Toyota Highlander vs. Toyota Grand Highlander: A Comparison for Oregonians

 

 

In the rugged and picturesque landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, residents need vehicles that can tackle diverse terrains while providing comfort and versatility for their everyday lives. Toyota’s SUV lineup has long been a favorite in this region, offering a blend of reliability, performance, and technology. With the introduction of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander alongside the established Toyota Highlander, Oregonians now have even more choices to cater to their preferences and needs.

Toyota Highlander vs. Toyota Grand Highlander: Comparison Breakdown

 

 

Exterior Design:

The first thing that catches your eye is the distinct exterior design of these two models. The Grand Highlander stands out with its larger proportions, boasting dimensions that make it stand taller, wider, and longer than the standard Highlander. Its bold, boxier design features sharp angles and a more upright stance, differentiating it from the sleeker and trendier styling of the Highlander.

What are the dimensions of the 2023 Highlander?

The dimensions of the 2023 Highlander are as follows:

Length: 194.9 Inches
Width: 76.0 Inches
Height: 68.1 Inches

 

What are the dimensions of the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander?

The dimensions of the 2023 Grand Highlander are as follows:

Length: 201.4 Inches
Width: 78.3 Inches
Height: 70.1 Inches

 

Interior Comfort and Space:

 

 

Interior comfort is paramount, especially for long drives exploring the Pacific Northwest. The Grand Highlander takes the lead with an additional four inches in wheelbase, which translates to more legroom, headroom, and shoulder space in the third row. Notably, the third-row passengers enjoy a USB-C port, a feature absent in the regular Highlander. The Grand Highlander also offers ventilated captain’s chairs for the second row, enhancing comfort and climate control.

Within the Highlander’s third row, passengers enjoy 36.1 inches of headroom and 28.0 inches of legroom. Comparatively, the Grand Highlander offers even more generous dimensions with 37.2 inches of headroom and 33.5 inches of legroom. Remarkably, the Grand Highlander’s third-row space nearly rivals that of the full-size Toyota Sequoia.

 

 

When it comes to cargo space, the Grand Highlander truly shines. With five extra cubic feet behind the third row and 14 cubic feet more with the rear rows folded, it provides the flexibility needed for Mt. Hood adventures, Fred Meyer or Safeway hauls, and everything in between.

With the third row up, the Grand Highlander offers 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, whereas the Highlander provides 16.0 cubic feet. Moreover, when both the second and third rows are folded down, the Grand Highlander reaches an impressive 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing the Highlander’s 84.3 cubic feet.

 

It can be noted that the Toyota Sienna holds more cargo space than either crossover model. 

Technology and Safety:

 

 

 

Both the Grand Highlander and Highlander models, following Toyota’s trend, are equipped with an array of advanced driver assistance and active safety features through the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite. This includes valuable functionalities like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, front automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beams.

 

However, a closer examination reveals a distinction: the Highlander is fitted with TSS 2.5+, while the Grand Highlander boasts TSS 3.0. This disparity translates to enhanced safety measures in the newer SUV. Notably, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which are optional in the Highlander, come standard in the Grand Highlander. Additionally, the Grand Highlander introduces Toyota’s innovative Proactive Driving Assist, facilitating automated speed control based on the dynamic interplay of traffic and road conditions ahead.

While the Highlander’s interior offers comfort and a well-appointed setup, the Grand Highlander elevates the tech even further. 

 

The Highlander features an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 7.0-inch gauge cluster display as standard. In contrast, higher-tier trims enjoy a more expansive 12.3-inch touchscreen and gauge display. 

 

 

On the other hand, each Grand Highlander boasts a generous 12.3-inch touchscreen across all trims, while the larger digital gauge display is reserved for the upper trim levels.

 

Both models integrate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and with the larger screen, wireless connectivity is seamlessly achieved. In terms of connectivity, the Grand Highlander takes the lead, offering seven USB ports compared to the Highlander’s five. 

 

Notably, the Grand Highlander exclusively features USB ports in the third row. Furthermore, wireless charging, optional in the Highlander, is a standard feature in the Grand Highlander. Both models can be equipped with an optional 11-speaker JBL premium audio system for  enhanced audio.

 

A big difference lies with the Grand Highlander’s unique capability: transforming into a gaming console, a feature that the Highlander lacks. This remarkable addition sets the Grand Highlander apart, offering an entertainment dimension that the Highlander can’t match.

 

Powertrains and Performance:

 

 

The Grand Highlander offers a range of powertrain options to suit various preferences. The standout is the Hybrid Max setup, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four with two electric motors for a combined output of 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. This not only provides ample power but also a maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds, matching that of the regular Highlander.

 

While the Grand Highlander’s powertrain lineup includes the familiar 2.4-liter inline-four and a hybrid setup shared with the standard Highlander, its Hybrid Max option adds a new level of performance, making it an ideal choice for those who need more power for their outdoor pursuits.

 

Highlander Hybrid Powertrain:

At the heart of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a 2.5-liter inline-four engine, harmoniously complemented by two electric motors. This dynamic duo generates a combined output of 243 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system seamlessly pairs with a CVT automatic transmission, providing a smooth and efficient driving experience. The Highlander Hybrid offers the flexibility of front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) as an optional enhancement. Emphasizing efficiency, this powertrain achieves commendable fuel economy, with estimated ratings of 35-36 MPG in the city and 34-35 MPG on the highway. During acceleration testing, the Highlander Hybrid showcased its capabilities with a 0-60 mph time of 8.4 seconds.

 

Grand Highlander’s Hybrid Powertrains:

As Toyota extends its hybrid offerings, the Grand Highlander takes the spotlight with not one, but two distinct hybrid powertrains. The first, akin to the Highlander’s system, features a 2.5-liter hybrid setup paired with an electric motor. This configuration delivers a harmonious blend of power and efficiency, creating an output similar to the Highlander at 243 horsepower. The Grand Highlander’s hybrid variant features AWD as standard.

 

However, what truly ignites excitement is the Grand Highlander’s introduction of the Hybrid Max powertrain, a performance-driven system inspired by the Toyota Crown. This hybrid marvel marries a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four engine with an electric motor, further amplified by a separate electric motor on the rear axle. The outcome is a commanding 362 horsepower and an impressive 400 lb-ft of torque. With such potent power, AWD becomes an integral part of this configuration. While the Grand Highlander’s hybrid fuel efficiency might not match that of its sibling, its acceleration capabilities are sure to turn heads. Toyota estimates a thrilling 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 6.3 seconds.

 

Fuel Efficiency:

 

 

The fuel efficiency of the standard Highlander’s 2.4-liter engine translates to approximately 21-22 MPG in the city and 28-29 MPG on the highway. In comparison, the Grand Highlander achieves around 20-21 MPG in the city and 26-28 MPG on the highway, slightly lower due to the additional weight of the new model—an outcome that aligns with expectations. This pattern also extends to the basic Hybrid models, as the increased weight of the Grand Highlander affects the efficiency of its hybrid system.

 

However, what may catch your attention is the contrast between the top offerings of the Highlander and the Grand Highlander, disregarding their weight differences. In the case of the current Highlander, its Hybrid model attains an EPA-rated combined fuel economy of up to 36 MPG. Upon considering the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX model, the combined average is projected to be around 27 MPG. This shift in efficiency demonstrates an intriguing trade-off: in exchange for gaining an impressive 119 additional horsepower, there is a reduction of approximately nine miles per gallon in fuel economy.

 

Trim Levels And Price:

 

 

 

 

 

While the Grand Highlander often surpasses the Highlander in various aspects, there’s one area where it falls slightly short: the number of available trim levels. The 2024 Grand Highlander lineup starts with the XLE trim, with the option to upgrade to Limited and Platinum trims. 

In contrast, the Highlander offers a broader range, encompassing L, LE, XSE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims.

It’s worth noting that the Grand Highlander’s starting price can’t quite compete with the Highlander L, which begins at approximately $38,000. The Grand Highlander starts at around $44,500 and can climb up to nearly $60,000 for the range-topping Hybrid Max configuration. Despite the higher cost, the Grand Highlander’s advanced features and capabilities could well make up for the price difference.

 

Time To Make The Choice WIth Wilsonville Toyota: Toyota Highlander Or The Toyota Grand Highlander

 

For Oregonians seeking an SUV that perfectly aligns with their active lifestyles, both the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota Grand Highlander have their merits. The Highlander offers a blend of comfort, reliability, and efficiency, making it a practical choice for urban commutes and weekend getaways. On the other hand, the Grand Highlander’s larger size, enhanced third-row comfort, and more powerful engine options make it a compelling choice for those who prioritize space and performance.

 

Whether you’re navigating through Portland’s urban streets or venturing into the wild beauty of Oregon’s countryside, these Toyota SUVs offer a range of features that cater to the unique demands of life in the Pacific Northwest. With the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander in the lineup, Oregonians have two outstanding options to explore the region’s breathtaking landscapes in comfort and style.

 

Schedule a test drive today and see the difference for yourself. You can view all available models here!