Shopping for cars similar to Toyota Grand Highlander usually means you want an adult-size third row, cargo space behind all three rows and hybrid efficiency in one vehicle. Few SUVs do all three as well as the Grand Highlander, but plenty come close in one or two areas. Below are 9 Toyota Grand Highlander alternatives, sorted from the closest match to the more specialized picks, with seats, engines, towing and starting prices side by side.
Quick Answer: The Best Cars Similar to Toyota Grand Highlander
- Closest overall match: Kia Telluride. A roomy third row, a new hybrid and a similar price.
- Best for towing: Ford Explorer. Up to 5,600 lb of towing.
- Best luxury alternative: Lexus TX. An adult-size third row and three powertrains.
- Best hybrid family SUV: Hyundai Palisade. A near-luxury cabin and a new hybrid.
- Best for practical family use: Honda Pilot. Big cargo hold and a light-trail TrailSport trim.
- Best for cargo room: Chevy Traverse. Huge cargo space and a 328-hp turbo-four.
What Makes the Toyota Grand Highlander Different?
To find a true match, it helps to know what you are matching. The Grand Highlander is longer than the regular Highlander, which gives it a real third row and more cargo space. It offers a 265-hp turbo-four, a 245-hp hybrid and a 362-hp Hybrid MAX.
| 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander | Spec |
|---|---|
| Seats | 7 or 8 |
| Engines | 2.4L turbo-4 (265 hp), 2.5L hybrid (245 hp) or Hybrid MAX (362 hp) |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD |
| Max towing | 5,000 lb |
| Best EPA combined | Up to 34 mpg |
| Starting price | About $43,400 (LE) |
The Grand Highlander tows up to 5,000 lb with the gas or Hybrid MAX powertrain, and the regular hybrid gets up to 34 mpg combined.
Toyota Grand Highlander Competitors Compared
This table puts the main Toyota Grand Highlander competitors next to each other. Prices are rounded starting MSRPs and some brands list the destination fee separately, so check the final number on the brand’s site.
| SUV | Seats | Base engine | Max towing | Starting price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Grand Highlander (2026) | 7-8 | 2.4L turbo-4, 265 hp | 5,000 lb | About $43,400 | Third-row space |
| Kia Telluride (2027) | 7-8 | 2.5L turbo-4, 274 hp | 5,500 lb | About $40,700 | Value with a third row |
| Hyundai Palisade (2026) | 7-8 | 3.5L V6, 287 hp | 5,000 lb | About $40,400 | Hybrid family SUV |
| Honda Pilot (2026) | 7-8 | 3.5L V6, 285 hp | 5,000 lb | About $43,700 | Practical family use |
| Chevy Traverse (2026) | 7-8 | 2.5L turbo-4, 328 hp | 5,000 lb | About $44,800 | Cargo room |
| Ford Explorer (2026) | 6-7 | 2.3L turbo-4, 300 hp | 5,600 lb | About $40,000 | Power and space |
| Volkswagen Atlas (2026) | 6-7 | 2.0L turbo-4, 269 hp | 5,000 lb | About $40,800 | Cabin room |
| Mazda CX-90 (2026) | 6-8 | 3.3L turbo inline-6, 280 hp | 5,000 lb | About $40,300 | Driving feel |
| Subaru Ascent (2026) | 7-8 | 2.4L turbo-4, 260 hp | 5,000 lb | About $42,200 | Standard AWD |
| Lexus TX (2026) | 6-7 | 2.4L turbo-4, 275 hp | 5,000 lb | About $57,900 | Roomy third row |
9 SUVs Similar to Toyota Grand Highlander
Each of these cars similar to Toyota Grand Highlander gets a short profile: why it belongs on your shopping list, where it differs and who it suits. The list starts with the SUVs that come closest to the Grand Highlander.
1. Kia Telluride
- Engines: 2.5L turbo-4 (274 hp) or 2.5L turbo hybrid (329 hp)
- Max towing: 5,500 lb
- Seats: 7 or 8
- Starting price: About $40,700
The redesigned 2027 Telluride drops the old V6 for a turbo-four and adds the model’s first hybrid. It keeps the upright, boxy look, and the X-Pro trims add all-terrain tires and a 5,500-lb tow rating. Like the Grand Highlander, it has a third row, offers a hybrid and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Kia Telluride: the Telluride tows 500 lb more (up to 5,500 lb) and starts about $2,600 lower. The Grand Highlander has an adult-size third row.
Best for: value-focused families who want a rugged look.
2. Hyundai Palisade
- Engines: 3.5L V6 (287 hp) or 2.5L turbo hybrid (329 hp)
- Max towing: 5,000 lb
- Seats: 7 or 8
- Starting price: About $40,400
The all-new 2026 Palisade is bigger than before and now offers a hybrid that Hyundai says can top 30 mpg on the highway. The new XRT Pro trim adds off-road upgrades, and upper trims feel close to luxury. It matches the Grand Highlander because it has a third row, offers a hybrid and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Hyundai Palisade: the Palisade starts about $2,900 lower and has a near-luxury cabin, while the Grand Highlander has cargo space behind all three rows.
Best for: families who want a near-luxury cabin and a hybrid option.
3. Honda Pilot
- Engines: 3.5L V6, 285 hp
- Max towing: 5,000 lb
- Fuel economy: Up to 22 mpg combined
- Seats: 7 or 8
- Starting price: About $43,700
The Pilot has 48.5 cubic feet behind the second row, one of the biggest figures in its class, and the TrailSport trim has 8.3 inches of ground clearance and all-terrain tires. For 2026 every Pilot gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. Like the Grand Highlander, it has a third row and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Honda Pilot: pick the Pilot if you want a vehicle that has 48.5 cubic feet behind the second row. The Grand Highlander is the better choice because it gets 12 mpg more (up to 34 mpg combined) and offers more power (up to 362 hp).
Best for: families who need space first and light trail use second.
4. Chevy Traverse
- Engines: 2.5L turbo-4, 328 hp
- Max towing: 5,000 lb
- Fuel economy: Up to 21 mpg combined
- Seats: 7 or 8
- Starting price: About $44,800
The Traverse offers 97.6 cubic feet of total cargo space and a 328-hp turbo-four. The Z71 trim adds a lifted suspension and a twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system for snow and dirt roads. Like the Grand Highlander, it has a third row and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Chevy Traverse: the Traverse has 97.6 cubic feet of total cargo space, while the Grand Highlander gets 13 mpg more (up to 34 mpg combined) and offers a fuel-saving hybrid.
Best for: road-trip families who pack a lot of gear.
5. Ford Explorer
- Engines: 2.3L turbo-4 (300 hp) or 3.0L twin-turbo V6 (400 hp)
- Max towing: 5,600 lb
- Fuel economy: Up to 24 mpg combined
- Seats: 6 or 7
- Starting price: About $40,000
The Explorer rides on a rear-wheel-drive platform and offers strong turbo engines, including a 400-hp V6 in the ST. The Tremor trim adds off-road upgrades, and every model has three rows. It matches the Grand Highlander because it has a third row and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Ford Explorer: the Explorer tows 600 lb more (up to 5,600 lb) and starts about $3,300 lower. The Grand Highlander gets 10 mpg more (up to 34 mpg combined) and offers a fuel-saving hybrid.
Best for: buyers who want strong power and a third row.
6. Volkswagen Atlas
- Engines: 2.0L turbo-4, 269 hp
- Max towing: 5,000 lb
- Fuel economy: Up to 23 mpg combined
- Seats: 6 or 7
- Starting price: About $40,800
The Atlas is one of the widest and roomiest SUVs in its class, with a third row that fits adults on short trips. Its 269-hp turbo-four tows 5,000 lb. As with the Grand Highlander, it has a third row and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Volkswagen Atlas: pick the Atlas if you want a vehicle that starts about $2,600 lower and has one of the widest cabins in its class. The Grand Highlander is the better choice because it gets 11 mpg more (up to 34 mpg combined) and offers more power (up to 362 hp).
Best for: families who want a big, simple SUV.
7. Mazda CX-90
- Engines: 3.3L turbo inline-6 mild hybrid (280 or 340 hp) or plug-in hybrid (323 hp)
- Max towing: 5,000 lb
- Fuel economy: Up to 25 mpg combined
- Seats: 6 or 8
- Starting price: About $40,300
The CX-90 sits on a rear-drive-based platform with a lengthwise-mounted inline-six, which is rare among family crossovers. It drives with a balanced, planted feel, and the plug-in hybrid offers up to 26 miles of electric driving. Like the Grand Highlander, it has a third row, offers a hybrid and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Mazda CX-90: pick the CX-90 if you want a vehicle that starts about $3,000 lower and drives with a sporty, rear-drive-based feel. The Grand Highlander is the better choice because it gets 9 mpg more (up to 34 mpg combined).
Best for: drivers who enjoy curvy roads and want a plug-in option.
8. Subaru Ascent
- Engines: 2.4L turbo-4, 260 hp
- Max towing: 5,000 lb
- Fuel economy: Up to 22 mpg combined
- Seats: 7 or 8
- Starting price: About $42,200
The Ascent is Subaru’s three-row SUV, with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance and a 260-hp turbo-four that tows 5,000 lb. It matches the Grand Highlander because it has a third row and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Subaru Ascent: pick the Ascent if you want a vehicle that comes with all-wheel drive as standard. The Grand Highlander is the better choice because it gets 12 mpg more (up to 34 mpg combined) and offers more power (up to 362 hp).
Best for: snow-belt families who want standard AWD.
9. Lexus TX
- Engines: 2.4L turbo-4 (275 hp), turbo hybrid (366 hp) or V6 plug-in hybrid (404 hp)
- Max towing: 5,000 lb
- Fuel economy: Up to 27 mpg combined
- Seats: 6 or 7
- Starting price: About $57,900
The TX is Lexus’s three-row SUV, built on the Toyota Grand Highlander, with a real adult-size third row, a 366-hp hybrid and a 404-hp V6 plug-in hybrid. It matches the Grand Highlander because it has a third row, offers a hybrid and tows 5,000 lb or more.
Toyota Grand Highlander vs Lexus TX: the TX has a more upscale cabin and offers more power (up to 404 hp in the TX 550h+), while the Grand Highlander gets 7 mpg more (up to 34 mpg combined) and starts about $14,500 lower.
Best for: families who need a roomy third row.
Which Toyota Grand Highlander Alternative Fits Your Needs?
| If you need… | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| More towing | Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride | Up to 5,600 lb, compared with 5,000 lb for the Grand Highlander |
| Standard all-wheel drive | Mazda CX-90, Subaru Ascent | AWD comes on every trim |
| A plug-in hybrid | Mazda CX-90, Lexus TX | Short trips on electricity, with gas for longer drives |
| A sportier drive | Mazda CX-90 | Sharper handling or more power |
| Luxury | Lexus TX | Premium cabins and badges |
| The lowest price | Ford Explorer, Mazda CX-90 | From about $40,000 |
How to Choose a Car Similar to the Toyota Grand Highlander
Start with how you actually use your SUV. Most buyers who compare SUVs similar to Toyota Grand Highlander care about a few numbers more than the rest, so check these first.
- Towing: The Grand Highlander tows up to 5,000 lb. Check the rating for the exact engine and package you plan to buy, since many SUVs only reach their top number with an optional tow package.
- All-wheel drive and ground clearance: All-wheel drive helps in snow and on dirt roads. For rougher trails, look for extra ground clearance and all-terrain tires.
- Passengers and cargo: Bring your child seats and gear to the test drive to see what fits.
- Running costs: Compare EPA fuel ratings, insurance quotes and expected resale value, not just the sticker price.
When you shortlist cars similar to Toyota Grand Highlander, test-drive at least two of them back to back on the same roads. Ride comfort, seat comfort and cabin noise are hard to judge from a spec sheet, and they often decide which one feels right.
Which Car Is Most Similar to the Toyota Grand Highlander?
The Kia Telluride is the car most similar to the Toyota Grand Highlander overall, because it offers a roomy third row, a new hybrid and a similar price. The Ford Explorer is the pick for towing, the Lexus TX is the pick for a luxury feel and the Hyundai Palisade is the pick for a hybrid family SUV. Compare the towing, seats and prices of these cars similar to Toyota Grand Highlander in the tables above, then test-drive your top two before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Comparable to a Toyota Grand Highlander?
The Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, Chevy Traverse and Ford Explorer are the most comparable models. Each has three rows and seats seven or eight.
What Are the Main Toyota Grand Highlander Competitors?
The main Toyota Grand Highlander competitors in the midsize SUV class are the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, Chevy Traverse, Ford Explorer, Volkswagen Atlas, Mazda CX-90 and Subaru Ascent.
Is the Kia Telluride Better Than the Toyota Grand Highlander?
It depends on what you need. The Telluride is the better pick if you want a vehicle that tows 500 lb more (up to 5,500 lb) and starts about $2,600 lower. The Grand Highlander is better because it has an adult-size third row.
Which SUV Tows More Than the Toyota Grand Highlander?
The Ford Explorer (up to 5,600 lb) and Kia Telluride (up to 5,500 lb) both tow more than the Grand Highlander’s 5,000 lb.
Is There a Hybrid Similar to the Toyota Grand Highlander?
Yes. The Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Mazda CX-90 and Lexus TX all offer a hybrid version.
Which Toyota Grand Highlander Alternatives Have Standard All-Wheel Drive?
The Mazda CX-90 and Subaru Ascent all come with all-wheel drive on every trim. The Grand Highlander offers AWD as an option.
What Is the Cheapest Car Similar to the Toyota Grand Highlander?
The Ford Explorer is the cheapest pick on this list, starting at about $40,000. That is about $3,300 less than the Grand Highlander.