2024 Toyota Highlander vs Grand Highlander

The Toyota Highlander has been a favorite choice for active families for more than 20 years. This reliable vehicle pioneered the midsize crossover SUV field and has become one of the most popular models in its segment. Toyota has updated and innovated this popular five-door, front-wheel-drive vehicle over the years, and in 2023, the manufacturer took this SUV to the next level with the release of the Grand Highlander.

If you’re looking for your next family-friendly SUV, these two outstanding models are well worth considering. Our team at Longo Toyota in El Monte, California, put together this comparative guide exploring the 2024 Highlander and Grand Highlander to help you make an informed decision.

Powertrain and Performance

The Grand Highlander and Highlander have plenty to offer if you’re looking for a reliable eight-seater SUV. The midsize crossovers have the same base gas-powered and hybrid powertrains, but you can equip the Grand Highlander with Toyota’s 362-horsepower Hybrid Max powertrain. The standard version is a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 265 horsepower. The optional 2.5-liter I-4 hybrid makes 243 horsepower.

The basic gas powertrain pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offers front- or all-wheel drive, while the Highlander Hybrid uses a continuously variable transmission. In the Grand Highlander, the Hybrid Max powertrain powers the front and rear axles via an efficient six-speed automatic transmission and a mechanical driveshaft, and it’s available with front- or all-wheel drive.

The smaller Highlander performs slightly better when it comes to fuel efficiency, with respectable ratings of 21-22mpg city and 28-29 mpg highway. The larger Grand Highlander rates 1 mpg lower, on average. Both vehicles have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds with the standard engine.

Size and Cargo Capacity

The 2024 Grand Highlander is a larger version of the already-substantial three-row Highlander. This robust SUV creates a demanding road presence. It has an exterior length of 201.4 inches and a 116.1-inch wheelbase, which is 4 inches longer than the 2024 Highlander. The Grand Highlander’s larger dimensions translate into more interior space, which can make all the difference for busy, growing families.

Your passengers will appreciate the generous 34 inches of legroom in the second and third rows. And if cargo capacity is a priority, you can enjoy 97.5 cubic feet of space when you fold the second- and third-row seating flat in the Grand Highlander, which exceeds the max cargo space of 84.3 cubic feet in the Highlander.  

Safety and Driver-Assistive Features

The Highlander and Grand Highlander offer the latest Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) technology. This impressive package of advanced safety and driver-assistance features includes the following: 

• A pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.
• Lane departure alert with steering assist.
• Automatic high beams.
• Lane-tracing assist.
• Road sign assist.
• Dynamic radar cruise control.

While the Highlander offers the standard TSS 2.5+, the Toyota Grand Highlander features the more advanced TSS 3.0, which includes a rear cross-traffic alert system and blind-spot monitoring. If you opt for the latter, you’ll also get Toyota’s advanced Proactive Driving-Assist technology, which can detect objects or curves in the road and provide gentle braking and/or steering support, helping to prevent collisions.  

Interior Design

The Toyota Highlander provides various conveniences and luxuries, such as a panoramic moonroof, QI wireless charging, and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. Driver-focused features include heated and ventilated seating, a heated steering wheel, and a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster that displays turn-by-turn directions, safety information, and alerts. Passengers will appreciate the triple-zone air-conditioning. The Grand Highlander upgrades the interior with an increase in cabin space and legroom, thoughtfully located storage areas, and seven USB ports. SofTex-trimmed seats, a 12.3-inch touch screen, and an impressive multimedia system with a 1200-watt, 11-speaker JBL sound system are available across all trims. 

Infotainment and Connectivity 

The Highlander and Grand Highlander deliver well-integrated infotainment technologies to make journeys convenient, safe, and entertaining. Both models include Toyota’s Audio Multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Connected Services, a suite of convenience-enhancing features, is also standard. It includes Drive Connect for satellite navigation, Service Connect for vehicle data, maintenance and service alerts, and Wi-Fi Connect, which allows passengers to seamlessly connect to the internet on the go. As a new owner, you’ll receive an initial free trial on these subscription-based services. 

Price 

Price is an important factor when evaluating your next vehicle purchase, and despite the considerable difference in size and specifications, there’s only a few thousand dollars difference in the MSRP for these two SUVs. The 2024 Highlander has a starting MSRP of $39,270 in comparison to the Grand Highlander’s starting MSRP of $43,320, making both models well worth considering. If you’re thinking of upgrading to one of the upper-level Highlander trims, the Grand Highlander may be a valid option.

Trim Levels

The 2024 Highlander is available in five trims: the LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. The latter boasts features such as an upgraded suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic view monitor, and an advanced exterior lighting system. Toyota offers the Grand Highlander in three models: the entry-level XLE and the upgraded Limited and Platinum models. A 12.3-inch multi-information display, a power tilt/slide panoramic roof, and a panoramic view monitor are some inclusions on the higher trims. 

If you’re looking to upgrade to the top-tier Highlander Limited or Platinum trim, you may want to consider buying a Grand Highlander, which offers outstanding features. 

Explore the 2024 Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander at Longo Toyota Today

The best way to discover the differences between these 2024 SUVs is to check them out firsthand and take them for a test drive. Our team at Longo Toyota in El Monte, California, is here to help you learn everything you need to know about these two vehicles to make an informed purchase decision. Visit our dealership today to experience these latest Toyota offerings and drive home in the model that’s right for you. 

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