Family of 4 – Grand Highlander or Regular Highlander?

Seeking Advice
1

My husband and I are debating between the Grand Highlander and the regular Highlander for our family of four. I want more space (thinking of strollers, a portable crib, and other large items for a toddler and an infant), but my husband thinks the GH might be overkill. He points out that in a few years, we won’t need the big items anymore and that we don’t need a huge car just for occasional family visits.

Any families who own either the Highlander or Grand Highlander—what do you think? Would love to hear your experiences!

2

Kids may grow out of strollers, but then they’ll need room for sports gear. We have a family of 4, two kids and a dog, and our regular Highlander works great.

3

We went with the Highlander with captain’s seats. You can easily drop the third row if you need more space for cargo, and it’s pretty roomy.

4

Have you considered the Sienna?

5

Hartley said:
Have you considered the Sienna?

Especially the hybrid model!

6

Drake said:

Hartley said:
Have you considered the Sienna?

Especially the hybrid model!

Is there still a long wait for the hybrid?

7

Jane said:

Drake said:
Hartley said:
Have you considered the Sienna?

Especially the hybrid model!

Is there still a long wait for the hybrid?

Depends on the area. I’m in SoCal and my coworker ended up buying one in Arizona and had it transported—it was still cheaper than waiting and paying the California markups.

8

I’ve owned both. We’re a family of 4, and the regular Highlander was fine, but I got the Grand because we also have two dogs and could use the extra room.

9

The GH feels like it’s meant for those who need the third row for adults or teens. For a family of 4, the regular Highlander should be enough, and I think it looks nicer.

10

Go with the GH if you plan to use the third row often. I have a 2021 Highlander, and with the third row up, there’s barely any trunk space.

11

You don’t really need a Grand Highlander. Honestly, you don’t even need a regular Highlander unless you’re fitting three car seats across!

12

Depends on the pricing in your area. In some places, the GH is priced similarly to the regular Highlander.

13

Highlander is big enough, but if you’ve got the budget for it, the GH gives you that extra space.

14

We’re a family of 4 with a Highlander, and there’s plenty of room. When grandparents visit, we use the third row for the kids. Works out well.

15

We’re a family of 4, all around 5’10". The Highlander has been perfect for us, and we even use it for small house projects. Ours is a 2018 LE.

16

If money isn’t an issue and you’ll often need the third row, go for the GH. For occasional extra passengers, a regular Highlander should do fine, especially if you add a roof box for extra storage.

17

If it’s within budget, I’d definitely go with the GH. More room is always nice, especially as kids grow.

18

We’re a family of 4 and did fine with a RAV4 until the kids were 7 and 5, with the help of a roof box. Just upgraded to a Highlander, and it’s almost too big. GH felt like overkill to us.

19

We have a family of four, and our TX500h has been amazing. The captain’s chairs help keep the kids separated, and the cargo space is fantastic. I’d recommend a similar setup with the GH if you’re leaning that way.

20

We love our Highlander, but let’s be honest—you’ll probably end up getting what you want anyway. Just get used to parking it!