In the ever-evolving world of SUVs, the Toyota Grand Highlander has emerged as a standout. Seamlessly blending refined performance, spacious comfort, and modern technology, this mid-size crossover has captured attention. In this article, we’ll explore its standout features—covering every aspect from the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander gas model through the hybrid variants to interior space, cargo capacity, fuel economy, trims, pricing, safety, and comparisons. By weaving in your chosen keywords strategically, this article will be both SEO-friendly and naturally engaging.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander represents Toyota’s bold move into the extended midsize SUV segment. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it’s significantly larger than its Highlander sibling—measuring about 6.5 inches longer and offering a longer wheelbase. It debuted in 2023 and continues the tradition of spacious family transport with added refinement and capability.
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid brings Toyota’s renowned hybrid efficiency to this larger frame. Under its hood is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine paired with an electric motor, delivering approximately 245 horsepower combined. Its EPA-rated fuel economy is impressive—up to 36 mpg combined for the hybrid models like the XLE FWD variant.
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX
If you’re craving both power and versatility, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX is your best bet. This performance-oriented hybrid pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with electric motors, yielding a robust 362 horsepower. While not quite as fuel-efficient as the standard hybrid, it still offers a respectable efficiency—around 27 mpg combined—and comes standard with AWD.
Toyota Grand Highlander Interior Space
When planning for long family drives, comfort matters—and the interior space of the Grand Highlander impresses in every dimension:
- Third-row legroom: 33.5 inches, which is notably more than the regular Highlander’s 28 inches.
- Seating configurations: Options for both seven-passenger (with second-row captain’s chairs) and eight-passenger setups (with a bench row) cater to diverse family needs.
This design ensures that even adults aboard the third row can ride comfortably.
Grand Highlander Cargo Capacity
Not just roomy for people, the cargo capacity of the Grand Highlander is equally impressive:
- With all seats in place: 20.6 cubic feet of rear storage space.
- With the third row folded: expanding to 57.9 cubic feet.
- Maximum available space (with both second and third rows folded): up to 97.5 cubic feet—more than enough for large hauling needs.
These numbers highlight its practicality for road trips, moving cargo, and daily life.
Grand Highlander MPG / Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is a key concern for many buyers, and the Grand Highlander delivers across its powertrain options:
- Gas-only model (2.4 L turbo): EPA-rated 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined (FWD); AWD ratings slightly lower.
- Hybrid model: Estimates like 36 mpg combined (XLE FWD) show strong economy.
- Hybrid MAX: About 27 mpg combined, balancing performance and efficiency.
Real-world testing of the Nightshade Hybrid AWD showed 36 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 34 mpg combined. These figures position the Grand Highlander favorably against competitors—not only in power but in fuel-conscious driving.
Grand Highlander Price
Understanding cost helps prospective owners budget:
- Gasoline-only LE trim: MSRP around $42,310, with Kelley Blue Book fair purchase price near $40,202.
- Range-topping Platinum: Around $55,495 MSRP; fair purchase price around $53,613.
- Car and Driver: $42,355 to $55,540 depending on trim and options.
For hybrids, Hybrid LE starts near $44,210, and Hybrid MAX can reach mid- to high-$50k.
The Nightshade Hybrid tested cost around $57,402, including options and freight.
Toyota also introduced price reductions—up to $2,500 on the gas LE and smaller drop on hybrid LE—enhancing value.
Toyota Grand Highlander Safety Features
Safety is a Toyota hallmark. The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) suite is standard across trims:
- Includes pre-collision detection with pedestrian detection, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road-sign assist, and more.
- Other safety features: blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, parking assist, and panoramic-view cameras on higher trims.
- In NHTSA tests (base trim): 5/5 side crash, 4/5 frontal, 4/5 rollover rating.
This robust safety package offers peace of mind for families of all sizes.
Grand Highlander vs Highlander Comparison
For many, the fundamental question is: How does the Grand Highlander compare to the standard Highlander?
- Dimensions: Grand Highlander is noticeably larger—longer and with a longer wheelbase.
- Third-row room: 33.5 inches vs. Highlander’s 28 inches.
- Cargo: 20.6 cu ft vs Highlander’s ~16 cu ft behind the third row.
- Same powertrain choices exist in both, but the Grand Highlander adds the Hybrid MAX variant and trims like Nightshade and LE for 2025.
For families needing extra space, the Grand Highlander clearly stands out as the superior choice.
Toyota Grand Highlander Trim Levels
For 2025, the Grand Highlander lineup includes:
- LE – introduced for 2025, entry-level, bench second row (8-seat), 12.3″ touchscreen, power liftgate.
- XLE – adds more convenience and comfort features.
- Limited – mid-tier, available with Hybrid MAX.
- Platinum – top gasoline trim, premium features.
- Nightshade – appearance-focused hybrid variant with blacked-out elements, black interior, 20-inch black wheels.
Trim-versus-powertrain availability:
| Trim Level | Gas | Hybrid | Hybrid MAX |
|---|---|---|---|
| LE | ✓ | ✓ | |
| XLE | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Limited | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Nightshade | ✓ | ||
| Platinum | ✓ |
This flexible lineup ensures there’s a Grand Highlander for every need—from efficiency and affordability to luxury and performance.
Wrapping It Up
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is a compelling all-rounder. Whether you’re interested in the standard gas model, highly efficient Hybrid, or power-packed Hybrid MAX, there’s something for every driver. Its spacious interior and cargo room, strong safety features, competitive fuel economy, and range of trims make it a top-tier choice in the three-row midsize SUV segment. By strategically weaving in keywords like Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, Hybrid MAX, interior space, cargo capacity, mpg/fuel economy, price, safety features, vs Highlander comparison, and trim levels, this article is designed to attract both human readers and search engines.
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