Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Toyota has just about every base covered when it comes to the SUV market. Picking between them can be a time-consuming affair, especially if you aren't sure of what each model offers. If you are looking for a three-row SUV, then the Grand Highlander and Sequoia are both great choices, but one costs over $20,000 more than the other in base trim.Part of this comes down to the fact that the Sequoia is a full-size SUV, while the Grand Highlander is one size down. But they differ in several other key areas, and knowing these differences can help you make a more informed buying decision. So let's dive into the pros and cons of both models.Toyota Grand Highlander2025-2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum in Storm CloudView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementBuilt on the unibody TNGA-K platform, the Grand Highlander is designed specifically to solve the third-row and cargo constraints of the standard Highlander. You may be wondering why we aren't comparing these two models, and that's because the Highlander is being replaced by an all-new EV model, and it remains a smaller and less spacious offering than the current grand highlander.Something else the Grand Highlander has going for it is choice, both in powertrains and trim levels. You can pick from a 265-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four, a fuel-efficient 245-hp 2.5-liter hybrid, or the range-topping Hybrid MAX setup that pairs the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with electric motors to punch out 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Trim choices span LE, XLE, Limited, Nightshade, and Platinum.Even the base LE gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and up to 13 bottle holders ensuring that staying hydrated won't be an issue. Practicality is where the Grand Highlander really shines, despite its slightly smaller exterior footprint compared to full-size body-on-frame SUVs, it offers at east as much passenger and cargo space. We'll go into more detail about that once we cover the basics of the Sequoia.Toyota SequoiaView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementUnlike the Grand Highlander, the Sequoia is based on the rugged TNGA-F body-on-frame architecture used by the Tundra pickup. That means it's designed for serious heavy-duty work, and to ensure you don't get left behind in traffic, every model gets a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 mated to an electric motor and a 10-speed automatic transmission powering all four wheels. Delivering 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, the Sequoia feels responsive even when fully loaded. The lineup spans SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, 1794 Edition, and the range-topping Capstone.The base trims get a standard 8.0-inch display, while higher trims get a larger 14.0-inch central touchscreen, alongside available semi-aniline leather, power-deploying running boards, and an acoustic glass cabin. Despite it being larger externally than the Grand Highlander, the Sequoia's body-in-frame design, suspension layout and battery placement compromise interior packaging. This means you get less passenger and cargo room than this full-size SUVs dimensions might suggest.Toyota Grand Highlander vs Toyota Sequoia: Price, Performance, and Power2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum in Ruby Flare PearlChase BierenkovenView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleMake and ModelToyota Grand HighlanderToyota SequoiaEngine2.4L Turbo I4 / 2.5L Hybrid / 2.4L Turbo Hybrid MAX3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid (i-FORCE MAX)Power245–362 hp437 hpTorque310–400 lb-ft583 lb-ft0–60 mph5.6–7.0 sec est5.5 sec estFuel Economy21/28 MPG (Gas) – 37/34 MPG (Hybrid)21/24 MPG (4x2) – 19/22 MPG (4x4)Max Towing Capacity3,500–5,000 lbs9,500 lbsBase Trim$42,260 (LE)$65,725 (SR5)Mid-Spec Trim$46,780 (Hybrid XLE)$71,495 (Limited)Top Trim$60,175 (Hybrid MAX Platinum)$86,135 (Capstone)There is a significant price gap between the entry level Grand Highlander and Sequoia models, and even the 362hp Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum trim still comes in at less than the price you'll pay for the Sequoia SR5. If you are willing to sacrifice some performance and kit, the lower spec Grand Highlander trims with either the hybrid or gas-only engine options are comparatively great value.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Sequoia is certainly the more rugged and capable off-road vehicle, and tows almost twice as much as the Grand Highlander, but if you are considering this full-size SUV purely because of its larger size, then you may be disappointed.Dimensions and Interior Space ComparisonView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleDimensionToyota Grand HighlanderToyota SequoiaOverall Length / Width / Height201.4 in / 78.3 in / 72.1 in208.1 in / 79.8 in / 75.4 inFirst Row Headroom41.5 in39.3 inFirst Row Legroom41.7 in41.2 inSecond Row Headroom40.2 in38.4 inSecond Row Legroom39.5 in39.2 inThird Row Legroom33.5 in28.1–33.7 in (Sliding)Cargo Space (Behind 3rd Row)20.6 cu ft11.5–22.3 cu ftCargo Space (Behind 2nd Row)57.9 cu ft49.0 cu ftMax Cargo Space (Behind 1st Row)97.5 cu ft86.9 cu ftDespite measuring nearly 7 inches shorter in overall length, the Grand Highlander's unibody construction allows for a lower floor, providing easier entry, more generous headroom across the board, and over 10 additional cubic feet of maximum cargo space compared to the truck-based Sequoia's 86.9 cubic feet.Perhaps even more surprising is the fact that the Grand Highlander has more space for occupants in all three rows, too. The Sequoia offers slightly more cargo space behind the third row when those seats are pushed fully forward, but that seriously limits legroom for the hapless third row passengers.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Sequoia comes into its own when you need to tow seriously heavy stuff. Whereas the Grand Highlander can tow between 3,500 and 5,000 lbs, the Sequoia manages an impressive 9,500 pounds, and comes with integrated trailer brake controller, tow modes, and an available trailer backup guide system. But if you want the more spacious three-row SUV, the Grand Highlander has it beat.Toyota Grand Highlander vs Toyota Sequoia ReliabilityJared Rosenholtz/AutoblogConsumer Reports Predicted Reliability202420252026Toyota Grand Highlander47 / 10099 / 10062 / 100Toyota Sequoia31 / 100N/A48/100While both models leverage existing Tech across Toyota's broad vehicle range, only the Grand Highlander seems to deliver the kind of rock-solid reliability the brand is known for. It has scores well above average in predicted reliability in recent years, with a stellar 99/100 in 2025. The Sequoia has scored far lower primarily due to reported issues with the twin-turbo V6 engine which has not been as reliable as the old V8. Driver-assistance calibration niggles, and trim and infotainment problems, that have now hopefully been dealt with. As it stands, the Grand Highlander is more likely to deliver trouble-free ownership experience.Which One Is Best?View the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleToyota's two largest three-row SUVs may both be capable of seating seven to eight occupants, but they differ markedly in several key areas. The Grand Highlander is far cheaper, way more fuel efficient, and can be had with three differing engine options from mild to relatively wild. Having a unibody construction means that it is not as suited to serious duty work like the Sequoia's body-on frame design, but it rides better and has more interior space despite being smaller overall. It's by far the better choice as a daily driver or suburban family hauler.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Sequoia is a solid, old-school full-size body-on-frame SUV, but with a thoroughly modern 3.4-liter turbocharged V6 powerplant and the latest tech Toyota has to offer. It's four-wheel-drive system is far more capable off-road, and the TRD Pro trim makes it even more competent off the beaten path. It is also capable of towing close to 10,000 pounds. You won't go as far on a tank of gas, but the Sequoia is certainly not short on power, and can be specced up to a level of luxury that is not possible in the Grand Highlander. The answer to which is best comes down to your specific needs and budget, but as an overall package, the Grand Highlander takes some beating.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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