Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including the destination charge, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could upgrade to higher trims like XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an optional feature. The test vehicle was a top-tier Platinum trim with AWD, priced at $54,718. Changes for 2023 were minimal, with a new Cypress Green paint option and standard power-folding mirrors on Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was criticized for being overly styled, with exaggerated features that some found visually overwhelming. Inside, the cabin was characterized by large elements and mismatched textures, which detracted from its overall quality feel. Despite these design critiques, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride, especially on rough pavement, thanks to acoustic front window glass in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was built on the TNGA-K platform, sharing its underpinnings with the regular Highlander and other Toyota models. It was a true crossover, not a body-on-frame vehicle, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The Grand Highlander was notably larger, measuring 201.4 inches in length with a 116.1-inch wheelbase, offering more interior space than competitors like the Kia Telluride. Its design was more conservative and blockier, drawing inspiration from rugged vehicles like the 4Runner. The Grand Highlander was available in XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, with interior options ranging from Softex synthetic leather to real leather in higher trims. It was praised for its spacious and well-built interior, making it a comfortable choice for road trips.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The AWD version added a third electric motor for the rear wheels. While the Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel economy, it lacked high-speed passing power, with the gas engine offering only 175 pound-feet of torque. It could tow up to 3,500 pounds, but this was not recommended due to limited power. The SUV featured Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an additional Trail mode for AWD models. Despite its quiet highway ride, the Highlander Hybrid was described as uninspiring to drive, with soft suspension and a CVT that detracted from the driving experience.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 265 horsepower, a 2.5-liter hybrid with 245 combined horsepower, and the Hybrid Max powertrain with 362 combined horsepower. The Hybrid Max was available only with AWD and delivered impressive acceleration, with a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander was primarily tested with the standard turbo gas engine, which accounted for 85% of sales. While it was larger and less maneuverable than the smaller Highlander, it offered solid brakes and adequate acceleration. The Grand Highlander featured Sport, Eco, and Normal driving modes, with additional off-road modes for AWD models.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim and configuration. Most models featured second-row captain’s chairs, making the third row suitable only for occasional use. Standard features included three-zone automatic climate control, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row captain’s chairs in higher trims. The interior offered power-adjustable front seats and a useful dashboard shelf with a wireless smartphone charger. However, the third-row access was tight, and the cargo space was limited, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its rivals, with a total cargo capacity of 97.5 cubic feet. It offered 57.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. The Grand Highlander provided ample head, leg, and shoulder room in all rows, making it comfortable for adults, even in the third row. Its spacious interior and generous cargo space made it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display in upper trims. The infotainment system featured an 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected service plans. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. While the technology was generally user-friendly, some controls were not intuitive, and the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering a significant improvement over previous interfaces. An intelligent assistant and cloud-based navigation were available through a connected-services subscription. Standard features included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited and Platinum trims featured an 11-speaker JBL stereo, providing good sound quality. The Grand Highlander's tech offerings were praised for their functionality, though buyers were advised to review subscription options carefully.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, though some ADAS features struggled in certain conditions.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not yet been crash-tested, but it came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard. This suite included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The adaptive cruise control offered four following-distance settings, enhancing its functionality.