2025 Highlander vs Grand Highlander: Which Toyota SUV is Right for You?

Are you stuck choosing between Toyota’s three-row SUVs? We’re here to guide you. The 2025 Highlander and Grand Highlander meet different needs in Toyota’s SUV lineup. They offer special features and abilities.

The Grand Highlander is new to Toyota’s family. It sits between the Highlander and the Sequoia. It has 362 horsepower and can tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than the Highlander’s 265 horsepower and 3,500-pound limit. It also has more cargo space, 20.6 cubic feet, than the Highlander’s 16.0 cubic feet.

Both SUVs can seat seven people comfortably. But the Grand Highlander leads in tech, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Highlander has an 8-inch screen. Both are safe, with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard.

The prices of these SUVs differ. The Grand Highlander starts at $42,310 and goes up to $55,495 based on trim and options. We’ll explore more to find the right Toyota SUV for you.

Understanding the Toyota Three-Row SUV Lineup

Toyota’s three-row midsize SUVs are favorites for families. The Highlander has been a top choice for over 20 years. Now, there’s the Grand Highlander, its bigger brother. Let’s see how these models fit into Toyota’s SUV family and what makes them special.

Positioning in Toyota’s SUV Family

The Highlander is between the compact RAV4 and the full-size Sequoia. It’s the perfect size for daily family needs. The Grand Highlander, introduced in 2024, bridges the gap between the Highlander and Sequoia. It offers more space without being too big.

Key Differences at a Glance

The Grand Highlander is bigger than the Highlander. It’s 2.3 inches wider and 2.0 inches taller. This means more room inside, with 153.3 cubic feet of space compared to the Highlander’s 141.3 cubic feet.

Both models have a 2.4-liter turbo-4 engine with 265 horsepower. But the Grand Highlander has a Hybrid Max option with 362 hp. It can also tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than the Highlander’s 3,500 pounds.

Model Year Updates for 2025

The 2025 Highlander redesign brings some changes. Toyota has simplified the Highlander options by removing some front-wheel-drive choices. The Grand Highlander now has a more affordable base model. These updates aim to make each model stand out in the competitive three-row SUV market.

Size and Dimensions Comparison

In this cargo space comparison, we’ll look at how the Grand Highlander has changed Toyota’s SUV lineup. The Grand Highlander has impressive dimensions, making it stand out from its smaller sibling.

Exterior Measurements

The Grand Highlander has a bigger footprint. It’s 6.5 inches longer than the Highlander at 201.4 inches. This bigger size means it looks more commanding on the road. It’s also 2.3 inches wider and 2.0 inches taller than the Highlander, making it look more substantial.

Ground Clearance and Accessibility

Both models have the same 8.0-inch ground clearance. This ensures they have similar off-road abilities and are easy to get into. This shared feature keeps Toyota’s SUV lineup consistent, meeting the needs of drivers who want versatility.

Interior Space Distribution

The Grand Highlander’s bigger size means it has a roomier interior. It has 153.3 cubic feet of passenger volume, more than the Highlander’s 141.3 cubic feet. The third row is especially roomier, with 33.5 inches of legroom compared to the Highlander’s 27.7 inches. For families needing more space, the Grand Highlander has 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, while the Highlander has 16.0 cubic feet.

2025 Highlander vs Grand Highlander Performance Options

The 2025 Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander have different hybrid powertrain options. They both start with a 2.4-liter turbo-4 engine, making 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is powerful yet efficient, getting 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

For better fuel economy, there’s a standard hybrid powertrain. It gets 36 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, perfect for those who care about the environment. The Grand Highlander has an exclusive Hybrid Max powertrain. It produces 362 net combined horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque in the Limited model.

Towing capabilities differ by powertrain. The 2.4T gas engine and Hybrid Max can tow up to 5,000 lbs. The base hybrid can tow 3,500 lbs. These options meet various needs, from daily drives to weekend trips.

Interior Comfort and Technology Features

The 2025 Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander are top picks for families. They offer great comfort and tech features. Let’s look at what makes them stand out.

Seating Configurations

Both can seat up to eight people with bench seats. The Grand Highlander has more room, with more head and leg space in all rows. It also has 60/40 split-folding seats for more cargo space.

Infotainment Systems

The Grand Highlander has a bigger 12.3-inch screen as standard. The Highlander has an 8.0-inch screen, but you can upgrade to 12.3 inches. Both support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy phone connection. The Grand Highlander’s Limited trim has an 11-speaker JBL system for better sound.

Comfort and Convenience Features

The Grand Highlander has a more luxurious feel with better materials and design. It has a 10-way adjustable driver’s seat and an optional moonroof for more space. The Platinum trim adds a 10-inch Head-Up Display and panoramic view monitor for a better drive. It also has customizable lighting and USB-C ports for a connected ride.

Cargo Space and Practicality

The Toyota Grand Highlander shines when it comes to cargo space. It has more room for your stuff, perfect for families and those who love adventures.

Behind Third Row Storage

The Grand Highlander has 20.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row. That’s more than the standard Highlander’s 16.0 cubic feet. This extra space is great for carrying more groceries, sports gear, or travel items without giving up on passenger seats.

Maximum Cargo Capacity

With all seats down, the Grand Highlander’s cargo area grows to 98 cubic feet. This huge space is perfect for big items like furniture or camping gear. The standard Highlander is still roomy, but it can’t match the Grand Highlander’s capacity.

Storage Solutions and Flexibility

Both models offer flexible storage, but the Grand Highlander has more to offer. Its bigger size means more creative storage spots inside. Plus, the extra legroom in all rows makes for a more comfy ride for everyone.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

The Toyota SUV lineup is known for its advanced safety features. Both the Highlander and Grand Highlander come with Toyota Safety Sense. The Grand Highlander has the latest 3.0 version, offering better protection for families.

This system includes features like automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning. It also has adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist.

The Grand Highlander is a top choice for safety, earning a spot on Car and Driver’s 10Best List for 2024. It has a comprehensive driver assistance suite. This gives peace of mind to everyone inside.

Drivers get blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. These features make lane changes and backing out safer.

The Grand Highlander also offers parking assistance systems. These help drivers confidently navigate tight spaces. Its sturdy construction adds to the safety for families on the move.

While crash test ratings are not given, the NHTSA and IIHS evaluate these vehicles thoroughly. Buyers can check these organizations for detailed safety reports.

Pricing and Trim Level Comparison

When looking at the 2025 Highlander vs Grand Highlander, price and trim levels matter a lot. The Highlander starts at $41,000, and the Grand Highlander at $42,310. This shows the Grand Highlander is bigger and has more features.

The Highlander has more trims, like L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. Each one adds more luxury and tech. The LE model seats 8 and has fabric seats and an 8-inch screen. Moving up, the XLE and XSE trims have SofTex leatherette seats and ambient lighting.

The Grand Highlander has fewer trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum. All Grand Highlanders have a 12.3-inch touchscreen, showing Toyota’s tech focus. The Limited trim gets leather seats and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The Platinum adds a panoramic glass roof.

Both SUVs have hybrid options. The Grand Highlander’s top trim has a Hybrid Max system with 362 horsepower. This, along with packages like the Advanced Technology Package, makes the Grand Highlander great for luxury and power.

FAQ

What are the main differences between the 2025 Highlander and Grand Highlander?

The Grand Highlander is bigger, with more room inside, especially for the third row and cargo. It also has a special Hybrid Max engine and advanced safety features. The Highlander is smaller and costs less.

Does the Grand Highlander have better fuel economy than the Highlander?

Both have similar fuel economy in their base and hybrid versions. But, the Grand Highlander’s Hybrid Max engine focuses on power, not fuel efficiency. So, it uses a bit more fuel than the standard hybrid.

Which model has more cargo space?

The Grand Highlander has more room for cargo than the Highlander. It has a bigger space behind the third row and more room when seats are folded. This makes it great for families needing extra space.

Are there any significant updates for the 2025 model year?

Yes, for 2025, Toyota made the Grand Highlander’s base model cheaper. They also removed some front-wheel-drive options from the Highlander.

What safety features are available on these models?

Both have Toyota Safety Sense, but the Grand Highlander has the 3.0 version, which is more advanced. The Highlander has the 2.5+ version. Both offer blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims add more parking assistance systems.