If you are shopping for a three-row crossover utility vehicle, the market is saturated with models. Toyota makes things interesting by offering not one, but two such models. Notably, both share the same name, with the Highlander representing the standard wheelbase model, while the Grand Highlander is the extended wheelbase version. Let’s look at this dynamic duo, comparing what they bring to the market.
Models and Price
The Highlander (left) is available in several trims: LE ($39,820), XLE ($42,970), XSE ($46,640), Hybrid XLE ($46,320), and Hybrid XLE Nightshade ($47,320).
The Grand Highlander (right) lineup starts with the gas-only LE ($40,860), XLE ($43,630), Limited ($48,360), and Platinum ($54,045). The hybrid variants include the Hybrid LE ($44,210), Hybrid XLE ($45,380), Hybrid Nightshade ($52,610), and the Hybrid MAX Limited ($54,690).
Add $1,450 for the delivery fee for both vehicles.
The Grand Highlander features a boxier, more upright design with a flatter hood, squared-off rear, and a bolder front fascia, giving it a more SUV-like appearance along with it substantial presence. In contrast, the standard Highlander has a more sculpted, curvy profile with a sloping roofline and narrower rear quarters, lending it a sleeker, more crossover-like appearance. The grille, lighting elements, and trim details are also distinct between the two, with the Grand Highlander projecting a more rugged and upscale look overall.
A Matter of Size
Putting the “grand” in a vehicle’s name suggests something larger, perhaps more powerful than the standard model naming convention. In Toyota’s case, you would be correct about the Grand Highlander.
The Toyota Highlander measures 194.9 inches in overall length with a wheelbase of 112.2 inches. It spans 76.0 inches in width and stands 68.1 inches tall, offering a ground clearance of 8.0 inches. By contrast, the Toyota Grand Highlander stretches the footprint further. It rides on a longer 116.1-inch wheelbase and reaches an overall length of 201.4 inches—over six inches longer than its sibling. It is also wider at 78.3 inches and slightly taller at 70.1 inches, while ground clearance holds steady at 8.0 inches.
The differences go beyond size. The two models share the same platform, but several enhancements set the Grand Highlander apart. These include increased body rigidity through added welds and adhesives, a stretched wheelbase and wider track for improved interior space, and a reworked rear suspension to support the longer body and for enhancing ride comfort.
Interior Room
Besides the exterior differences, the two models differ in passenger and cargo capacity. On paper, both can seat up to eight passengers, but the extended wheelbase model is more comfortable.
And that heightened comfort centers mostly on the third row with the Grand Highlander offers a clear advantage in legroom. Specifically, 33.5 inches compared to just 28 inches in the Highlander, making it far more comfortable for adult passengers. It also provides slightly more space in the second row, while front-row legroom remains nearly identical between the two models.
The Grand Highlander offers more cargo space than the standard Highlander across all seating configurations. With all seats upright, it provides 20.6 cubic feet of cargo room compared to the Highlander’s 16.0 cubic feet. Folding the third row expands the Grand Highlander’s capacity to 57.9 cubic feet, while the Highlander manages 48.4 cubic feet. When both the second and third rows are folded, the Grand Highlander reaches a maximum of 97.5 cubic feet, outpacing the Highlander’s 84.3 cubic feet.
Powertrain Distinctions
While the standard model offers two powertrain combinations, the extended wheelbase model has three. Both models share a standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and offer a conventional hybrid model featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
In both models, the standard engine delivers 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Power routes to the wheels utilizing an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The conventional hybrid delivers upwards of 243 horsepower (245 in the Grand Highlander) and 175 pound-feet of torque. Power routes to the wheels utilizing an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.
The hybrid utilizes at least two electric motors. The first one provides drive power, while the second generates electricity, assists with engine start, and adjusts gear ratios in the hybrid system. A third electric motor is brought on to turn the wheels in all-wheel drive models.
The Grand Highlander alone offers the Hybrid Max, a third powertrain choice for this model. Unlike the conventional hybrid, which is geared towards efficiency, this one emphasizes power. Indeed, with an electric motor located between the engine and transmission in the bell housing, this model supplies 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Working with this version, Toyota uses an enhanced 6-speed automatic transmission to handle the high levels of torque.
As for towing, there is no difference between the Highlanders. Both gas-only models are rated to pull up to 5,000 pounds. The conventional hybrid is rated at 3,500 pounds. As for the Hybrid Max, it matches the gas-only model with its 5,000-pouund towing capacity.
Cabin Comfort
The Grand Highlander offers several interior comfort upgrades over the standard Highlander. It features a more refined dashboard layout, available premium leather seating, improved sound insulation for a quieter cabin, and an open-bridge center console that adds useful storage space. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen comes standard, compared to the Highlander’s base 8-inch unit, and the Grand Highlander includes more USB ports throughout the cabin, including in the third row, along with standard wireless phone charging.
The Grand Highlander boosts the interior materials and driver comfort compared to the standard Highlander. It offers premium synthetic-leather upholstery (SofTex) as standard or available options in higher trims, whereas the Highlander typically comes with cloth or SofTex in select trims. In the Grand Highlander, the driver benefits from a 10-way power-adjustable seat, with available sliding and reclining adjustments in the second row—augmenting posture and long-ride comfort . While the Highlander also offers power front seats, the Grand’s enhancements deliver a noticeably more customizable and refined driving experience.
The two models share several core cabin amenities, including three-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seats, and a choice of second-row bench or captain’s chairs. Additional shared features include a power liftgate, available panoramic glass roof, and smart key with push-button start.
Safety and Technology
On the safety side, both SUVs come equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of driver-assist features. For instance, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Grand Highlander expands on these offerings with additional features available in more trims, such as front and rear parking assist with automatic braking, traffic jam assist, and a more comprehensive surround-view camera system.
In terms of technology, the Grand Highlander offers a more advanced standard setup than the Highlander. While the base Highlander includes an 8-inch touchscreen, the Grand Highlander comes standard with a larger 12.3-inch display.
Higher trims on both models can be equipped with this larger screen, but the Grand Highlander adds more convenience features across the lineup, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, standard wireless phone charging, and additional USB-C ports—including in the third row.
The Grand Highlander also includes an available digital rearview mirror, head-up display, and a more powerful JBL audio system with more speakers than what’s offered on the Highlander.
Highlander Happenings
With room for eight, available all-wheel drive, and hybrid choices, these Highlander models make a strong case for consumers. But if space or a performance-oriented model is a priority, then only the Grand Highlander has the combination that works best.
2025 Toyota Highlander | 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Specifications
| Specification | 2025 Highlander | 2025 Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Mid-Size SUV | Mid-Size SUV |
| Engine Options | 2.4L Turbo I4 2.5L Hybrid I4 |
2.4L Turbo I4 2.5L Hybrid I4 2.4L Turbo Hybrid MAX |
| Horsepower | 265 hp (Turbo) 243 hp (Hybrid) |
265 hp (Turbo) 245 hp (Hybrid) 362 hp (Hybrid MAX) |
| Torque (foot-pounds) | 310 lb-ft (Turbo) 175 lb-ft (Hybrid) |
310 lb-ft (Turbo) 177 lb-ft (Hybrid) 400 lb-ft (Hybrid MAX) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (Turbo) eCVT (Hybrid) |
8-speed automatic (Turbo) eCVT (Hybrid) 6-speed automatic (Hybrid MAX) |
| Seating | 8 (optional 7) | 8 (optional 7) |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 4,155 – 4,595 | 4,610 – 4,970 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 112.2 | 116.1 |
| Length (inches) | 194.9 | 201.4 |
| Width (inches) | 76.0 | 78.3 |
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