The Toyota Grand Highlander combines family-friendly utility with a contact of luxurious, particularly in its top-of-the-line Platinum trim. We spent per week behind the wheel, pushed by the potent AWD Hybrid MAX powertrain, and located this three-row SUV delivers in lots of departments, together with roominess, know-how, energy, and effectivity.
Whereas the Highlander has been fashionable for two-plus a long time, the Grand Highlander is a latest addition to Toyota’s lineup, measuring about six inches longer, two inches wider, and two inches taller than its smaller sibling. Its total design and proportions are extra substantial as effectively. The Platinum trim rolls on massive 20-inch alloy wheels and has gloss black accents. Ours was additionally outfitted with working boards, which add visible curiosity, however are wholly pointless given the SUV’s comparatively low entrance top. Toyota gives quite a lot of grades for this mannequin: LE, XLE, Hybrid LE, Hybrid XLE, Restricted, Hybrid Restricted, Hybrid Nightshade, Platinum, Hybrid MAX Restricted and Hybrid MAX Platinum. There are three totally different powertrains, together with a 2.5-liter hybrid, a 2.4-liter turbo gasoline engine, and the two.4-liter turbo Hybrid MAX.
The potent and environment friendly Hybrid MAX powertrain delivers a powerful 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft. of torque. That energy flows to all 4 wheels by way of a 6-speed computerized transmission. It delivers as much as 27 mpg – a powerful determine for a automobile that may haul seven or eight passengers, relying on configuration. It may possibly additionally tow as much as 5000 kilos. A drive mode selector offers settings for a wide range of driving situations, together with Eco, Sport, Regular, in addition to modes for driving in Mud/Sand or Rock/Dust. Although it is unlikely you may ever drive a Grand Highlander off pavement.
The engine feels untaxed below load, offering fast acceleration for its measurement. 0 to 60 mph in lower than six seconds is a strong determine for a automobile of its measurement. The general driving expertise is easy, quiet, and composed. Regardless of measuring over 201 inches lengthy and weighing almost 5000 kilos, the Grand Highlander feels comparatively small behind the wheel, dealing with extra like a sedan than a 3-row SUV. Physique roll is current however managed, and the suspension smooths out tough pavement properly.
The cabin is kind of snug and spacious, and the Platinum trim incorporates premium supplies all through, with soft-touch surfaces, actual leather-based seats with wealthy ultrasuede inserts, and a black diamond-patterned plastic that provides visible curiosity. Fortunately, shiny piano black plastic has been restricted to simply the bezel across the touchscreen and the shift lever. The entrance seats provide good assist, together with warmth and air flow. There is a deep heart console storage bin, in addition to a useful shelf above the glove field for a passenger’s cellphone or pockets. In entrance of the cupholders, there is a spot for a cellphone, in addition to twin USB-C charging ports. There’s additionally a wi-fi charging tray, although our cellphone slid round some, dropping contact on occasion.
Our Grand Highlander got here outfitted with the second-row captain’s chairs as an alternative of a bench, lowering seating capability to seven. With flat backs, they don’t seem to be as snug as some captain’s chairs, however they make up for it with luxurious ultrasuede trim, warmth, and air flow. These seats tilt and slide ahead for accessing the third row, and the low heart console between them may be eliminated as effectively. A two-panel panoramic moonroof helps brighten the cabin, and pull-up window shades provide gentle management if darkness and privateness are extra your scene. The second row additionally will get a pair of USB-C ports and zoned local weather controls. A 1500-watt energy inverter offers a 120-volt AC outlet on the again of the middle console.
Seating area within the third row is tight however sufficient for youths, and there are seatbelts and headrests for 3 of them again right here. Once more, these seats aren’t as plush as those additional ahead within the cabin, however they do get their very own USB-C ports and cupholders no less than.
Toyota packs the Grand Highlander with a pleasant array of tech options. Our SUV was outfitted with a big, 12.3-inch touchscreen working the Toyota Multimedia System. It is responsive and straightforward to make use of total, and gives voice management, wi-fi Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto capabilities. iOS telephones labored effectively for us, whereas our Android cellphone disconnected at occasions, and labored finest used with a wired connection. The 11-speaker JBL audio system gives a pleasing punch.
Security and driver help options are plentiful, together with adaptive cruise management, lane centering, blind spot displays, entrance and rear parking sensors, 360º cameras, and a head-up show. Visitors Jam Help lets you drive hands-free in stop-start freeway site visitors as much as 25 mph, a really handy characteristic when caught on congested expressways at rush hour. One characteristic we did not look after was Proactive Drive Help, which applies braking and steering assist that will help you keep secure distances by anticipating curves, automobiles, and pedestrians on the highway. We discovered this method to be a bit too invasive, making use of the brakes too incessantly, and we ended up turning it off for many of our drive. There’s additionally a digital rearview mirror, which reinforces visibility when rear seats are occupied. On the whole, we like this characteristic, however the reflective floor of the mirror does trigger some glare on the display throughout daytime.
Cargo area is great, with 20.6 cubic toes behind the third row, 57.9 cubic toes behind the second row, and 97.5 cubic toes behind the entrance row. Sensible touches embody underfloor storage and tie-down hooks, and one other 120-volt AC outlet.
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander gives every little thing that households want in a 3-row SUV, together with area, consolation, energy, tech, and effectivity. And it is all wrapped in a package deal that doesn’t really feel bloated or clumsy on the highway. Whereas the bottom Grand Highlander LE offers the identical quantity of area for as little as $41,360, you may need to splurge on the next grade just like the Platinum Hybrid MAX if you need probably the most full-featured and highly effective version. Our check automobile had a sticker value of $63,072, which included a handful of modest upgrades, together with illuminated door sills, emblem puddle lamps, working boards, and roof cross bars.
