Side-By-Side Comparison Of The Toyota Highlander And Grand Highlander
Are you shopping for a three-row SUV with the high-quality Toyota is known for, and are now wondering, "What's the difference between the Toyota Highlander vs. Grand Highlander?" We're glad you asked. These two SUVs are standouts in their fields, with the 2026 Highlander boasting exceptional standard features, such as a power tilt-and-slide moonroof or wireless charging, and the Grand Highlander offering some of the most cargo space (97.5 cubic feet) and third-row legroom (33.5 inches) on the market.
At McGee Toyota of Epping, we make it easy to choose between these two stellar models. Let's go over the highlights digitally before you visit our dealership and make your choice!
Toyota Highlander vs. Grand Highlander Performance
To begin, let's take a look under the hood. The Highlander is up, and you've got your pick between two capable engine options. A 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is the standard pick: at 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, it's a responsive setup that's sure to be comfortable and engaging to drive. The 2.5-liter hybrid engine is your alternative pick. It only has 243 horsepower, but with an EPA-estimated 35/35/35 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 it's sure to bridge the performance gap with fuel efficiency. Both options come with AWD standard, ensuring you receive maximum command of the road.
The new Toyota Grand Highlander for sale in Epping has FWD and AWD options, meaning you'll get your choice in control and handling depending on personal preference. It also shares the two engines of the Highlander, while adding one more to the lineup: the 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid MAX four-cylinder. At 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, this powertrain offers the most kick of the options and is restricted to the two highest trim levels of the Grand Highlander.
Highlander vs. Grand Highlander Cargo Space and Dimensions
Let's go around the back to the trunk: how do both models hold up? The Highlander is between 194.9 and 197.4 inches long, depending on the trim. Its trunk can hold 16 cubic feet, but folding the rear rows expands it to 84.3 cubic feet. This three-row SUV has up to 42 inches of front-row legroom, 38.7 inches of second-row legroom, and 28 inches in the rear – perfect for a growing family with kids, thanks to its eight-passenger seating capacity.
If you're expecting the ride to stay packed, the Grand Highlander might be preferable. It's longer (201.4 inches), has more cargo space (up to 97.5 cubic feet), and offers more second- and third-row legroom (39.5 inches and 33.5 inches, respectively). It is somewhat harder to maneuver due to its larger size, and it has a tighter front row. We recommend coming to our dealership to test-drive the new Grand Highlander and Highlander with your family and guarantee everyone's comfort.
| 2026 Highlander | 2026 Grand Highlander | |
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| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD, AWD |
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| Seating Capacity | 7 - 8 | |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs 2 | |
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| Infotainment Size | 7-in (12.3-in avail) | |
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Toyota Highlander Interior vs. Grand Highlander Interior
Outside of dimensions, the new Toyota Highlander for sale in Epping and Grand Highlander have a similar interior. However, the main differences lie in the standard features. Because the Highlander begins on the XLE trim (a second-level option for the Grand Highlander), it comes with exceptional standard comfort. This includes a 10-way driver's seat, hands-free power liftgate, wireless charging station, and power moonroof.
The Grand Highlander is just behind, with an eight-way driver's seat, a power liftgate, and the wireless charging station and power moonroof locked to higher-end trims. Otherwise, they share features such as leather upholstery, ventilated seating, heated rear seats, and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen display. As you explore our Toyota Highlander lease offers in New Hampshire, you'll have the chance to experience some of these luxurious amenities before dedicating yourself to a purchase.
The Highlander vs. Grand Highlander safety features comparison is a slightly different story, as the Grand Highlander has a newer version of the Toyota Safety Sense than the Highlander (3.0 vs. 2.5+, respectively). Both models are highly specialized for comfort and safety, however, so you'll feel at ease no matter which ride your family enjoys more.
Highlander vs. Grand Highlander Comparison: Which Is Best For You?
We conclude our Toyota SUV Comparison by asking, which of our Toyota Lease Specials in Epping, NH, might be preferable for your family in particular? Let's touch on some cases that might apply to you:
- Best SUV on a Budget: Grand Highlander LE. If you're looking at price tags, the Grand Highlander LE is the best choice.
- Best SUV for MPG: Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE. At a 36 MPG (Combined) rating,1 the FWD Grand Highlander Hybrid XLE has the best fuel economy of the batch.
- Best SUV for the Luxury-Driven Commuter: Highlander Hybrid Platinum. The best front-row legroom, premium features, and a comfortable engine await in the Highlander Hybrid Platinum.
- Best SUV for Smaller Families: Highlander XLE. If you don't think you'll need the third-row legroom on every drive, the Highlander XLE comes with a fantastic array of standard features, AWD, and comfortable front- and second-row legroom.
Try Them Both at McGee Toyota of Epping
Both of the models in our Toyota Highlander vs. Grand Highlander comparison hold incredible high-value, which is why they're worth considering. So why not bring your family along on two test drives, courtesy of McGee Toyota of Epping in Seacoast, NH?
We'll help you pin down what you're looking for from your three-row SUV before making your decision. Then, our financing team makes it easy to trade in for a new Toyota SUV and get on the road in a high-quality model, whether it's the Highlander XLE or the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum.
Frequently Asked Questions Comparing the Toyota Highlander vs. Grand Highlander
How does the starting price of the Grand Highlander compare to the Highlander?
The Grand Highlander has a slightly lower starting price than the Highlander, thanks to the Highlander starting on the premium-level XLE trim. This option, with a wireless charging station and a 10-way driver's seat, is available on the Grand Highlander. The Grand Highlander LE offers similar features but has eight-way driver seats and lacks wireless charging, making it a budget-friendly option.
What trim levels are available for the Highlander vs. Grand Highlander?
The Highlander has seven trims:
- XLE
- XSE
- Limited
- Platinum
- Hybrid XLE
- Hybrid Limited
- Hybrid Platinum
The Grand Highlander has a lower-level LE trim, lacks the XSE, and adds the Hybrid LE, Hybrid Nightshade, Hybrid MAX Limited, and Hybrid MAX Platinum levels, for a total of 10 trims. The Hybrid MAX designation refers to a more responsive hybrid powertrain, clocking in at 362 horsepower.
How do fuel economy ratings compare between the Highlander and Grand Highlander?
The fuel economy between these two models is surprisingly similar. The Highlander boasts 24 MPG (Combined)1 with its standard AWD configuration and 35 MPG (Combined)1 with its hybrid powertrain. The Grand Highlander has 24 MPG (Combined) with FWD,1 36 MPG (Combined)1 with hybrid FWD, and 27 MPG (Combined) with hybrid MAX AWD.1 An AWD Grand Highlander is a little under these ratings.
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