Traverse vs Grand Highlander
Brand preference aside, the Traverse and the Grand Highlander are close competitors, both pitched at three-row suv buyers. Count the areas and a pattern appears. The Traverse is ahead in 2 of 3, led by a clear margin in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Traverse wins
- Space & Practicality Traverse wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.6
- Space & Practicality10.0
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance5.1
- Space & Practicality8.5
- Off-road & Towing5.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Traverse has 63 hp more power
The numbers aren’t close. The Traverse lists 328 hp for total system output, while the Grand Highlander lists 265 hp. The Traverse’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Traverse has 12% more cargo space
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the Traverse leads 23 cu ft to 20.6 cu ft. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
-
The Traverse has 16 lb-ft more torque
The difference is minor (326 lb-ft against 310 lb-ft), but if you’re splitting hairs, the Traverse wins it. The Traverse’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Size won’t decide this one: the Traverse and the Grand Highlander have very similar dimensions.
Dimensions
| Spec | Traverse | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | 201.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 116.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Traverse leads
The Grand Highlander has a tough time in the engine & performance section, where the Traverse pulls well ahead. On its side, the Traverse has 63 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. The engine & performance verdict goes to the Traverse.
Total system output
Traverse: 328 hp Grand Highlander: 265 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Traverse: 326 lb-ft Grand Highlander: 310 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Traverse leads
By a small margin, the Traverse is the stronger of the two in this area. The Traverse makes its case with 12% more cargo space. The Traverse’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. Weighing only space & practicality, the Traverse comes out ahead.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Traverse: 23 cu ft Grand Highlander: 20.6 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On paper, the off-road & towing comparison ends all square. Either car will serve you equally well on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the Traverse and the Grand Highlander each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Traverse | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 2.4L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 265 hp |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Traverse | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Traverse | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 8 seats | 8 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft (winner) | 20.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 98.2 cu ft Most room, seats folded | 97.5 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Traverse | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Traverse | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 17.7 in Biggest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Traverse | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | 201.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | 116.1 in |
Price
| Spec | Traverse | Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,700 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Traverse if…
- you want more power (328 hp vs 265 hp)
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (23 cu ft vs 20.6 cu ft)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (326 lb-ft vs 310 lb-ft of torque)
Choose the Grand Highlander if…
- you already use other Toyota products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Traverse or the Grand Highlander?
On the specs compared here, the Traverse makes more sense for most buyers; the Grand Highlander doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the Traverse bigger than the Grand Highlander?
Neither by much. The Traverse and the Grand Highlander have nearly identical dimensions.
Executive Summary
Comparing the Traverse and the Grand Highlander feels a bit like comparing two good restaurants with different menus. The Traverse has 63 hp more power, and for most people that’s not a small thing. Stack 12% more cargo space on top of that, and the Traverse’s lead grows.
Who should get which? The Traverse for engine & performance, the Grand Highlander for the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the Traverse.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.