Should you’re available in the market for a three-row household SUV, you’re prone to have these two automobiles in your procuring record: Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max and the Toyota Sequoia Hybrid, which seat 7/8 passengers.
Whereas each automobiles provide spacious and versatile interiors, ample area for weekend adventures, and towing functionality, deciding which one is best for you depends upon your particular wants. I’ve skilled the all-wheel drive specs of each fashions, and right here’s my evaluation.
Grand Highlander is anti-minivan
Steve Gates, Chairman, Toyota Nationwide Vendor Advisory Council, says the Toyota Grand Highlander will swimsuit some prospects whose households are rising and want one thing larger than the Highlander however not a truck mannequin (Sequoia), Automotive Information reported on January 26, 2023. Not all patrons need a minivan (Sienna) both, he added, additional profiling the goal buyer of the brand new SUV.
Household Hauler vs Journey-ready SUV
The Grand Highlander ought to simply carve a spot within the line-up, though the well-established Sequoia has just lately obtained an entire redesign, providing the comfort of seven seats. The Grand Highlander is extra of a household hauler designed for street journeys, whereas the Sequoia is for adventurous drives in comparatively tougher driving circumstances.
Primarily based on my expertise, ingress and egress are comparatively simpler within the Grand Highlander in comparison with the Sequoia. I additionally felt that the design of shell, door frames, and its ergonomics are extra car-like within the Grand Highlander.
The Sequoia targets adventure-minded households with an lively way of life who get off the overwhelmed path frequently. Its body-on-frame chassis would make it a extra sturdy mannequin than the Grand Highlander. Nonetheless, the previous is lighter and thus simpler to drive and maneuver.
Third row area
Though each SUVs present third-row seating, the Grand Highlander outdoes the Sequoia in third-row headroom and knee room. I’m a six-footer, and after I tried accessing the third row of each the automobiles, I felt that it was not solely simpler to get in but in addition the seats and area had been significantly better within the Grand Highlander.
| Characteristic | 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid Max | 2024 Sequoia Hybrid |
| Third row headroom | 37.2 in. | 35.6 in. |
| Third row legroom | 33.5 in. | 28.1 in. |
| Third row shoulder room | 57.5 in. | 62.6 in. |
| Third row hip room | 45.7 in. | 50.9 in. |
Gas effectivity issues
| Characteristic | 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid Max | 2024 Sequoia Hybrid |
| Engine | 2.4L 4cyl turbo | 3.5l V6 twin-turbo |
| System Energy | 362 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 437 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| System Torque | 400 lb-ft @ 2,000 – 3,000 rpm | 583 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm |
| Gas effectivity (metropolis/freeway/mixed) | 26/27/27 MPG | 19/22/20 MPG |
An enormous upside of the Grand Highlander is effectivity. It delivers an EPA-est. gas financial system of as much as 27 mpg (mixed), whereas the Sequoia can return solely as much as 20 mpg (mixed).
Cargo & Towing
| Characteristic | 2024 Grand Highlander Hybrid Max | 2024 Sequoia Hybrid |
| Towing Capability | 5,000 lbs | As much as 9,520 lbs (varies by trim) |
| Cargo Quantity (behind first row) | 97.5 cu ft | 86.9 cu ft |
| Cargo Area (seats up) | 20.6 cu ft | 22.3 cu ft |
| Floor clearance | 8.0 in. | 8.6 in. (9.1 in. TRD Professional) |
Whereas the Grand Highlander can’t match the Sequoia’s off-roading and towing capabilities, it really provides a extra usable cargo space. I say this as a result of the Sequoia’s boot ground is stepped, and requires a shelf system to create a flat ground. I used to be additionally stunned with the scale of the cargo space when all seats are folded within the Grand Highlander.
Verdict
The Sequoia AWD (beginning at USD 64,275) is ideal for American patrons who prioritize energy and toque, towing functionality, and off-road skill, even when it means sacrificing just a little trip consolation. The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max (beginning at USD 54,390) isn’t a mud-plugger, however it’s a best choice for a cushty, fuel-efficient household SUV that gives respectable energy for on a regular basis driving and occasional towing.
Additionally See: 2024 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid captivates in Blueprint physique coloration
An vehicle engineer by coaching, I’ve analyzed the worldwide automotive market since 2005, with a eager deal with EVs since 2008. My journey in on-line automotive publishing spans 16 years, throughout which I’ve reviewed cutting-edge automotive applied sciences and interviewed main CEOs and automobile builders from around the globe.
