Are you torn between the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander at Motor Inn of Spirit Lake? Both three-row SUVs are stylish and packed with safety features. However, the 2024 Highlander is different from the 2024 Grand Highlander in key ways, such as its smaller size, peppier performance, and cheaper price. Here is a list of their biggest differences.
The Grand Highlander lives up to its name by being larger than the Highlander SUV. When comparing body dimensions, the Grand Highlander is:
The larger size of the Grand Highlander gives the SUV an additional 150 pounds to its curb weight. Yet, it shares the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with the smaller Highlander SUV. Consequently, the gas-powered Grand Highlander averages slightly lower fuel economy than the smaller Highlander — 1 mpg less on city, highway, and combined EPA estimates.[1]
This extra weight also diminishes the Grand Highlander’s acceleration rate, as its extra weight requires more time to reach highway speeds. Both SUVs offer an alternate hybrid powertrain, and the Grand Highlander has a Hybrid MAX that the Highlander does not.
The Grand Highlander also shares the same-sized 13.3-inch brakes as the Highlander. So, you can expect the smaller Highlander to have more rapid stopping potential than the Grand Highlander, which requires some extra time to slow its momentum. Still, both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the best configuration and equipment, including the available all-wheel drive that replaces the standard front-wheel drive.
The Grand Highlander’s larger body translates to a roomier interior. Both three-row SUVs have seating for 7-8 people depending on the use of bench seating or captain’s chairs in the second row. However, the Grand Highlander gives far more space to third-row passengers than the Highlander does: 5.5 more inches (33.5 vs 28 inches)! The Highlander’s third row is really only suitable to elementary-age kids. Larger adolescents and teenagers will need the bigger third row in the Grand Highlander.
The Grand Highlander also gives an added inch of shoulder-room and headroom to passengers in the second and third rows. The front rows are comparable between the two vehicles, so you won’t notice a major difference from the driver’s seat.
If you are using every seat, you can still stash cargo behind the third row of the Grand Highlander, which has around 4.5 more cubic feet of space than the Highlander does in the back (20.6 vs. 16 cubic feet. If you want to max out storage space, the Grand Highlander holds 97.5 cubic feet of cargo behind the first row, while the Highlander only has 84.3 cubic feet.
The 2024 Highlander and Grand Highlander are organized into somewhat similar trim level lineups with configurations like the XLE and Platinum. However, the Grand Highlander starts at a higher base trim level: the XLE, which costs around $5,000 more than the MSRP of the base-level Highlander LE trim.[2]
When fully equipped, the top-of-the-line Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Limited AWD model costs about as much as a Highlander Hybrid Platinum AWD model.
The infotainment and safety features included among the trim levels are similar, although the base-level Highlander LE lacks some features that come standard on every Grand Highlander. For example, the cheapest Highlander only comes with an 8-inch touch screen, so you’ll have to pay for a higher trim to get the 12.3-inch screen that comes on every Grand Highlander.
Which Toyota SUV sounds like a better fit for you? Whether you prefer the 2024 Highlander or 2024 Grand Highlander, both SUVs are for sale in Dickinson County, Iowa, at Motor Inn of Spirit Lake.
[1] 2024 Grand Highlander XLE FWD 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway/24 mpg combined. 2024 Highlander LE FWD 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined. 2024 projected EPA-estimated mpg rating estimates as determined by manufacturer. EPA estimates not available at time of posting. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
[2] Base MSRP excludes manufacturer, distributor and dealer options, taxes, title and license and dealer fees and charges. Also excludes the Delivery, Processing and Handling of $1,095 for Cars (Corolla, Corolla HV, Corolla HB, GR Corolla, Camry, Camry HV, Prius, Prius Prime, Toyota Crown, Mirai, GR86, GR Supra), $1,350 for Entry SUV/Small SUV (Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross HV, RAV4, RAV4 HV, RAV4 Prime, bZ4X), $1,395 for Mid SUV/Van (4Runner, Venza, Highlander, Highlander HV, Grand Highlander, Grand Highlander HV, Sienna), $1,495 for Small Pickup (Tacoma), $1,850 for Large Pickup/Large SUV (Tundra, Tundra HV, Sequoia). (Historically, vehicle manufacturers and distributors have charged a separate fee for processing, handling and delivering vehicles to dealerships. Toyota's charge for these services is called the "Delivery, Processing and Handling" and is based on the value of the processing, handling and delivery services Toyota provides as well as Toyota's overall pricing structure and may be subject to change at any time. Toyota may make a profit on the Delivery, Processing and Handling.) The Delivery, Processing and Handling in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC and TX may vary. The published prices do not apply to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Dealer price will vary.