Interested in the Toyota Highlander but not sure which is best for your family? While they share the same name, they’re by no means equal in capabilities.

The Highlander has been a popular choice for families for years, thanks to its reliability, hybrid options, and overall practicality. But let’s be honest—while it’s a great car in many ways, it’s not always the most flexible option for families who need more space. That’s where the Toyota Grand Highlander comes in. It takes everything you love about the Highlander and adds the room and functionality that many families have been asking for.

If you’re new here—I’m Kelly the Car Mom and helping families find the best car for their needs is my thing. I’m a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), mom of four, and if there is one thing I know better than anything else—it’s family cars. If you’re debating between a Highlander and the Grand Highlander, this post will answer every question you might have—and help you decide which one is truly the best fit for your family.

Toyota Highlander vs. Grand Highlander At A Glance

Highlander: Reliable, efficient, and affordable midsize SUV, but tight on space for larger families or multiple car seats.
Grand Highlander: Larger, more spacious, and flexible for growing families, with a higher price tag but added comfort and features.
Key Difference: The Grand Highlander offers more usable third-row seating, better car seat configurations, and significantly more trunk space.

Both Highlanders Are Midsize SUVs, But They Are NOT The Same.

As a whole, midsize SUVs are what I consider to be a sweet spot for families. They offer more space than compact SUVs but don’t have the bulk (or price tag) of full-size options like the Suburban or Expedition Max. They’re versatile enough to handle school drop-offs, road trips, and daily errands while still being easy to drive and park. However, not all midsize SUVs are created equal.

The Toyota Highlander has been a staple in this category for years because of its dependability and hybrid options. But if you’ve ever tried to fit three car seats across the second row or pack for a weekend getaway with the third row up, you know it can feel tight.

The Grand Highlander addresses all these size issues by offering more space and upgraded features—without jumping into full-size SUV territory. It’s one of the largest midsize SUVs on the market and provides a really great option for growing families.

If you’re interested in learning more about each size, check out my post: Midsize vs. Full-Size SUVs: How To Choose What's Right For YOUR Family.

Is The Bigger Highlander Worth The More Expensive Price Tag?

Let’s start with one of the most important factors: price. The 2024 Toyota Highlander starts at $39,270 for the base LE trim and goes up to $53,375 for the fully loaded Platinum trim. It’s one of the most affordable midsize SUVs with hybrid options, offering up to 35 mpg combined—a huge win for fuel-conscious families looking to save on gas while staying within budget.

The Grand Highlander, on the other hand, starts at $43,630 for the base XLE trim and climbs to $59,460 for the top-tier Platinum Hybrid Max trim. While it comes with a higher price tag, it offers significantly more space and features that justify the cost.

If you’re planning to grow your family or need more flexibility for car seats and cargo, investing in the Grand Highlander might save you from needing to upgrade again in just a few years.

What Is The Size Difference Between The Highlander vs. Grand Highlander?

Spacing Highlights:

Highlander: Compact within the midsize SUV category; easier to maneuver but tight on interior space. Third-row seating is best suited for occasional use by kids or smaller passengers.

Grand Highlander: Larger in nearly every dimension with better legroom in all three rows and vastly improved cargo capacity. Offers a much more comfortable third row for older kids or adults.

Size is one of the biggest differences between these two SUVs—and it’s a major factor for families deciding between them. The standard Highlander is on the smaller side of midsize SUVs, making it easier to maneuver but less spacious inside. The Grand Highlander is significantly larger in nearly every dimension, offering more legroom in all three rows and vastly improved cargo capacity.

The third row in the standard Highlander is best suited for occasional use by kids or smaller passengers. The elevated floor leaves little room for legs, making it uncomfortable even for short trips. In contrast, the Grand Highlander offers a much more usable third row with better legroom and headroom. If you frequently transport older kids or adults in your third row—or just want your kids to be comfortable on longer drives—the Grand Highlander is a game-changer.

Car Seat Capabilities

Car Seat Highlights:

Highlander: Two sets of lower anchors in the second row; one tether anchor in the third row. Works for smaller families with fewer car seats.

Grand Highlander: Three sets of lower anchors across second and third rows (depending on trim), plus sliding second-row seats for better flexibility. Ideal for multiple car seats or three-across configurations.

As a CPST, I always pay close attention to car seat setups—and this is where the Grand Highlander really shines.

The standard Highlander has two sets of lower anchors in the second row and one tether anchor in the third row (located in the middle seat). While this setup works fine for smaller families with one or two car seats, it doesn’t offer much flexibility if you need three-across configurations or multiple forward-facing seats.

The Grand Highlander improves on this by offering three sets of lower anchors across its second and third rows (depending on trim). This added flexibility makes it much easier to install multiple car seats without sacrificing passenger comfort or visibility. Additionally, its second-row seats slide on tracks, allowing you to adjust the spacing between rows—a feature that’s especially helpful when balancing legroom needs for kids in car seats versus adults in the third row.

Trim Levels + Features

Both models come with Toyota’s reliable hybrid options, user-friendly infotainment systems, and family-focused amenities like sunshades and ceiling vents. However, there are some key differences worth noting:

The standard Highlander offers an efficient hybrid powertrain with up to 35 mpg combined—perfect for families looking to save on gas. The Grand Highlander’s hybrid max powertrain delivers more power without sacrificing much fuel efficiency (up to 27 mpg combined), making it better suited for larger families or those who frequently drive fully loaded.

In terms of interior features, both models include modern infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. However, I found that the Grand Highlander offers better usability overall thanks to its larger screen and simplified climate controls.

Third-Row Comfort

One of my biggest critiques of the standard Highlander has always been its third-row seating—it’s just too small! The elevated floor means passengers have little room for their legs, making it uncomfortable even for kids on longer trips.

The Grand Highlander addresses this issue by offering more space and thoughtful amenities like ceiling vents and USB-C ports. While it’s not quite as spacious as some competitors like the Hyundai Palisade or Kia Telluride (which lead their class in third-row legroom), it’s miles ahead of its smaller sibling.

Trunk Space

Trunk space is often one of the biggest deciding factors for families choosing between SUVs—and this is where the Grand Highlander really pulls ahead.

With all seats up, the standard Highlander offers minimal cargo capacity—barely enough room for a double stroller or grocery haul. This can be frustrating if you need to use your third row regularly but still want decent storage space.

The Grand Highlander solves this problem with a much larger trunk that can accommodate strollers, luggage, and other essentials without sacrificing passenger seating. Its wide and deep cargo area makes it one of the most practical options in its class for families who need both passenger seating and storage.

Which SUV Fits Your Family Best?

If you’re a smaller family with one or two kids—or if your kids are older and no longer need car seats—the standard Highlander might be all you need. It’s efficient, reliable, and offers plenty of features at a more affordable price point than the larger version.

However, if you have three or more kids (or plan to grow your family), I’d strongly recommend

considering the Grand Highlander instead. Its improved car seat flexibility, usable third row, and larger trunk make it far more practical for everyday family life. While it does come at a higher cost upfront, I believe it’s worth every penny if you’re looking for an SUV that can truly grow with your family.

Still unsure? Take them both for a test drive! Bring all the gear, car seats, and anything else you use on a daily basis to see which Highlander works best for your family.

Which Highlander option would work best for your family? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest car-buying tips for families, check out my recent posts:

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