The Grand Highlander is a mid-size SUV that can comfortably fit adults in the the third row and includes many interior amenities.

By Keith Griffin

Here’s a riddle for you. How do you make the Toyota Highlander better? Make it a Grand Highlander. It’s a 3-row alternative that stays true to the Highlander legacy.

This is a comfortable SUV that drives smaller than its size. The third row can fit adults when needed. Fold the third row, and the Grand Highlander easily swallows a bass guitar.

Get Up and Go

The Grand Hybrid is available in three powertrains across three grades: the well-balanced 2.4-liter turbo gas engine, the efficient 2.5-liter hybrid, and the ultimate performance-seeking, 362-horsepower Hybrid MAX. The latter was the model loaned to me by Toyota.

The Hybrid MAX powertrain makes Grand Highlander the most powerful midsize SUV Toyota has ever built, with an impressive performance off the line thanks to 400 pound-feet of torque, which helps propel it to a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Hybrid MAX powertrain also has 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity.

As far as efficiency goes, the Hybrid MAX is rated at an EPA-estimated 27 combined MPG. The regular hybrid is rated at an impressive 36 combined MPG. (The base gas model is 24 MPG.)

All three powertrains come with three drive modes (Sport, Eco, Normal) to make driving more engaging – while multi-terrain select with three modes (Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow) is offered on the gas AWD and Hybrid MAX powertrains for even more on and off-road capability. All-wheel drive is standard on the Hybrid MAX model and optional on the other Grand Highlanders. This new AWD system enhances the drive force of the rear wheels and provides the feel of rear-wheel-drive maneuverability, straight-line stability, and responsive acceleration.

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander cargo area. Courtesy photo

On the Outside

The exterior design of the Grand Highlander is functional. The rear doors have a wide opening angle for convenient access to the third-row seat. Depending on grade, black-accented, two-tone, 20-inch wheels are offered for a premium look. Exterior visibility has been prioritized with a low hood line and large side glass windows, allowing confidence when driving in city environments. You can easily ignore the rearview and overhead cameras when parking like in the old days!

One thing the exterior design is not is noteworthy. Toyota continues to design for the masses. Competitors like Hyundai are much better in this category. But, as I’ve always said, you can’t see the outside of your vehicle when driving. So, choosing bland over bold will in no way affect driveability (absent design flaws that compromise visibility).

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander dashboard. Courtesy photo

Grand Highlander Interior

Inside, the Grand Highlander doesn’t disappoint. It’s a big vehicle that accommodates grown-ups. The seats are comfortable, and the various controls are intuitive. Drivers will enjoy available leather-trimmed seats with 10-way power driver and 8-way passenger adjustments. And exclusively for Hybrid MAX, drivers will experience Ultrasuede and leather-trimmed seats with bronze-colored accents throughout the cabin.

One brilliant touch in the interior design is a USB port for both the driver and the front-seat passenger. The second is built into the dash, so it is easily accessible mid-trip. No need to open the center console and hunt around. It also features a tray capable of neatly holding a cord during device charging, providing convenience for the passenger.

The 2025 Grand Highlander has a starting MSRP of $40,860 for the gas engine models (LE FWD grade), $44,210 for the Hybrid models (LE grade), and $54,690 for the Hybrid MAX powertrain (Limited grade) XLE.

Longtime West Hartford resident Keith Griffin is a veteran auto journalist whose work has been published in U.S. News & World Report, The Boston Globe, and online for various New York Times companies and other premium websites. He is a past president of the New England Motor Press Association.

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