Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour being the most notable update. The design was described as over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was criticized for its mismatched textures, reflections, and a lack of quality in materials and controls. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride on the road.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was built on the TNGA-K platform and was a true crossover, sharing its underpinnings with several other Toyota models. It was larger than its competitors, offering a spacious interior with a conservative yet rugged design. The Grand Highlander was available in three trims, with the top Platinum Hybrid trim featuring Portobello upholstery. It provided a comfortable and well-built interior, with ample space and thoughtful features like second-row sunshades and a removable centre console. The Grand Highlander was praised for its quality materials and seamless fit, making it an excellent choice for road trips.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. It offered standard AWD and was designed for fuel economy, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system. However, it lacked high-speed passing power and had a towing capacity of 1,588 kilograms. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a CVT that contributed to a lack of engagement.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, including a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder with 265 horsepower, a 2.5-litre hybrid with 245 horsepower, and the Hybrid Max powertrain with 362 horsepower. All models featured AWD, and the Hybrid Max provided impressive acceleration. The Grand Highlander was noted for its solid brakes and adequate acceleration, though it lacked the tight handling of some competitors. It offered multiple drive modes, including Sport, Eco, and Normal, with additional off-road modes for gas-only and Hybrid Max models.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid could accommodate seven or eight passengers, though the third row was best for occasional use. It featured three-zone automatic climate control and power-adjustable front seats. The interior had useful features like a dashboard shelf and rubber-lined cupholders, but storage areas were unlined, and the centre console design was complex. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with the second row folded.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its rivals, offering 2,761 litres of total cargo capacity. It provided 1,640 litres behind the second row and 583 litres with all seats up. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with good visibility and ample room in all rows. The Grand Highlander was praised for its practicality and comfort, making it a strong choice for families.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a new 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim had a 12.3-inch display with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. The technology was user-friendly, though the graphics could be improved.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering an intelligent assistant, cloud-based navigation, and dual-device Bluetooth connectivity. The JBL stereo was standard on higher trims and provided good sound quality. The Grand Highlander's tech offerings were a significant improvement, though subscription options required careful consideration.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors on higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The updated system could identify three-dimensional objects, reducing false warnings. Traffic jam assist and a head-up display were exclusive to the Platinum grade.