When it comes to purchasing a new Toyota, two names stand out: the Grand Highlander and the Land Cruiser. Both vehicles promise an exceptional driving experience, but they cater to different needs. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly SUV, a rugged off-roading vehicle, or simply something that blends both, this detailed guide will help you make an informed decision.
In this article, we’ll explore the features of the Grand Highlander vs Land Cruiser, examining everything from design and performance to off-road capabilities and pricing.
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Understanding the Key Differences of Grand Highlander vs Land Cruiser
The Grand Highlander and Land Cruiser are two of Toyota’s most popular models, but they’re built for different purposes. The Grand Highlander focuses on providing luxury, comfort, and practicality for families, while the Land Cruiser is engineered for rugged off-roading adventures. If you are confused which one between these two SUVs, focus only on the benefits and features.
This article will clear all the information you need to know about this vehicle. We will focus primarily on the interior, exterior designs and fuel efficiency. By the end of it, you’ll have a better understanding of which vehicle suits your lifestyle best.
Exterior Design and Styling
When it comes to the Grand Highlander vs Land Cruiser, the exterior design is one of the first things that will catch your attention. These two vehicles are styled quite differently, each catering to specific tastes and needs.
Grand Highlander: A Modern, Sleek SUV
The Grand Highlander has a polished, modern design that appeals to families looking for a vehicle that blends style with practicality. With a streamlined, aerodynamic body and a focus on luxury, the Grand Highlander offers an elegant appearance that’s perfect for both city driving and weekend getaways.
Land Cruiser: Built for Adventure
In contrast, the Land Cruiser is all about strength and durability. Designed for rugged terrains, it has a more boxy, muscular appearance that reflects its off-road capabilities. The large tires, high ground clearance, and robust body panels make it an intimidating presence on the road. If you love adventure and off-roading, the Land Cruiser’s design is a statement of its ability to conquer any terrain.
Interior Comfort and Features
Moving inside, both the Grand Highlander and Land Cruiser offer exceptional comfort, but they cater to different preferences.
Grand Highlander: Comfort and Technology
The Grand Highlander is designed with families in mind. With up to 8 seats and premium materials, it offers spacious seating for up to eight passengers. From the leather upholstery to the advanced tech features, it’s a luxurious ride that ensures both driver and passengers have a smooth, enjoyable experience. This vehicle has a top-notch infotainment system, with a large touchscreen, voice recognition, and seamless connectivity.
There is also a pre-collision system on the Grand Highlander, as well as adaptive cruise control. Its safety and convenience features make it an excellent choice.
Land Cruiser: Utility and Durability
While the Grand Highlander emphasizes luxury, the Land Cruiser is built for durability. The interior is designed to withstand harsh conditions, with materials that can handle the wear and tear of off-road adventures. The Land Cruiser offers ample space for passengers and gear, despite not being as sleek as the Grand Highlander. The seats are built for long trips, and the infotainment system is simple but effective, providing essential features for those focused on the road ahead.
Performance and Engine Options
Now, let’s talk about what really matters: performance. Both the Grand Highlander and Land Cruiser offer exceptional power, but they perform in different ways.
Grand Highlander: A Smooth Ride for Daily Driving
You can choose from a variety of engine options to suit your driving needs in the Grand Highlander. The hybrid powertrain is especially popular for those looking to improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing power. It’s a smooth ride that excels in urban environments, providing excellent handling and a comfortable driving experience. The Grand Highlander’s engine options also offer decent towing capacity, making it a good choice for light recreational use, such as towing a boat or trailer.
Land Cruiser: Off-Road Powerhouse
The Land Cruiser, on the other hand, is designed for power. With its large V8 engine, it delivers exceptional towing capacity and is capable of hauling heavy loads with ease.As well as three driving modes, the Land Cruiser features advanced off-road capabilities. Whether you're climbing a rocky mountain or driving through deep sand, the Land Cruiser is built to tackle challenges head-on.
Fuel Economy and Environmental Impact
When choosing between the Grand Highlander vs Land Cruiser, fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider, especially for daily commuters.
Grand Highlander: Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Options
The Grand Highlander comes with a hybrid engine option that significantly improves fuel efficiency compared to the Land Cruiser. With hybrid technology, the Grand Highlander offers an impressive miles per gallon (MPG) rating, making it an ideal choice for families who want to save on fuel costs
Land Cruiser: Power Comes at a Price
While the Land Cruiser is incredibly powerful, it does come with a higher fuel consumption. Its large V8 engine is designed for performance, but it’s not the most fuel-efficient option on the market. For drivers who prioritize off-roading and towing capacity over fuel economy, the Land Cruiser is a great choice, but those who need to save on gas might find the Grand Highlander’s hybrid engine more appealing.
Off-Road Capabilities
If off-roading is a key consideration for you, this is where the Land Cruiser shines.
Off-Road King: Land Cruiser
With its advanced 4WD system, solid axles, and reinforced body, it’s built to handle the toughest trails. Whether you're crossing rivers, climbing hills, or navigating through dense forests, the Land Cruiser is equipped to handle it all. With its off-road capabilities, the Land Cruiser is a top choice for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Grand Highlander: Capable, But Not a True Off-Roader
The Grand Highlander, while capable of handling light off-roading, isn’t designed for the same kind of extreme terrain that the Land Cruiser can tackle. It’s a versatile family SUV that can take you to the beach or through snowy conditions, but it’s not built for challenging off-road trails. If off-roading is a major priority for you, the Land Cruiser is the better option.
Technology and Infotainment
In today’s world, technology plays a big role in the driving experience. Both the Grand Highlander and Land Cruiser offer impressive tech features, but the focus differs.
Grand Highlander: Cutting-Edge Features
There is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the Grand Highlander, as well as navigation. It is intuitive and user-friendly, so drivers can stay connected while driving. Additional safety features include automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warnings.
Land Cruiser: Simplified, Yet Practical
While the Land Cruiser does offer a solid infotainment system, it’s not as advanced as the Grand Highlander’s. The Land Cruiser is equipped with essential features that get the job done, such as Bluetooth connectivity and a touchscreen interface. For those who prioritize off-road capability over tech, the Land Cruiser offers everything you need without the extra fluff.
Pricing and Value
When it comes to pricing, there’s a clear difference between the Grand Highlander vs Land Cruiser.
Grand Highlander: More Affordable for Families
The Grand Highlander is generally more affordable than the Land Cruiser, especially when you factor in the hybrid engine option. For families on a budget who want a well-equipped SUV with modern features, the Grand Highlander offers excellent value for money.
Land Cruiser: Premium Price for Premium Performance
The Land Cruiser, with its powerful engine and off-road capabilities, comes at a premium price. It’s more expensive than the Grand Highlander, but for those who need a vehicle that can handle extreme conditions, it’s worth the investment. The Land Cruiser also holds its value well, making it a good long-term investment for those who plan to keep their vehicle for many years.
Conclusion: Which SUV Should You Choose?
The decision between the Grand Highlander vs Land Cruiser ultimately comes down to your personal needs and preferences. A family-friendly SUV with comfort, technology, and fuel efficiency is the Grand Highlander. If you need a vehicle for daily commuting and occasional adventures, this is the right vehicle for you.
Alternatively, if you are a serious off-road enthusiast you need a vehicle that can handle anything
terrains, the Land Cruiser is unmatched. It’s built for adventure and performance, making it the perfect choice for those who need a reliable, powerful SUV for challenging conditions.
What are the main differences between the Grand Highlander and the Land Cruiser?
- Grand Highlander is a three-row, family-oriented SUV, focusing on comfort, space, and advanced features, while the Land Cruiser is built for rugged off-road adventures with a focus on durability and heavy-duty capability
Which model offers better fuel efficiency?
The Grand Highlander (especially the hybrid variant) offers significantly better fuel efficiency than the Land Cruiser, with the hybrid Grand Highlander achieving up to 35 MPG combined
, while the Land Cruiser is typically less efficient, given its larger engine and off-road capabilities
.
Is the Land Cruiser better suited for off-road adventures?
Yes, the Land Cruiser is specifically designed for off-roading with features like high ground clearance, rugged suspension, and a body-on-frame construction, making it more capable in challenging terrains compared to the Grand Highlander
How do both models compare in terms of safety?
Both vehicles are equipped with extensive safety features like Toyota's Safety Sense package, but the Land Cruiser is geared towards off-road safety and durability, while the Grand Highlander offers more family-oriented safety features like rear-seat alerts and parking sensor
.
Which model holds its value better over time?
- The Land Cruiser generally holds its value better than the Grand Highlander, given its iconic status and reputation for long-lasting reliability
.
Are there hybrid options available for both models?
- Yes, Grand Highlander offers a hybrid model, while the Land Cruiser does not currently have a hybrid option
.
What does the Grand Highlander compete with?
- The Grand Highlander competes with other large three-row SUVs like the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Chevrolet Traverse
.
How big is the Land Cruiser compared to the Highlander?
- The Land Cruiser is slightly smaller in length (194 inches) compared to the Grand Highlander (201 inches), but the Land Cruiser is heavier and designed for rugged off-road use
.
Is Grand Highlander larger than the Highlander?
- Yes, the Grand Highlander is larger than the standard Highlander, offering more cargo space and third-row seating
.
How much longer is the Grand Highlander?
- The Grand Highlander is about 7 inches longer than the regular Highlander, which contributes to its additional space
.
What are the disadvantages of the Highlander?
- The Highlander can feel cramped in the third row and lacks the rugged off-road capability of models like the Land Cruiser. It also does not have a hybrid option in all configurations
.
What is the Lexus version of the Grand Highlander?
- The Lexus RX L and Lexus GX serve as higher-end, luxury counterparts to the Highlander and Grand Highlander
.
Is the Sequoia bigger than the Grand Highlander?
- Yes, the Toyota Sequoia is larger, with more towing capacity and interior space, compared to the Grand Highlander
.
How much is a Grand Highlander?
- The 2024 Grand Highlander starts around $45,000 for the base model and can go up to $55,000 for higher trims
.
Is there a 2025 Grand Highlander?
- Yes, a 2025 Grand Highlander is expected, with some upgrades in technology and hybrid performance
.
Do Grand Highlander seats fold flat?
- Yes, the Grand Highlander offers seats that fold flat to increase cargo space
.
Is the Grand Highlander only hybrid?
- No, the Grand Highlander comes in both hybrid and non-hybrid options
