model and can go up to $60,000 for fully loaded versions.
Ultimately, the Highlander provides great value for money, especially if you don’t need all the additional features of the Grand Highlander.
Conclusion: The Final Verdict
So, when it comes to the Grand Highlander vs Highlander, which one should you choose? If you want a smaller, more budget-friendly SUV with solid performance and decent space, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice. But, if you’re looking for more power, extra room, and a more premium experience, the Toyota Grand Highlander is the way to go.
Ultimately, your decision will depend on your needs—whether it’s space, power, or overall value. Either way, you can’t go wrong with a Toyota SUV.
FAQs
1. What is the main difference between the Grand Highlander and the Highlander?
The Grand Highlander is a larger, more luxurious version of the Highlander, offering more space, power, and premium features.
2. Which SUV has better towing capacity, the Grand Highlander or the Highlander?
The Grand Highlander has a higher towing capacity, capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds compared to the Highlander’s 5,000 pounds.
3. Is the Grand Highlander more fuel-efficient than the Highlander?
While the Grand Highlander Hybrid is efficient, the Highlander Hybrid offers slightly better fuel economy.
4. Which one is more affordable, the Grand Highlander or the Highlander?
The Highlander is more affordable, starting at a lower price point than the Grand Highlander.
5. Which Toyota SUV is better for families?
The Grand Highlander is better for larger families due to its increased space, comfort, and premium features.
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