The Toyota Grand Highlander is the roomier choice, especially for adults using the third row and for families carrying luggage with all three rows occupied. The regular 2026 Highlander is smaller by Toyota’s published cargo figure and comes with gas or hybrid power; the 2027 Grand Highlander offers gas, hybrid, and Hybrid MAX powertrains. Because the latest specifications cover different model years, compare the exact year and grade you plan to buy.
What is the difference between the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander?
The main difference is passenger and cargo room. Toyota describes the 2027 Grand Highlander’s third row as adult-sized and lists 33.5 inches of third-row legroom. The regular 2026 Highlander’s published release does not give a directly comparable third-row measurement, so the available figures do not support a precise dimension-by-dimension comparison.
The powertrain lineups differ, too. The 2026 Highlander is available with a turbocharged gas engine or a hybrid system. For 2027, the Grand Highlander adds a higher-output Hybrid MAX option alongside gas and standard hybrid powertrains. Toyota’s descriptions and figures below are manufacturer claims and estimates, not independent test results. See Toyota’s 2026 Highlander specifications and 2027 Grand Highlander specifications.
Is the Grand Highlander bigger than the Highlander?
Yes, the published cargo maximum is higher for the Grand Highlander: Toyota lists up to 97.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat in the 2027 model, compared with up to 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded in the 2026 Highlander. These figures come from different model years and Toyota’s descriptions of their folded-seat configurations.
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Which Highlander has more third-row space?
The Grand Highlander has the stronger documented case for third-row use. Toyota calls its 2027 third row adult-sized and reports 33.5 inches of legroom and 37.2 inches of headroom. Toyota also says it can hold seven carry-on suitcases with all three rows in use. Those are Toyota-published claims; the reviewed 2026 Highlander release does not provide matching third-row measurements or a comparable suitcase count.
How much cargo space does each one have?
| Model year and vehicle | Maximum cargo capacity reported by Toyota | Seat configuration stated by Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Highlander | Up to 84.3 cubic feet | Second and third rows folded |
| 2027 Grand Highlander | Up to 97.5 cubic feet | Rear seats folded flat |
The figures are from Toyota’s releases for different model years and are not independent measurements. See the 2027 Grand Highlander and Woodland Edition announcement for Toyota’s details on the latter model.
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Which one gets better gas mileage?
On Toyota’s published combined estimates, the hybrid versions are more efficient than their gas or Hybrid MAX counterparts, but the exact figure depends on model year, grade, and drivetrain. These are manufacturer estimates, not observed fuel economy.
| Model year and powertrain | Drivetrain or grade qualification | Toyota-estimated combined MPG |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Highlander gas | Lineup figure | 24 |
| 2026 Highlander Hybrid | Lineup figure | 35 |
| 2027 Grand Highlander gas | Listed FWD models | 24 |
| 2027 Grand Highlander gas | Listed AWD models | 23 |
| 2027 Grand Highlander Hybrid | XLE FWD | 36 |
| 2027 Grand Highlander Hybrid | Listed AWD grades | 34 |
| 2027 Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX | Lineup figure | 27 |
For a purchase comparison, check the estimate for the specific grade and drivetrain rather than treating a model’s best figure as universal. Toyota’s 2026 Highlander release and 2027 Grand Highlander specifications identify the relevant model-year figures.
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What powertrains and drivetrains are available?
| Vehicle and model year | Powertrain choices stated by Toyota | Drivetrain detail |
|---|---|---|
| Highlander, 2026 | 2.4-liter turbo gas, 265 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque; or hybrid, 243 net combined horsepower | AWD standard across the lineup; Toyota describes the hybrid system as electronic on-demand AWD |
| Grand Highlander, 2027 | 2.4-liter turbo gas, 265 horsepower; 2.5-liter hybrid, 245 total system horsepower; or Hybrid MAX, 362 total system horsepower | FWD and AWD availability varies by grade and powertrain; Toyota’s MPG figures distinguish listed FWD and AWD versions |
Power figures use Toyota’s stated horsepower descriptions: the Highlander Hybrid figure is net combined horsepower, while the Grand Highlander figures are described as total system horsepower for its hybrid options. Check the specific grade for drivetrain availability before comparing vehicles.
Can either one tow 5,000 pounds?
Yes, depending on powertrain. Toyota lists up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity for the 2026 Highlander gas model and 2027 Grand Highlander gas and Hybrid MAX models. Toyota lists up to 3,500 pounds for the 2026 Highlander Hybrid and 2027 Grand Highlander hybrid grades. Confirm the rating and equipment for the exact vehicle and intended setup with Toyota before towing.
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How do their starting prices compare?
Toyota’s announced U.S. starting MSRPs offer reference points, but these are not like-for-like prices: the model years and entry grades differ. Both exclude dealer processing and handling.
| Vehicle and model year | Published starting MSRP | Grade or powertrain qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Highlander, 2026 | $45,270 | Gas starting MSRP |
| Highlander, 2026 | $47,020 | Hybrid XLE starting MSRP |
| Grand Highlander, 2027 | $42,560 | Gas LE FWD entry grade |
| Grand Highlander, 2027 | $45,910 | Hybrid starting MSRP |
These U.S. figures were published in Toyota’s 2026 Highlander announcement and 2027 Grand Highlander specifications. They do not establish the price of a comparably equipped vehicle; compare current local quotes for the grades and options you want.
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Which one should you choose?
- Choose the Grand Highlander if adults will regularly use the third row, or you want more published cargo capacity while retaining three-row seating. Its 2027 lineup also includes Hybrid MAX, Toyota’s highest-output option among the models compared here.
- Consider the 2026 Highlander if you want its gas or hybrid configuration and the available space suits your passengers and cargo. Toyota made AWD standard across that model-year lineup.
- Compare exact versions if efficiency or towing is decisive. The published MPG and towing ratings change with powertrain, grade, and drivetrain; a nameplate-level comparison can hide those differences.
There is also a future model-year distinction to keep clear: Toyota announced an all-electric 2028 Highlander, separate from the 2026 gas-and-hybrid Highlander discussed above. Toyota says the 2028 model will seat up to seven and be offered in XLE and Limited grades; its announcement lists 77.0-kWh or 95.8-kWh battery options depending on grade and drivetrain, with estimated ranges from 270 to 315 miles by configuration. Those are announced future-model specifications, not specifications for the 2026 Highlander. See Toyota’s 2028 Highlander announcement.
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