The Toyota Highlander has long been a popular choice for families seeking a reliable and spacious three-row SUV. However, Toyota recently introduced the Grand Highlander, a larger alternative designed to address some of the Highlander’s shortcomings, particularly regarding third-row space and cargo capacity. Understanding the exact differences in size is crucial when deciding which SUV best fits your needs. This article dives deep into the dimensions and interior space of both vehicles, helping you make an informed choice.
Exterior Dimensions: A Tale of Two Highlanders
At first glance, both the Highlander and Grand Highlander share a similar silhouette, characteristic of modern SUVs. However, a closer look reveals the Grand Highlander’s increased size.
Overall Length: Stretching Out the Space
The most significant difference lies in the overall length. The Grand Highlander boasts a longer wheelbase and extended rear overhang compared to the standard Highlander. This translates to more interior room, especially in the third row and cargo area. The Grand Highlander measures approximately 201.4 inches in length, while the Highlander comes in at around 194.9 inches. This difference of over six inches might seem small on paper, but it significantly impacts interior space.
Width and Height: Subtle Variations
While the length is the most noticeable difference, there are also slight variations in width and height. The Grand Highlander is marginally wider than the Highlander, contributing to a more substantial presence on the road. The height difference is less pronounced but can still be a factor depending on your garage space or personal preference. The width of the Grand Highlander is approximately 78.3 inches compared to the Highlander’s 76 inches. The Grand Highlander’s height reaches around 72.1 inches, while the Highlander stands at roughly 68.1 inches.
Impact on Maneuverability and Parking
The increased size of the Grand Highlander can affect its maneuverability, especially in tight parking spaces. The longer wheelbase can also make it slightly less agile in sharp turns. However, both SUVs offer features like rearview cameras and parking sensors to assist with maneuvering in confined areas. Prospective buyers should consider their typical driving environment and parking situations when deciding between the two models.
Interior Space: Where the Grand Highlander Shines
The real advantages of the Grand Highlander’s larger dimensions become apparent when you step inside. The increased length and width translate directly into more passenger and cargo space.
Third-Row Legroom: A Key Differentiator
The most common complaint about the regular Highlander is its cramped third-row seating. The Grand Highlander addresses this issue head-on, offering significantly more legroom and headroom for third-row passengers. Adults can comfortably sit in the Grand Highlander’s third row, making it a genuine option for families with older children or frequent adult passengers. The difference in third-row legroom is substantial, providing a far more comfortable experience on longer journeys.
Cargo Capacity: Hauling More Gear
The extended rear overhang of the Grand Highlander directly translates to more cargo space behind the third row. This is a crucial factor for families who frequently travel with luggage, sports equipment, or groceries. The Grand Highlander offers considerably more cargo volume with all seats in place compared to the Highlander. When all seats are folded down, the Grand Highlander also provides a larger maximum cargo capacity. This additional space can be a game-changer for families who need to haul large or bulky items. The Grand Highlander offers approximately 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, while the Highlander offers only 16 cubic feet. With the second and third rows folded down, the Grand Highlander provides a maximum cargo volume of 97.5 cubic feet compared to the Highlander’s 84.3 cubic feet.
Passenger Volume: A More Spacious Cabin
The Grand Highlander offers a more spacious overall cabin, providing more shoulder room and hip room for all passengers. This contributes to a more comfortable and less cramped feeling, especially on long trips. The additional space allows for more flexibility in seating arrangements and makes it easier for passengers to move around inside the vehicle. This extra breathing room can make a significant difference in overall comfort, particularly for families with multiple children.
Performance and Handling: Similar but Distinct
While the Grand Highlander is larger, it shares some similarities with the Highlander in terms of performance and handling. However, the increased size and weight can have a subtle impact on the driving experience.
Engine Options and Fuel Efficiency
Both the Highlander and Grand Highlander offer a range of engine options, including hybrid variants. The fuel efficiency of the hybrid models is particularly impressive, making them a popular choice for eco-conscious buyers. However, the Grand Highlander’s larger size and weight can slightly reduce fuel efficiency compared to the standard Highlander, especially in non-hybrid configurations. The engine options for both models are designed to provide adequate power for everyday driving, but the Grand Highlander may feel slightly less responsive due to its increased weight.
Ride Quality and Handling Dynamics
The ride quality of both SUVs is generally smooth and comfortable, thanks to Toyota’s well-tuned suspension systems. However, the Grand Highlander’s longer wheelbase can contribute to a slightly more stable and composed ride, especially on the highway. The handling dynamics are similar, but the Grand Highlander’s larger size can make it feel slightly less nimble in tight corners. Overall, both SUVs offer a pleasant driving experience, but the Grand Highlander prioritizes comfort and stability over outright agility.
Features and Technology: Staying Up-to-Date
Both the Highlander and Grand Highlander come equipped with a wide range of features and technology, including advanced safety systems, infotainment options, and comfort amenities. Toyota regularly updates its vehicles with the latest technologies, ensuring that both models offer a modern and connected driving experience.
Safety Features: Prioritizing Passenger Protection
Both the Highlander and Grand Highlander come standard with Toyota Safety Sense, a suite of advanced safety features that includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. These features help to prevent accidents and protect passengers in the event of a collision. Both models have consistently earned high safety ratings from independent organizations, making them a safe choice for families.
Infotainment and Connectivity: Staying Connected on the Go
Both SUVs offer a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and available navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing drivers to seamlessly connect their smartphones to the vehicle’s infotainment system. The Grand Highlander may offer some updated or enhanced features compared to the Highlander, but both models provide a comprehensive suite of connectivity options.
Comfort and Convenience: Enhancing the Driving Experience
Both the Highlander and Grand Highlander offer a variety of comfort and convenience features, such as heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system. These features enhance the driving experience and make long trips more enjoyable for both the driver and passengers. The Grand Highlander may offer some additional luxury features or more premium materials compared to the Highlander, but both models provide a comfortable and well-equipped interior.
Pricing and Value: Considering the Cost
The Grand Highlander typically commands a higher price tag than the standard Highlander, reflecting its larger size, increased space, and potentially more premium features. The price difference can vary depending on the trim level, options, and incentives.
Base Price Comparison
The starting price of the Grand Highlander is generally higher than the starting price of the Highlander. This reflects the Grand Highlander’s larger size and additional features. However, the specific price difference can vary depending on the market and available incentives.
Trim Level Pricing
As you move up the trim levels, the price difference between the Grand Highlander and Highlander may increase. Higher trim levels often include more premium features and advanced technology, which can further differentiate the two models in terms of price.
Long-Term Value
When considering the overall value, it’s important to factor in not only the initial purchase price but also the long-term costs of ownership, such as fuel consumption, maintenance, and insurance. The Grand Highlander’s larger size may result in slightly higher fuel costs and insurance premiums. However, its increased space and versatility may justify the higher price for some buyers.
Making the Right Choice: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Ultimately, the decision between the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider the following factors when making your choice:
- Passenger Space: If you frequently transport adults in the third row, the Grand Highlander is the clear winner. Its significantly more spacious third row provides a much more comfortable experience for adult passengers.
- Cargo Capacity: If you regularly haul a lot of cargo, the Grand Highlander’s larger cargo area behind the third row is a major advantage. This extra space can be invaluable for families who travel frequently or need to transport bulky items.
- Maneuverability and Parking: If you frequently drive in tight urban environments or have limited parking space, the standard Highlander may be a better choice. Its smaller size makes it easier to maneuver and park in confined areas.
- Budget: If budget is a primary concern, the standard Highlander offers a more affordable option. The Grand Highlander’s higher price tag may not be justified if you don’t need the extra space.
- Driving Experience: While both SUVs offer a pleasant driving experience, the standard Highlander may feel slightly more agile and responsive due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
By carefully considering these factors, you can determine which SUV best fits your lifestyle and budget. Test driving both models is also highly recommended to get a feel for their handling, comfort, and overall driving experience.
What are the key exterior dimensions that differentiate the Grand Highlander from the Highlander?
The Grand Highlander boasts significantly larger exterior dimensions compared to the standard Highlander. Key differences include a longer overall length, a wider body, and a taller height. These increased dimensions directly translate into greater interior space, particularly benefiting passengers in the third row and cargo capacity behind all three rows of seats. This extra space is a primary factor for families needing more room than the standard Highlander offers.
Specifically, the Grand Highlander is approximately 6.5 inches longer, 2 inches wider, and 2 inches taller than the Highlander. While these measurements may seem small individually, they collectively create a noticeably larger vehicle that offers a more spacious and comfortable experience for passengers and their belongings. The extended wheelbase of the Grand Highlander also contributes to a smoother ride, particularly when fully loaded.
How does the third-row legroom compare between the Grand Highlander and the Highlander?
Third-row legroom is a major point of differentiation between the two models. The Grand Highlander offers substantially more legroom in the third row, making it suitable for adults or older children on longer journeys. This eliminates the cramped feeling often associated with the third row in many mid-size SUVs. The additional legroom also contributes to overall passenger comfort and reduces fatigue during extended travel.
In contrast, the Highlander’s third row is generally considered to be best suited for children or shorter adults on shorter trips. Legroom is considerably tighter, and adults may find it uncomfortable for anything beyond a quick ride across town. If routinely carrying adults or teenagers in the third row is a necessity, the Grand Highlander’s superior legroom becomes a significant advantage.
What is the difference in cargo space behind the third row between the two SUVs?
Cargo space behind the third row is another area where the Grand Highlander excels. It offers significantly more cubic feet of storage than the standard Highlander, even with all three rows of seats in use. This extra space allows for the easy accommodation of luggage, groceries, or other items without compromising passenger comfort. This is a crucial consideration for families who frequently travel with a full complement of passengers and their belongings.
The Highlander’s cargo space behind the third row is comparatively limited, often requiring careful packing or the use of a roof rack for larger items. While still functional, it may not be sufficient for larger families or those who require ample storage space on a regular basis. The Grand Highlander’s generous cargo capacity provides a significant advantage in terms of practicality and convenience.
Does the larger size of the Grand Highlander impact its fuel efficiency compared to the Highlander?
The Grand Highlander, due to its increased size and weight, generally experiences slightly lower fuel efficiency compared to the standard Highlander. However, the difference is often not substantial, and advancements in engine technology and aerodynamics help to mitigate the impact. The specific fuel economy figures will vary depending on the engine option (gas or hybrid) and driving conditions.
The Highlander, being lighter and more compact, typically achieves slightly better mileage ratings in both city and highway driving. While the difference may be noticeable to some drivers, it’s important to consider the trade-off between fuel efficiency and the increased passenger and cargo space offered by the Grand Highlander. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual priorities and driving habits.
How does the size difference affect the maneuverability and handling of the Grand Highlander versus the Highlander?
The Grand Highlander’s larger size inevitably impacts its maneuverability compared to the Highlander. Navigating tight parking spaces and congested city streets may require more caution and attention due to its increased dimensions. The turning radius is also likely to be slightly wider, making U-turns and tight maneuvers a bit more challenging.
The Highlander, being more compact, generally offers better maneuverability and is easier to handle in urban environments. Its smaller size allows for easier parking and navigation through narrow streets. However, both vehicles are designed with modern driver-assistance features, such as parking sensors and rearview cameras, which can help mitigate the challenges associated with their respective sizes.
Are there any significant differences in price between the Grand Highlander and the Highlander, considering the size difference?
Yes, there is generally a price difference between the Grand Highlander and the Highlander, reflecting the Grand Highlander’s larger size, increased interior space, and often more premium features. Typically, the Grand Highlander commands a higher price point across comparable trim levels. This price difference is a key factor for potential buyers to consider when evaluating which model best suits their needs and budget.
While the specific price difference can vary depending on trim levels, options, and current incentives, the Grand Highlander’s larger size and enhanced features justify the higher cost for those who prioritize passenger space and cargo capacity. However, buyers who do not require the extra space and are more budget-conscious may find the standard Highlander a more appealing option.
Does the size difference influence the target demographic for each vehicle?
The size difference significantly influences the target demographic for each vehicle. The standard Highlander is typically targeted towards families with young children or those who occasionally need a third row for smaller passengers. Its more compact size and lower price point appeal to buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency and ease of maneuverability.
In contrast, the Grand Highlander is geared towards larger families with teenagers or adults who regularly use the third row. Its superior legroom, increased cargo space, and more spacious interior cater to buyers who prioritize comfort and practicality for longer trips and frequent use. The Grand Highlander also appeals to buyers who are willing to pay a premium for a more spacious and versatile vehicle.