6920 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028
Both are top-tier 3-row family SUVs, but they serve different needs. We break down the differences in 3rd-row legroom, cargo capacity, and city maneuverability so you don't overpay for space or end up with a cabin that is too small for your teenagers.
The "Grand" in Grand Highlander isn't just a marketing term; it represents a significant physical expansion. The Grand Highlander is approximately 6.5 inches longer, 2 inches taller, and 2.3 inches wider than the standard Highlander.
In a standard Highlander, utilizing the third row leaves you with 16.0 cubic feet of cargo space—enough for a row of grocery bags or a couple of duffel bags. In the Grand Highlander, you get 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row. That translates to enough space for seven carry-on suitcases without folding down a single seat.
| Feature | Toyota Highlander | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd-Row Legroom | 28.0 inches (Best for kids up to pre-teen) | 33.5 inches (Comfortable for adults) |
| Max Cargo Space | 84.3 cubic feet | 97.5 cubic feet |
| Overall Length | 194.9 inches | 201.4 inches |
| Standard Engine | 2.4L Turbo 4-Cylinder (265 hp) | 2.4L Turbo 4-Cylinder (265 hp) |
| Top Powertrain | Hybrid (243 net hp) | Hybrid MAX (362 net hp) |
Bigger isn't always better when navigating Southern California. Here is how these two SUVs handle real-world driving conditions in LA.
The standard Highlander shines in tight urban environments. If you frequently navigate compact parking garages in Downtown LA or parallel park on busy Hollywood streets, the Highlander's slightly shorter wheelbase and tighter turning radius make a noticeable difference in daily stress levels.
The Grand Highlander dominates the heavy carpool duty. With its available Hybrid MAX powertrain, getting onto the 405 with a fully loaded cabin is effortless. Furthermore, the Grand Highlander's suspension is tuned to absorb the bumps of older freeways slightly better due to its longer wheelbase, providing a marginally smoother ride for rear passengers.
Many buyers assume that because an SUV has three rows, it can easily handle a growing family. However, the configuration of your child safety seats will dictate which vehicle you actually need.
If you have rear-facing infant seats installed in the second row (especially captain's chairs), they take up significant horizontal space. In the standard Highlander, an adult trying to access the third row will have to squeeze past the car seats, which can be difficult. The Grand Highlander's wider door openings and superior second-row track travel make getting into the third row much easier, even with car seats installed.
The only way to truly know which SUV is right for your family is to park them side-by-side. Bring your family and your gear down to Toyota of Hollywood. Let's see which third row feels best.
They are surprisingly similar. The standard gas-powered Highlander and Grand Highlander both offer comparable EPA-estimated MPG since they share the same 2.4L turbo engine. The Hybrid models are also highly efficient, with the Highlander Hybrid achieving slightly better MPG due to its lighter curb weight.
No. The Grand Highlander is built on a slightly modified platform and features completely distinct, boxier exterior styling. The interior dashboard, center console, and seating arrangements have also been redesigned specifically for the Grand Highlander to maximize space and storage.
Both the gas-powered Highlander and Grand Highlander max out at a 5,000-lb towing capacity when properly equipped. However, the Grand Highlander offers the Hybrid MAX powertrain, which produces 400 lb-ft of torque, making uphill towing feel much easier than the standard engine.
Yes. Both the Highlander and Grand Highlander offer configurations with second-row captain's chairs (seating for 7) or a second-row bench seat (seating for 8). Keep in mind that captain's chairs are standard on higher trim levels for both models.
Yes. With 33.5 inches of third-row legroom, a 6-foot-tall adult can sit in the back of the Grand Highlander without their knees touching the second-row seats. This is a massive improvement over the standard Highlander, where the third row is best reserved for passengers under 5'5".
