Three Key Differences Between the 2023 Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander

For 2023, Toyota sees its Highlander family grow by a whole model…and by six inches, as that is how much longer the all-new Grand Highlander is than the current Highlander. That means more headroom and legroom for third-row passengers and more cargo space, too. Of course, the changes go much deeper than that.

A Pair of Hybrids

While the two models share the same turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine good for 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, once you upgrade to the Hybrid version of either one, things change.

Both get the same base hybrid engine – a 2.5-litre Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder good for 243 hp and 173 lb-ft. Those are fine figures but the Grand Highlander is bigger – and heavier -- so it gets an optional Hybrid Max powertrain for just a little more oomph. Said “oomph” is provided by a 2.4L turbocharged hybrid motor plus an EV motor for a frankly startling 362 hp and 400 lb-ft, enough for a sub-seven second 0-100 km/h time. 

Big Tech

We mean that literally; both vehicles get Toyota’s all new infotainment system that’s faster and more robust that previous, but only the Grand Highlander comes standard with a 12.3” touchscreen, while the Highlander makes do with an 8” display unless you upgrade to the Limited AWD trim. 

Also standard in the Grand Highlander but optional in the Highlander is wireless charging, but both get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Those come wireless as standard in the Grand Highlander, but come as an option on the Highlander.

The Safer Choice

You’ll find features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and automatic high beams in both the Hybrid and Grand Hybrid models, but it’s only in the latter that we find Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. That means it gets improvements such as an updated blind spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. Also standard on the Grand Highlander is Proactive Driving Assist, which helps drivers by gently applying the brakes through curves automatically as well as helping maintain a safe distance from pedestrians or cyclists. 

Overall, both the 2023 Toyota Highlander and 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander will give you a lot of interior space, plenty of cargo capacity, impressive technology and remarkable refinement. It really all depends on the features you are looking for in your next SUV and how much space you ultimately need. Pricing hasn’t been announced for the new 2023 Toyota Grand Highlander, but you can expect a premium over the current 2023 Highlander’s roughly $48,500 starting price.