How is the New Grand Highlander Different Than the Highlander?

The Toyota Highlander has been a popular family vehicle for several years. With its’ three rows of seating, ability to tow a small trailer, and plenty of safety and comfort amenities, buyers have a lot to like about the Highlander. Toyota has decided to take it a step further and introduce the Grand Highlander. You may want to know what’s the difference about the new Toyota SUVs and which one will be the best fit for your lifestyle as you drive around Kensington, Abington, and Wilkes-Barre.

Size Matters in Family Vehicles

The Grand Highlander is another three-row mid-size SUV, larger than the Highlander as you might expect. Where is that space? You’ll notice it mostly with passengers in the third row. The Grand Highlander comes in with over one inch more headroom and an incredible 5-1/2 inches of extra legroom. This difference will have quite an impact on the comfort of passengers in the third row.

When the second and third rows are folded, the size difference translates into more cargo space as well. The Highlander provides just over 84 cubic feet of space with both rows folded down compared to over 97 cubic feet in the Grand Highlander. Even with the third row in place, you still get more room for luggage with 26.6 cubic feet over the Highlander’s 16 cubic feet.

Staying Up to Date with Technology

The Grand Highlander is more than just a bigger Highlander, which is evident when it comes to technology. For instance, the 12.3-inch touchscreen is only available on the top trims of the Highlander, but it comes standard on the Grand Highlander. Wireless charging is also standard on the Grand Highlander and not on the original Highlander.

Both models include USB ports, but the Toyota Highlander stops at five. The Grand Highlander includes seven and even expands them into the third row. Toyota Safety Sense has been updated on the Grand Highlander to the new 3.0 version compared to the 2.5 version for the Highlander. Proactive driving assist is available on the Grand Highlander, which helps control speed based on the weather and traffic.

Comparing Performance

Both Toyota models will include a hybrid powertrain in addition to the standard gasoline engine. The Grand Highlander does over the Hybrid-Max powertrain as an extra option with 362 horsepower.

You can expect slightly lower numbers for gas mileage with the Grand Highlander, especially for the gasoline engine. It’s also a slightly bigger vehicle, which you’ll need to consider when it comes to parking.

Both models have a lot to offer families. If you want more room and the latest technology, you’ll be impressed with the Grand Highlander. On the other hand, the Highlander may suit you quite well if you have younger kids and want the most efficiency.

You can find out more about the Toyota Grand Highlander and how it compares to the Highlander when you visit Toyota of Scranton. Stop in to learn more about this model, to find out about financing, and to go for a test drive.