Jump Links2027 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander2027 Toyota Highlander InteriorToyota's midsize SUV lineup may be changing sooner than you think. Currently, the 2026 Highlander and 2026 Grand Highlander appeal to two different customer demographics. The Highlander is a smaller, more conventional SUV with a tighter third row and smaller rear cargo space. The Grand Highlander, as the name suggests, is a bigger SUV with a much more usable third row, even for adults, and a bigger cargo space.In February 2026, Toyota announced the 2027 Highlander, which will be the company's first all-electric three-row SUV. It is positioned as being bigger than the current Highlander but still not as big as the Grand Highlander. It can be tough to decide which one is the best for you with three SUVs seeming so similar at first glance. So, here is your comprehensive guide to the differences between the 2026 & 2027 Highlander versus the current Grand Highlander.All information has been sourced from the manufacturer or test drive experience, where available. All prices listed are MSRP, which does not include any offers or additional fees. Automakers reserve the right to update pricing at their own discretion and without notice. Toyota Highlander vs Toyota Grand Highlander: Design Differences 2026 Toyota Highlander SUV-4The 2026 Grand Highlander is still the best in terms of usability due to its overall length and height. This means it has the most usable third row for passengers with 33.5 inches of legroom and 37.2 inches of headroom without the panoramic sunroof. It also has the biggest cargo volume with all three rows folded up, at 20.6 cubic feet. With the third row folded down, that volume increases to 57.9 cubic feet. The 2026 Highlander, while it can seat seven to eight passengers, the third row is rather compromised. It has 28 inches of legroom and 36.1 inches of headroom in the last row. With all rows up, it offers 16 cubic feet of cargo space and 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded.In terms of the design of the Grand Highlander vs Highlander, both current generations are more traditional-looking SUVs, with options for sportier trims in the Highlander. The Grand Highlander gets eleven trims with multiple rim designs and colors on offer for both of them. However, the biggest departure in terms of design is the new 2027 Highlander.ToyotaThe 2027 Highlander follows Toyota's new design philosophy similar to the CH-R, with a hammerhead lightbar on the front and the lack of a grille. Based on similar underpinnings of the TNGA-K platform, similar to the 2026 Highlander and Grand Highlander, the 2027 Highlander ditches any ICE or hybrid powertrains for now and goes EV only. In terms of dimensions, it has the longest wheelbase out of all three, maximizing interior space. Interestingly, it is still shorter than the Grand Highlander and slightly longer than the current Highlander in the XSE trim. The new Highlander is also the same width as the Grand Highlander, further providing more cabin space, especially in that third row.While the official dimensions for the third row have not been released yet, Toyota says the 2027 Highlander offers 45 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded down. There is also no front trunk for added practicality. This is smaller than the current Highlander. We expect the EV Highlander to be considerably roomier in the third row. However, the Grand Highlander should still be the best of the bunch in terms of interior space. If we compare the Grand Highlander vs Highlander size, the Grand Highlander is the biggest of the bunch, with the 2027 Highlander being the second biggest. Engine And Performance: 2026 And Beyond The 2026 Highlander is available with two engine options. The only ICE variant gets an eight-speed automatic transmission whereas the hybrid gets a CVT. The Hybrid is considerably down on power as well, but its supreme fuel economy makes up for it if errand running is the main priority. Both engine options are adequate for the school run and shopping trips but will not get your heart racing, which is more than enough for a three-row practical SUV.The Grand Highlander gets the same two engines as the Highlander. However, there is also another Hybrid MAX trim available with a more powerful powertrain option. It produces the highest horsepower out of the range, with better fuel economy than the ICE-only variant. Although, the least powerful CVT-equipped hybrid powertrain is still the best for getting the most out of your tank. The Hybrid MAX is the best middle ground between great performance and good economy. 2027 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander 2027-toyota-highlander-limited-spellbound2tone-0018The 2027 Highlander is a complete departure from the Highlanders and Grand Highlanders of the past. There are two electric powertrains on offer, a front-wheel drive single-motor version that will be the entry-level model. The upgrade is an AWD dual motor setup with 338 hp. Both are powered by a 77kWh battery as standard. However, there is an option of a bigger 95.8-kWh battery on the dual motor version only. The EPA claims around 287 miles of range on the single motor vs around 320 miles with the larger battery.When compared to the Grand Highlander, the 2027 Highlander in its top spec is almost as powerful as the Hybrid MAX Grand Highlander. However, in terms of range, the EV is considerably worse than the hybrid powertrains, with the standard hybrid engine getting up to 619 miles of range on a single tank. The Highlander will also be heavier than the Grand, as is the case with many EVs. If you prefer the benefits and convenience of EVs, the 2027 Highlander is a fresh three-row SUV offered by Toyota. However, if you prefer a more traditional approach to an SUV, the Grand Highlander offers more powertrain options. Interior And Feature Comparison: Highlander vs. Grand Highlander 2026 toyota highlander interiorMaterials in the Highlander are premium, and the interior design, just like the exterior, follows the trend of being conventional rather than futuristic. You will have to opt for the higher trim levels for a bigger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, as the lower trims come with an eight-inch screen. The XLE and Limited trims bring the total seating capacity to eight with the addition of a second row bench instead of the captain's chairs. The third row, as mentioned before, is adequate for children, but adults will feel how cramped it is at the back.That is one of the main areas where the Grand Highlander excels when compared to the Highlander. The third row is adequate even for adults, with added room at the back for cargo. Apart from that, the second row remains largely the same. All Grand Highlander trims get the 12.3-inch screen as standard. 2027 Toyota Highlander Interior 2027-toyota-highlander-limited-mistygray-001aToyota has updated the interior for the new 2027 Highlander, just like the exterior. As is the case with many new modern interiors, it has followed the trend of minimalism, with two wireless chargers just below the large 14-inch screen. The Highlander's 12.3-inch screen now becomes the digital driver's display. Some physical controls are still retained for climate control, which is a welcome change.The second row can either be captain's chairs or a bench with an option for seat-heating in the second row as well. While we expect the third row to be roomier than the current Highlander, it is highly unlikely that it is better than the Grand Highlander. We expect the Grand Highlander to still have the edge over it for more than 5 adult passengers. Pricing: The Difference Between Highlander And Grand Highlander The Grand Highlander ranges from $41,860 to $59,775, while the 2026 Highlander starts at $45,870 and goes all the way up to $55,275. While the official prices of the 2027 Highlander have not been released, we expect it to start around the $50,000 mark. With the Grand Highlander being the cheapest among the three in its base trim, it seems like the obvious choice as it is also the largest for more than five passengers. However, for someone looking for a smaller car to drive in the city with just enough room for children, the Highlander is the perfect proposition. The 2027 Highlander seems like a better car than the 2026 in all regards, except the options of a hybrid or ICE-only powertrain. We will have to wait to see how much the base trim costs, and if going electric is the right move for the Highlander.