Choosing the right SUV for your family involves considering various factors, from size and space to technology and safety features. Two popular contenders in the Toyota lineup are the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota Grand Highlander. While both offer Toyota’s renowned reliability and family-friendly features, they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. This detailed comparison dives into the key differences between the Toyota Highlander Vs Grand Highlander, focusing on interior space, trim levels, safety features, and technology to help you make an informed decision.
Interior Dimensions: Highlander vs Grand Highlander
Both the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander are three-row SUVs designed to comfortably accommodate passengers. While the standard Highlander is spacious, the Grand Highlander lives up to its name by offering even more room, especially in the cargo area.
The Grand Highlander boasts a larger cargo capacity, providing 97.5 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are folded down. The Highlander, while still generous, offers 84.3 cubic feet. This extra cargo room in the Grand Highlander can be a significant advantage for larger families or those who frequently haul gear.
Let’s delve into the specific interior dimensions to see how these SUVs compare in terms of passenger space:
Toyota Highlander Interior Dimensions
- Headroom (Front/Middle/Rear): 41.2/39.4/36.1 inches
- Legroom (Front/Middle/Rear): 42.0/38.7/28.0 inches
- Shoulder Room (Front/Middle/Rear): 59.0/58.7/55.0 inches
- Hip Room (Front/Middle/Rear): 57.2/57.0/45.6 inches
Toyota Grand Highlander Interior Dimensions
- Headroom (Front/Middle/Rear): 41.5/40.2/37.2 inches
- Legroom (Front/Middle/Rear): 41.7/39.5/33.5 inches
- Shoulder Room (Front/Middle/Rear): 60.2/58.8/57.5 inches
- Hip Room (Front/Middle/Rear): 56.5/57.0/45.7 inches
As you can see, the Grand Highlander generally offers slightly more headroom and significantly more legroom in the third row, making it more comfortable for adult passengers in all three rows. The Grand Highlander also provides more shoulder room in the front and rear, contributing to a more spacious feel.
Trim Levels and Options
The trim levels available for the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander also differ, offering varying degrees of features and customization.
The Toyota Highlander offers a broader range of 5 trim levels:
- LE
- XLE
- XSE
- Limited
- Platinum
For those seeking a hybrid three-row SUV, the Highlander provides an extensive selection with 6 hybrid versions across its trim levels.
In contrast, the Toyota Grand Highlander presents 3 well-equipped trim levels:
- LXE
- Limited
- Platinum
While the Grand Highlander has fewer trim options, it focuses on higher-end configurations with more standard features. The Grand Highlander also offers 4 hybrid options, ensuring fuel efficiency is still a priority in this larger SUV.
Safety Features and Technology
Toyota is known for its commitment to safety, and both the Highlander and Grand Highlander are equipped with advanced safety technologies. Both SUVs come standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ suites, but they feature different versions.
The Toyota Highlander is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, while the Grand Highlander steps up to Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0. Both suites include a comprehensive set of safety and driver-assistance features, such as:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
The key difference in safety features lies in the Grand Highlander’s inclusion of Proactive Driving Assist within Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0. This feature provides gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between your vehicle and a preceding vehicle, or a pedestrian or bicyclist.
In terms of technology, both SUVs offer premium features to enhance connectivity and entertainment. The Toyota Highlander offers an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with an available upgrade to a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Toyota Grand Highlander, however, comes standard with the larger 12.3-inch touchscreen across all trims.
Both the Highlander and Grand Highlander offer wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, allowing seamless smartphone integration. Standard audio systems in both SUVs include six speakers, but both can be upgraded to a premium 11-speaker JBL® audio system for a more immersive sound experience.
Which Toyota SUV is Right for You?
Choosing between the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if:
- You need a versatile three-row SUV with a good balance of size and maneuverability.
- You prefer a wider range of trim levels and hybrid options.
- You prioritize value and are looking for a slightly more affordable option.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if:
- You require maximum interior space, especially in the third row and cargo area.
- You prefer higher-end trim levels with more standard features.
- You value the latest safety technology like Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 with Proactive Driving Assist.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to experience both SUVs firsthand. Visit DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring to compare the Grand Highlander and Highlander in person and determine which Toyota SUV perfectly fits your lifestyle. Explore our new Grand Highlander and Highlander inventory for sale in Silver Spring, MD today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key dimensional differences between the Grand Highlander and Highlander?
The Grand Highlander is longer and wider than the Highlander. The Grand Highlander measures 201.4 inches in length, while the Highlander ranges from 194.9 to 197.4 inches. In terms of width, the Highlander is 76.0 inches wide, compared to the Grand Highlander’s 78.3 inches.
What is the top-of-the-line trim level for the Toyota Highlander?
The highest trim level for the Toyota Highlander is the Platinum trim, offering the most luxurious features and amenities.
Does the Grand Highlander offer 8-passenger seating?
Yes, both the Toyota Grand Highlander and Toyota Highlander can be configured to seat up to 8 passengers, making them excellent choices for large families.
