2027 Toyota Highlander vs Grand Highlander
2027 Toyota Highlander vs Grand Highlander: Which Three-Row Fits Your Family?
The Highlander is now all-electric, and the Grand Highlander offers gas and hybrid power. Here is how they compare.
Toyota’s two Highlander names no longer mean the same kind of vehicle. For 2027 the Highlander is an all-electric three-row SUV, while the Grand Highlander is offered with a gas engine, a hybrid and a Hybrid MAX. This guide lines them up using Toyota’s published information and explains which may fit a High Desert family.
About This Comparison
Toyota’s information for the 2027 Highlander and 2027 Grand Highlander comes from our own guides to each model, which summarize Toyota’s announcements. Range for the Highlander is a manufacturer estimate from testing, not an EPA rating, and fuel economy for the Grand Highlander is manufacturer-estimated. Details can change, so confirm the specifics for the trim you want.
The Highlander and Grand Highlander at a Glance
| Category | 2027 Highlander | 2027 Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | All-electric | 2.4L turbo gas, Hybrid, or Hybrid MAX |
| Power | 221 hp single-motor FWD; 338 hp dual-motor AWD | 265 hp gas; 245 hp Hybrid; 362 hp Hybrid MAX (total system) |
| Range or fuel economy | Up to 320 miles, AWD, estimated; battery 77.0 or 95.8 kWh | Up to 36 mpg combined Hybrid FWD, 34 AWD; Hybrid MAX up to 27; gas up to 24 FWD, 23 AWD (manufacturer-estimated) |
| Charging | Native NACS port; vehicle-to-load when equipped; DC fast charge 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes under ideal conditions, as reported | Not applicable |
| Seating | Up to 7 | Up to 8; 7 with captain’s chairs on Woodland Edition |
| Cargo | Up to 45 cu ft with the third row folded | 97.5 cu ft with the rear seats folded |
| Towing | Not in the information we used | 5,000 lbs (gas), 3,500 lbs (Hybrid), 5,000 lbs (Hybrid MAX) |
| Safety suite | Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 |
| Trims | XLE and Limited at launch | Varies by powertrain; Woodland Edition is a Hybrid with AWD |
Range and fuel economy figures are manufacturer estimates for comparison only; actual results vary with driving conditions, temperature, load and driving style. Towing varies by configuration; see the Owner’s Manual. Cargo figures are measured differently and are not a direct comparison.
Electric or Hybrid: The Big Difference
The 2027 Highlander has a standard single-motor front-drive setup with 221 hp and 198 lb-ft of torque, and an available dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with 338 hp and 323 lb-ft. Toyota lists two battery sizes, 77.0 kWh and 95.8 kWh, and estimates up to 320 miles of range for the all-wheel-drive version. The Grand Highlander has three choices: a gas engine, a Hybrid and a Hybrid MAX with the highest output of the line.
The right one depends mostly on charging. If you can charge at home or at work, the electric Highlander can cover most daily driving without gas. If you cannot, or if you take long desert trips where chargers are far apart, a Grand Highlander Hybrid refuels in minutes and does not need a plug.
Charging and Range in the High Desert
The Highlander uses a native NACS charging port, which Toyota says gives access to more DC fast-charging stations across North America, and it offers vehicle-to-load power when equipped. Toyota’s range figure is an estimate from manufacturer testing. Real-world range is lower in extreme heat or cold, at highway speeds, with a full load, or when climbing grades such as the Cajon Pass, so plan trips toward Big Bear, Mammoth or Las Vegas with your charging stops in mind. Published reports of Toyota’s announcement say a 10% to 80% DC fast charge takes about 30 minutes under ideal conditions, and charging time in the real world varies with the charger, temperature and battery level, so ask us for details.
Space, Seating and Towing
- Highlander seats up to 7
- Grand Highlander seats up to 8
- Grand Highlander tows up to 5,000 lbs (gas, Hybrid MAX)
- Highlander towing not listed in our information
The Grand Highlander lists an adult-sized third row with 33.5 inches of legroom and 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Toyota lists up to 45 cubic feet for the Highlander with the third row folded. Those are measured differently, so sit in both and load your own gear. If you tow a trailer or boat, the Grand Highlander’s listed ratings are the ones available to compare, and the Highlander’s rating is something to ask us about.
Safety and Technology
The Highlander uses Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, and the Grand Highlander uses Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. Both include Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist and Automatic High Beams. The Highlander has a 14-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch driver display, and the Grand Highlander has a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both are driver assistance systems and do not replace attentive driving.
Which One Fits Your Family?
The Highlander may fit if you can charge at home or work, want an all-electric three-row SUV, and mostly drive daily routes in and around Victorville, Hesperia and Apple Valley. The Grand Highlander may fit if you want to refuel without planning around chargers, tow, or need a third row for adults and eight seats.
Both are Toyota three-row SUVs, and the best way to decide is to drive them. For more detail, read our guides to the all-electric Highlander and the Grand Highlander.
What else do High Desert families ask about the Highlander and Grand Highlander?
Is the 2027 Toyota Highlander electric?
Yes. For 2027 the Highlander is an all-electric three-row SUV, available with single-motor front-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive. Availability changes often, so call ahead to ask when units are expected to arrive.
What is the difference between the Highlander and Grand Highlander?
The Highlander is all-electric for 2027 and seats up to 7. The Grand Highlander is offered with a gas engine, a Hybrid and a Hybrid MAX and seats up to 8.
How far can the 2027 Highlander go on a charge?
Toyota estimates up to 320 miles for the dual-motor all-wheel-drive version, based on manufacturer testing. Actual range varies with speed, temperature, load and terrain.
Which can tow more?
Toyota lists the Grand Highlander at 5,000 lbs for the gas and Hybrid MAX models and 3,500 lbs for the Hybrid. We did not find a towing rating for the Highlander, so ask us. Towing varies by configuration, so see the Owner’s Manual.
Can I test drive them in Victorville?
Yes. Call Valley Hi Toyota at (866) 632-6290 to ask about availability and schedule a visit, and call ahead to confirm the models you want to see.
More from the Valley Hi Toyota blog: model guides, comparisons, recall updates and High Desert driving tips.
See Them in Person
Visit Valley Hi Toyota at 14612 Valley Center Dr, Victorville or call (866) 632-6290 to ask which models and trims are available.
Range and fuel economy figures are manufacturer estimates for comparison only and vary with conditions. Towing varies by configuration; see the Owner’s Manual. Driver assistance features do not replace attentive driving. Specifications are as listed by Toyota and may change.
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