What Makes the Grand Highlander Grander Than the Highlander?

Apr 12, 2024

A grey 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid MAX towing jet skis past a body of water.

If you’re looking for a Toyota Highlander for sale, then you’ve come to the right place. Here at Westchester Toyota, we have a wide selection of Toyota Highlanders and Toyota Grand Highlanders at your disposal. However, how do you go about knowing which SUV to get? While test-driving can be a huge sway in the tug of war in your family, we’re here to let you in on the big secret between these two models. The main differences between the Highlander and the Grand Highlander are their capabilities, features, spaciousness, and design. The Grand Highlander offers more room and bonus interior comforts, making it an excellent upgrade for any Toyota fan.

Comparing Design

Both SUVs, and it may not come as a surprise, have very familiar profiles. They could even pass for twins. However, the main difference that you’ll find is the overall size itself, with the Grand Highlander being 6.5 inches longer and 2.3 inches wider. You’ll also find that the Grand Highlander is about two inches taller than the Highlander. Other than that, they are very similar in design, though minor details like color options, grille styles, light shapes, and wheel choices can make these vehicles unique in their own way. However, you’d definitely be able to pick out these two as relatives in a room full of Toyotas.

Comparing Capabilities

If you are choosing to check out three-row SUVs, you are likely looking for a few capabilities to meet the needs of you and your family—things like space to fit everyone, a cargo hold to carry everything with you, and towing capacity that will allow for fun getaways. When it comes to the 2024 Highlander and Grand Highlander, these vehicles have the same towing capacities. With their standard engines (and the Grand Highlander’s optional i-FORCE MAX engine), you’ll find some impressive muscle that provides 5,000 lbs of hauling capability. However, there are slight sacrifices when you choose to go greener with a hybrid. On both vehicles, when using the optional hybrid powertrain, you’ll find the towing capacity is reduced to 3,500 lbs, which (don’t get us wrong) is still quite a win. These capabilities allow both the Highlander and Grand Highlander to handle light-weight and (some) mid-weight towing.

The cargo space is one of the most important things to figure out between these two related SUVs. Of course, the Grand Highlander, being (well) grand, has a bit more space to offer than its smaller sibling. With all three rows up and available for passengers, the cargo hold is 20.6 cu.ft., which is enough space to fit simple items like luggage, groceries, some small sports gear, the kid’s science project, etc. However, when the third-row seats are folded, you open that space to 57.9 cu.ft., and folding the second-row seats offers a maximum cargo space of 97.5 cu. ft. Now, the Highlander also packs plenty of adequate space, although it is slightly less. Normally, the cargo hold will offer 16 cu.ft., while folding the third row will provide 48.4 cu.ft. With both rear rows folded, you will have a max of 84.3 cu.ft. of space. Both vehicles are able to provide exceptional room and a versatile interior to handle all of your family’s needs.

Comparing Power and Efficiency

The 2024 Toyota Highlander and the 2024 Grand Highlander have a lot in common. If you’re looking at what makes them so similar, then you’ll notice the standard 2.4L turbocharged I-4 engine with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque to make the drive exciting and fun. This engine can be swapped out for a 2.5L hybrid powertrain that provides 243 hp in the Highlander and 245 hp in the Grand Highlander. However, the Grand Highlander also has a third powertrain option that is not available on the Highlander: the 2.4L turbocharged i-FORCE MAX hybrid. This engine provides higher performance with 362 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque for smooth handling and exceptional acceleration. These high-performing SUVs are able to keep up with more aerodynamic vehicles despite being three-row models with a bulkier build.

If you’re looking for similarities between these two 2024 SUV models, you’re in luck because they have familiar fuel efficiency to take you farther than some previous models. The 2024 Highlander, with its standard engine, gets an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined in its front-wheel drive configuration. That’s 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. When switching to all-wheel drive, you’ll get an estimated 24 MPG combined, or 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. You will find that the hybrid option can offer better fuel efficiency at 36 MPG combined with front-wheel drive or 35 MPG combined with all-wheel drive.

The 2024 Grand Highlander is slightly less efficient, with an estimated 24 MPG combined (21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway), which makes sense given its larger size. Its all-wheel drive option for the standard engine brings this down to 23 MPG combined. When looking at its 2.5L hybrid engine, the front-wheel drive configuration offers 36 MPG combined, 37 MPG in the city, and 34 MPG on the highway. The all-wheel drive variant offers 34 MPG combined. Finally, the i-FORCE MAX engine is only available with all-wheel drive and provides an estimated 27 MPG combined, with 26 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. Overall, both models are fairly comparable, with the smaller Highlander offering a bit more efficiency.

Comparing Features

The main thing you’ll notice when you hop into these vehicles are the large 12.3-inch touchscreen displays that are in charge of your connectivity. However, keep in mind that the 12.3-inch display is only available on certain trims when looking at the 2024 Highlander, which comes standard with a smaller eight-inch display. The Grand Highlander comes standard with this feature, as well as a wireless charging pad.

Of course, the two models also have similar safety features that assist you when you’re on the road, like Pedestrian Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, and more that will make you feel more confident on and off the road. Or, keep things spacious and outdoorsy with the available panoramic sunroofs that can be found on both models. This is a fun feature that can change the mood of your day with ease.

These vehicles, the 2024 Highlander and 2024 Grand Highlander, are very comparable. They are versatile, functional, and fun. With so many features and capabilities, these three-row SUVs provide convenience, comfort, and value to your drive. However, the Grand Highlander comes standard with a bit more as befits its higher price tag.

The Highlander vs Grand Highlander

It is no secret that the Highlander and Grand Highlander are closely related—it’s right there in the name, after all. The main difference lies in their size, with the Grand Highlander offering extra cabin room and cargo space. Otherwise, they are very similar in terms of performance, power, and capabilities. When it comes to discovering which vehicle is right for you, the answer is that it depends. If you need extra space for passengers and cargo, then you’ll want to go with the Grand Highlander; if you don’t, then you’ll be fine with going home with the Highlander. Ready to get on the road? We’re waiting to help you today!