--- title: "Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Highlander: A spec-by-spec comparison" url: "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2023/06/toyota-grand-highlander-vs-highlander-a-spec-by-spec-comparison/" publisher: "Pickup Truck + SUV Talk" content_signal: "search=yes, ai-input=yes, ai-train=no" author: "Jill Ciminillo" published: "2023-06-01T16:11:58+00:00" modified: "2026-08-19T16:08:08+00:00" image: "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2024-Toyota-Grand-Highlander-photo-by-Jill-Ciminillo-1-scaled.jpg" --- # Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Highlander: A spec-by-spec comparison By Jill Ciminillo Published: 2023-06-01T16:11:58+00:00 Updated: 2026-08-19T16:08:08+00:00 ![Featured image]() Spoiler alert: The [2024 Grand Highlander]() is bigger than the plain old [Highlander](). Yes, they’re both three-row SUVs. And yes, they both have hybrid options. But they do have some key differences, so we decided to do a spec-by-spec Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Highlander comparo so you could see exactly what those differences are. ## **Third-row legroom** The biggest and obvious difference is going to be in the third-row legroom. The Grand Highlander adds about 5 inches of room back there – which makes it possible for “real-sized” adults to fit back there. The interesting thing, however, is front-seat legroom decreases a tad, while the second-row legroom increases a tad. Another big win with the added length to the Grand Highlander: cargo space. Sure, there’s more general cargo volume with all seats folded flat (duh, the Grand Highlander is bigger), but some of that extra 6 inches of length went to the space behind the third row. So, you get more than 4 additional cubic feet of cargo space with the third row up. As we saw in photos during the press preview, that translates to fitting seven carry-on rollerboards back there. Even with the additional size, heft and length, though, both Grand Highlander and Highlander are still considered midsize SUVs. ## **The Hybrid Max** The other big difference is the addition of the Hybrid Max powertrain. This is a spiffy and fast hybrid that provides smooth power and fun-to-drive dynamics. What it doesn’t provide: fuel economy. It’ll get 27 MPG in combined driving (if you’re lucky – we got around 21 or 22 MPG in our 2-hour test). The extra weight of the Grand Highlander means you’ll also see lower fuel economy in the gas and straight hybrid as well. Fuel economy will drop 1 to 2 MPG in combined driving depending on trim and drivetrain. ## **The Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Highlander specs** While those are the two biggies, there are other nuanced differences on things like the suspension and brakes. So, if you’re curious, you can dig into the specs yourself below. | | 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander | 2023 Toyota Highlander | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Horsepower | Gas: 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Hybrid: 245 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Hybrid MAX: 362 hp @ 6,000 rpm | Gas: 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Hybrid: 245 hp @ 6,000 rpm | | | Torque | Gas: 310 lb.-ft. @ 1,700-3,600 RPM
Hybrid MAX: 400 lb-ft. @ 2,000- 3,000 RPM | Gas: 310 lb.-ft. @ 1,700-3,600 RPM | | | Engines | Gas: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Turbo
Hybrid: 2.5- Liter 4-Cylinder Hybrid
Hybrid MAX: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbo Hybrid MAX | Gas: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Turbo
Hybrid: 2.5- Liter 4-Cylinder Hybrid | | | Compression Ratio | Gas: 11.0:1
Hybrid: 14:1
Hybrid MAX: 11.0:1 | Gas: 11.0:1
Hybrid: 14:1 | | | Horsepower (gas engine) | Gas: 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Hybrid: 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Hybrid MAX: 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm | Gas: 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Hybrid: 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm | | | Torque (gas engine) | Gas: 310 lb.-ft. @ 1,700-3,600 RPM
Hybrid: 177 lb-ft @ 4,300-4,500 rpm
Hybrid MAX: 332 lb-ft. @ 2,000- 3,000 RPM | Gas: 310 lb.-ft. @ 1,700-3,600 RPM
Hybrid: 175 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm | | | Ignition System | Toyota Direct Ignition (TDI) | Toyota Direct Ignition (TDI) | | | Fuel System | D-4S | D-4S | | | Recommended Fuel | 87-octane unleaded or higher | 87-octane unleaded or higher | | | Emission Certification | SULEV 30 | SULEV 30 | | | Estimated Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined MPG) | Gas XLE/Limited FWD 21/28/24
Gas XLE AWD 21/27/23
Gas Limited/Platinum AWD 20/26/22
Hybrid XLE FWD/AWD 36/32/34
Hybrid Limited AWD 35/31/33
Hybrid MAX Limited/Platinum AWD 26/27/27 | Gas FWD 22/29/25
Gas AWD 21/28/24
Hybrid FWD/AWD XLE>Bronze = 36/35/36
Hybrid AWD Limited + Platinum = 35 /34/35 | | | Net Horsepower | Hybrid: 245 combined net hp
Hybrid MAX: 362 combined net hp | Hybrid: 243 combined net hp | | | Motor Type: | Permanent Magnet Synchronous | Permanent Magnet Synchronous | | | Battery Pack: | NiMH | NiMH | | | Battery Capacity \[3hr\] (Ahr) | Hybrid: 5.0 Ah
Hybrid MAX: 5.0 Ah | Hybrid: 5.0 Ah | | | Nominal Voltage | Hybrid: 259V
Hybrid MAX: 288V | Hybrid: 259V | | | System Voltage | Hybrid: 259 V
Hybrid MAX: 288 V | Hybrid: 259 V | | | Drivetrain | Gas: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD); Dynamic Torque Control AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Hybrid: Electronic On-Demand AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Hybrid MAX: Full-Time Electronic AWD (All-Wheel Drive) | Gas: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD); All-Wheel Drive (AWD); XSE, LTD, PLTM AWD = Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD
Hybrid: L to PLTM FWD (Front-Wheel Drive); LE to PLTM Electronic On-Demand AWD | | | Transmission Type | Gas: Direct Shift – 8AT, 8-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission
Hybrid: Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
Hybrid MAX: Direct Shift – 6AT, 6 speed automatic transmission | Gas: Direct Shift – 8AT, 8-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission
Hybrid: Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) | | | Suspension | Font: Independent MacPherson strut suspension with stabilizer bar
Rear: Multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar | Front: Independent MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar; trailing-wishbone suspension (XSE on gas model uses a sport-tuned MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar)
Rear: Multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar | | | Steering Type: | Electric Power Steering (EPS); electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion | Electric Power Steering (EPS); electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion | | | Turning Circle Diameter (curb- to-curb) | 19.03 ft | 37.4 ft. | | | Brakes | Ventilated disc | Front: Power-assisted Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid Disc (gas); Solid Disc with Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB) system and integrated regenerative braking (hybrid) | | | Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | Standard | Standard | | | Wheels and Tires | XLE: 18” Aluminum wheel with all season tires
Limited : 20” Aluminum wheel with all season tires
Platinum : 20” Aluminum wheel with all season tires | L/LE: 18-in. Painted Alloy
XLE: 18-in. Machined Alloy
XSE: 20-in, Machined Painted Alloy (gas only trim)
Bronze Edition: 18-in. bronze-finish alloy wheels (hybrid only trim)
Limited:: 20-in. Alloy with Chrome Finish (gas); 20-in. Alloy (hybrid)
Platinum: 20-in. Painted Alloy | | | Spare Tire/Wheel | Temporary | Temporary | | | Wheelbase | 116.1 in. | 112.2 in. | | | Overall Length | 201.4 in. | 194.9 in. | | | Overall Width | 78.3 in. (w/o mirrors) | 76.0 in. | | | Overall Height | 70.1 in. (without antenna) | 68.1 in. | | | Ground Clearance | 8.0 in. | 8.0 in. | | | Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 | 7 or 8 | | | Headroom w/ panoramic moonroof | Front: 40 in.
Second: 38.5 in.
Third: 37.2 in. | Front: 38.4 in.
Second: 37.1 in.
Third: 36.1 in. | | | Headroom w/out panoramic moonroof | Front: 41.5 in.
Second: 40.2 in.
Third: 37.2 in. | Front: 39.9 in.
Second: 39.4 in.
Third: 36.1 in. | | | Legroom | Front: 41.7 in.
Second: 39.5 in.
Third: 33.5 in. | Front (gas/hybrid): 42.0/40.4 in.
Second (gas/hybrid): : 38.7/41.0 in.
Third (gas/hybrid): : 28/27.7 in. | | | Shoulder Room | Front: 60.2 in.
Second: 58.8 in.
Third: 57.5 in. | Front: 59.0 in.
Second: 58.4 in.
Third: 55.0 in. | | | Hip Room | Front: 56.5 in.
Second: 57.0 in.
Third: 45.7 in. | Front: 57.2 in.
Second: 57.0 in.
Third: 45.6 in. | | | Cargo Volume | Front: 97.5 cu. ft.
Second: 57.9 cu. ft.
Third: 20.6 cu. ft. | Front: 84.3 cu. ft.
Second: 48.4 cu. ft.
Third: 16 cu. ft. | | | EPA Passenger Volume | 149.0 cu. ft. (Panoramic Moonroof)
153.3 cu. ft. (Normal roof) | Gas/hybrid: 138.9/136.1 cu. ft. (Panoramic Moonroof)
Gas/hybrid: 144.5/141.3 cu. ft. (Normal roof) | | | EPA Class | Midsize SUV | Midsize SUV | | | Curb Weight (FWD/AWD) | XLE FWD: 4,300 lbs.
Limited FWD: 4,420 lbs XLE AWD: 4,455 lbs.
Limited/Platinum AWD: 4,575 lbs. XLE Hybrid FWD: 4,455 lbs.
XLE Hybrid AWD: 4,575 lbs. Limited Hybrid AWD: 4,710 lbs.
Limited/Platinum Hybrid MAX AWD: 4,920 lbs. | Gas L FWD/AWD: 4,155/4,332 lbs.
Gas LE FWD/AWD: 4,155/4,332 lbs.
Gas XLE FWD/AWD: 4,199/4,376 lbs.
Gas XSE FWD/AWD: 4,221/4,420 lbs.
Gas LTD FWD/AWD: 4,265/4,453 lbs.
Gas PLTM FWD/AWD: 4,265/4,453 lbs.
Hybrid LE FWD/AWD: 4,330/4,465 lbs.
Hybrid XLE FWD/AWD: 4,365/4,515 lbs.
Hybrid BRONZE FWD/AWD: 4,365/4,515 lbs.
Hybrid LTD FWD/AWD: 4,430/4,595 lbs.
Hybrid PLTM FWD/AWD: 4,430/4,595 lbs. | | | GVWR (FWD/AWD) | XLE/Limited FWD: 6,010 lbs. XLE/Limited/Platinum AWD: 6,030 lbs. XLE Hybrid FWD: 6,030 lbs.
XLE Hybrid AWD: 6,085 lbs. Limited Hybrid AWD: 6,125 lbs.
Limited/Platinum Hybrid MAX AWD: 6,340 lbs. | Gas L to Platinum: 5,870/5,970 lbs.
Hybrid LE to Platinum: 5,960/6,000 lbs. | | | Max Towing Capacity | Hybrid: 3,500 lbs.
Gas/Hybrid MAX: 5,000 lbs. | Hybrid: 3,500 lbs.
Gas/Hybrid MAX: 5,000 lbs. | | | Fuel Capacity | 17.17 gal. (Hybrid/Hybrid MAX)
17.83 gal. (Gas) | Gas: 17.9
Hybrid: 17.1 | | ## **The bottom line** There are a lot of things to consider when buying a three-row family hauler – from fuel economy all the way to whether it’ll fit in your garage. In the Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Highlander comparo, both vehicles are stylish and have [comfortable ride and handling for a road trip](), but the question is which one will be right for you and your family. Sure, check out the specs, but get in a solid test drive, too. The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander will be available in July. ## Related vehicle coverage - [2024 Toyota Grand Highlander]() ## Structured page information ~~~json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Article", "@id": "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2023/06/toyota-grand-highlander-vs-highlander-a-spec-by-spec-comparison/#article", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2023/06/toyota-grand-highlander-vs-highlander-a-spec-by-spec-comparison/" }, "author": { "name": "Jill Ciminillo", "@id": "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/#/schema/person/17a307b2bd8654a0efc57d38f2e79df8" }, "headline": "Toyota Grand Highlander vs. Highlander: A spec-by-spec comparison", "datePublished": "2023-06-01T16:11:58+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-08-19T16:08:08+00:00", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@id": "https://pickuptrucktalk.com/2023/06/toyota-grand-highlander-vs-highlander-a-spec-by-spec-comparison/" }, "wordCount": 437, "commentCount": 0, "publisher": { "@id": 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