Toyota Highlander vs Grand Highlander – Which One is Best?

The Toyota Highlander has long been regarded as one of America's favorite family SUVs. But when Toyota announced the Grand Highlander, buyers didn't just have a new option to buy; they had a new choice -- a bigger choice. At first glance, they look remarkably similar, but you see and feel there are different offerings once you hop in and experience each of them. By making some key adjustments to the 2025 lineups, the vehicle choice is now a more difficult one for families seeking comfort, fuel economy, price, and ample space. This article dissects the significant differences so you can determine which SUV is the best match for your lifestyle.

Toyota Highlander vs. Grand Highlander Size and Space

The major difference between the two SUVs is size. The Grand Highlander is extended in length to give families more breathing room. 

• The Grand Highlander is approximately 6.5 inches longer than the Highlander. 
• In the Grand Highlander, there are 33.5 inches of legroom in the third row. The Highlander offers 28 inches. 
• Cargo space is bigger in the Grand Highlander, with 20.6 cu ft behind the third row compared to the Highlander’s 16 cu ft. 
• If you fold the second row down, the Grand opens up close to 58 cu ft of space, more than enough for a road trip. 

If you are doing regular driving in the city, the Highlander is easier to park. But in the situation where your weekends are filled with luggage, camping gear, or long family drives, the Grand Highlander gives you the comfort edge.

Engine Power and Hybrid Variants in Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander

Toyota provides both SUVs with flexible engine options, though the Grand Highlander has an engine configuration that only it provides.

Highlander engines:

• 2.4L turbo four-cylinder with 265 hp
• 2.5L hybrid system with roughly 245 hp

Grand Highlander engines:

• Shares the same 2.4L turbo and 2.5L hybrid
• Hybrid Max option, with 362 hp -- much faster, impressive highway passing power, and higher towing capacity.

If your focus is daily commuting and mpg, the Highlanders hybrid will work just fine. But if you'd like a little more performance for your road trips, towing, or simply for the sake of driving fun-- the Grand Highlander's Hybrid Max is worth the performance upgrade.

Technology and Safety Features in Grand Highlander vs Highlander

Technology is an important component of family SUVs and this is where the Grand Highlander shows more luxury.

Highlander Technology:

• 8-inch display on base trim, 12.3-inch optional
• Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ driver assist package
• Fewer USB ports than Grand

Grand Highlander Technology:

• Standard 12.3 inch touchscreen across all trims
• More USB-C ports, including for third row passengers
• Wireless charging and upgraded JBL sound system on higher trims
• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with proactive driving assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard

Families interested in technology, entertainment, and the latest in safety features will love the Grand Highlander’s extras.

Difference in Price Between Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander

Price is arguably the largest differentiator for buyers.

• 2025 Highlander Pricing: Starts around $38,000
• 2025 Grand Highlander Pricing: Starts around $41,000
• Some of the Grand Highlanders higher trims like Platinum or Hybrid Max are closer to $55,000+
• The Highlander tops out closer to $49,000

All in all, if you’re price-sensitive, the Highlander provides you with most of what you need at a lower price point. But for everything the Grand Highlander does to offer increased comfort, performance, and features, the increased price tag makes sense.

Everyday Driving: Highlander for the City, Grand Highlander for the Highway

This is where lifestyle really counts:

Highlander Strengths:

• Easier to maneuver and park in tight downtown areas
• Better fuel economy from a smaller size
• More affordable trims that are laden with Toyota reliability

Grand Highlander Strengths:

• Better on road trips and across different miles
• Adult sized third row means no more squeezing into the back
• Better cargo space for family vacations, sports gear, or grocery delivery

If you do a weekend full of commuting, errands, and tight street parking, the Highlander makes more sense than the Grand Highlander. But if your weekends are for unloading the family for 5 hours of darkened roadway, you will find the Grand Highlander will be a more comfortable option.

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs Highlander Specification Comparison

Conclusion

Ultimately both SUVs are great options—they’re just in different classes. It’s all about what you do and your budget. Highlander is a great option for families looking for a reliable and fuel-efficient SUV that can be friendly when living in the city. The Grand Highlander is the best option for families needing more space with regular travel or additional tech and comfort enhancements. 

Toyota's approach is pretty simple—provide options to consumers without compromises.

Source(Image / Thumbnail): caranddriver.com