For the three-row Toyota SUV shopper, if they found the popular Highlander was just a
bit too small for their family needs, but the larger Sequoia was just too big and bold, they
would have to compromise and go with one or the other. Not anymore. Toyota has
managed to squeeze a new SUV between the Highlander and the Sequoia, called the
Grand Highlander. And in typical Toyota fashion, there is an option of a hybrid version.
In the driveway this week is a 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid.
Making its debut last year, the Grand Highlander is about 6 inches longer than a regular
Highlander. Those extra inches benefit in more cargo space behind the third row and
more legroom for third-row passengers. The Grand Highlander isn’t just a longer version
of the Highlander (think Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe), instead, the entire body is
different, taking on a larger silhouette and is defined by sharper lines and bolder surfaces.
The standard engine in the Grand Highlander is a 2.4 liter turbocharged four-cylinder that
makes 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque – the same engine used in the regular Highlander.
As a hybrid, the Grand Highlander Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which is aided
by two electric motors to produce 243 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. This is also the same
setup used in the Highlander Hybrid. However, the Grand Highlander Hybrid does have
an optional Hybrid Max version, which ups the ante to a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-
cylinder with an electric motor for a net 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.
All Hybrid Max models are all-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is optional on the
regular Hybrid models.
Going with the regular hybrid powertrain, the Grand Highlander Hybrid is rated at 36
mpg city and 32 mpg on the highway, which is about 5 mpg better than the non-hybrid
Grand Highlander. The Hybrid Max powertrain comes in at 26 mpg city and 27 mpg
highway.
Inside, one of the most important features of the Grand Highlander Hybrid is its
accommodating third row. Unlike some third-row seats that are best left for children or
small adults, this third row is comfortable for adults. From a number’s standpoint, the
Grand Highlander Hybrid gets 5.5 inches of additional legroom and 2.5 inches of
additional shoulder room. The first and second rows of seating provide plenty of space
and comfort, and depending on the trim level, you can opt for either a bench seat or
captain’s chairs for the second-row seats.
The rest of the interior is also upgraded. There is a more symmetrical dashboard design,
and every Grand Highlander gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen, rather than just the top trim
levels like on the regular Highlander.
The Grand Highlander Hybrid is available in five trim levels. The base LE comes nicely
equipped with 18-inch wheels, power liftgate, keyless entry and start, a bench seat for
eight-passenger seating and a 3-zone climate control. Step up to the XLE and synthetic
leather, heated front seats and a choice of bench or captain s chairs for the 2nd row seats
are added. The Limited gets 20-inch wheels, real leather interior and heated second row
seats. The Nightshade, which is new for 2025, is basically a Limited but with black
badging, trim and wheels. At the top is the Platinum, which has a panoramic sunroof,
vented second row seats, leather and suede interior and a digital review mirror. The
Hybrid Max powertrain is optional on the Limited and standard on the Platinum.
The tester is a Grand Highlander Hybrid Nightshade, with an MSRP of $58,187. Pricing
for the Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at $45,660.
Despite its size, the Grand Highlander Hybrid is easy to drive, but you ll feel its heft
when taking sharp corners. The ride is quiet, and it does a good job of absorbing road
imperfections providing for a relatively smooth traveling experience. The steering is
well-weighted and responsive, and the brakes bring the SUV to a steady halt when called
upon. The regular hybrid powertrain takes about 7.5 seconds to hit 60 mph (shave off a
second for the Hybrid Max), which is plenty powerful. Overall, the Grand Highlander
Hybrid is an ideal people mover, whether it be around town for long distance trips.
When it comes to safety, every Grand Highlander Hybrid includes Toyota’s Safety Sense
3.0 suite of driver assist and active safety features. This includes automatic emergency
braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise
control, automatic high-beams, and road sign recognition. On the Limited and Platinum
trim levels, parking sensors with automatic braking and a 360-degree camera are also
included.
These days, Toyota has an SUV for just about any buyer. From the little RAV4 and
Corolla Cross to the large Sequia and Land Cruiser. On road, off road, hybrid or even
electric, Toyota has it covered. But when the focus is on family and being comfortable,
the Grand Highlander is the pick. Make it a hybrid, and the Grand Highlander gets the
nod for anyone in the market for a large, fuel-efficient SUV.
— Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Night Shade Hybrid AWD
Base Price: $52,610.00
Price as Tested: $58,187.00
Layout: front-engine / all-wheel drive
Engine: 2.5 liter four-cylinder with electric motor
Transmission: CVT
Horsepower: 243 hp
Torque: 175 ft/lbs
EPA Fuel Economy: 36 city / 32 highway mpg [Visit me at www.carsbycar.blogspot.com or email me at auto_cran@hotmail.com]
