Toyota’s new midsize SUV is shaking up its vehicle segment. The Toyota Grand Highlander is a new three-row SUV designed to compete with popular models like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Toyota’s Grand Highlander SUV is massive, but is it bigger than its minivan, the Toyota Sienna?

Is the Toyota Grand Highlander larger than a Toyota Sienna?

Toyota Vehicle	Dimensions
Toyota Grand Highlander	201.4 inches long, 78 inches wide, and 70 inches tall
Toyota Sienna	204 inches long, 79 inches wide, and 69 inches tall

Unsurprisingly, the Toyota Grand Highlander is not larger than the Toyota Sienna. The Sienna is nearly three inches longer. That being said, the size difference between these two hulking Toyota models is barely noticeable. What does that say about the Grand Highlander and midsize SUVs in general?

The automotive industry sees trends that are developed by consumers, then capitalized on by automakers. The Kia Telluride is easily one of the most impactful nameplates of the last few years. Consumers’ reactions to the Telluride and Hyundai Palisade proved that there’s a strong interest in midsize three-row SUVs.

Now, automakers like Toyota and Mazda are producing new models to satisfy this niche market. The Grand Highlander and Mazda CX-90 may be more expensive than rivals, but they bring something new to the table that could pose a serious threat to Hyundai Motor Company and its Kia brand.

Toyota’s Grand Highlander and Mazda’s CX-90 are a declaration of war within the midsize SUV segment. Competition is great for consumers because it often leads to better products. So, we may indirectly have Kia to thank for the upcoming Grand Highlander.

What’s so special about the Grand Highlander?

There’s plenty of hype surrounding Toyota’s new SUV for more reasons than one. Sure, drivers are excited that it’s a Telluride competitor. Another main reason consumers are going crazy over the new SUV is its Highlander DNA.

The Toyota Highlander is arguably one of the best Toyota SUVs ever made because of its reliability and longevity. Highlander models are very likely to last over 200,000 miles. So, if the Grand Highlander proves to be just as reliable over time, it could become a staple in its segment. After all, if you’re going to spend big bucks on a new midsize SUV, why not get the one that tends to last the longest?

Challenges that the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander faces

• Affordability
• Building a fan base
• Rivaling the popular Kia Telluride
• Outselling the exciting Mazda CX-90

With great expectations comes great responsibility (or something like that). Toyota fans have high hopes for the Grand Highlander nameplate, but the reality is it has plenty of hurdles to overcome before it’s truly established in the industry.

Part of its biggest challenge is appealing to consumers in the age of inflation and economic turmoil we’re currently enduring. With a starting price of $43,070, it won’t be the first choice of some drivers looking to save money. Furthermore, the competition is stiff thanks to heavy hitters like the affordable Telluride and Palisade. The sporty CX-90 is a formidable foe as well. Can the Grand Highlander meet expectations and rise above its rivals?