A few years ago… just before the Toyota Grand Highlander came out, my mother-in-law needed a new car. I recommended the regular Highlander (non-hybrid). She got one and she still loves it to this day. It checks all her boxes. But – if she were car-shopping today with the Grand Highlander available… I’d tell her the Grand Highlander is the way to go.
1) This is the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum…
It sits at the top of the Grand Highlander lineup. MAX signifies the 2.4-liter TURBO, HYBRID engine (and standard all-wheel drive). Platinum means it’s got the luxury touches.
2) Grand Highlander also offers a regular Hybrid model (no MAX), which uses an entirely different 2.5 NON-TURBO HYBRID. It gets about 10 more MPG in the city. But the trade-off is: 1) Less power. 2) Less torque. 3) Less towing capacity. And 4) A CVT transmission. I’d personally stay away from a CVT if possible. And – to complicate it just a little further lol…
3) Toyota also offers the Grand Highlander with the 2.4-liter TURBO, NO HYBRID. It opts out of the hybrid system & makes more power than the regular hybrid, but less than the MAX. The turbocharged, non-hybrid Grand Highlander takes a bit of a MPG hit in the city at 21 miles-per-gallon. However – it still holds its own on the highway at 28 MPG. Rule of thumb: Hybrids usually have their biggest MPG advantages around town, and lose some of their advantage on the interstate. The non-hybrid turbo also gets an 8-speed transmission (2 more gears than the MAX), and the higher 5,000lb towing capacity (same as MAX).
Overall – the Toyota Grand Highlander is so good…
It often checks even more boxes than the original Highlander. And it does it at more/less the same cost to the customer. In fact, since the Grand Highlander came out, it has consumed the regular Highlander sales.
Highlander U.S. Annual Sales (2021–2024)
- 2021: 264,128
- 2022: 219,148
- 2023: 171,289
- 2024: 89,658
Grand Highlander Annual U.S. Sales Figures:
- 2023: 48,036 (partial year)
- 2024: 71,721
- 2025: ~137,000
That’s likely why Toyota announced:
The regular Toyota Highlander has been redesigned for 2027 as an all-electric vehicle. It could be a smart longterm pivot: With the larger (more versatile) Grand Highlander as the gas/hybrid option… and a smaller Highlander as an EV alternative.
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- 2027 Highlander EV
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- 2027 Highlander EV
How is the Grand Highlander so good though??
Where do you start? Versatility? Comfort? Visibility? Efficiency? Value? Somehow, I don’t think I’ve ever driven a press vehicle with more cargo space. When it comes to cargo & living space, the Grand Highlander is MORE than the sum of its parts. Twice now, we’ve taken this car/chassis on family road trips (one in this Grand Highlander & one in the Lexus TX 350)… and they’ve somehow dwarfed all our luggage. We’re talkin’ clear visibility out the rearview, nothing stacked to the ceiling, no stress, and no frustration. It’s honestly weird lol… like you must be forgetting something.
This is the Lexus TX… but same-same.
The Grand Highlander is the solution for road trips & family life…
Spacious & accommodating, yet it doesn’t drive like a tug boat. No matter which model you choose, miles-per-gallon isn’t a burden, and the gas tank is relatively small & manageable. So when you do need to fill up, it doesn’t punch you in the gut.
I really enjoyed the MAX Platinum’s 2-tone Portobello interior with rose-gold accenting…
At least I think that’s rose gold… maybe it’s bronze-ish lol. Either way – it blends nicely, and it absolutely makes the Grand Highlander feel grand. Grays & blacks are functional, but they sometimes come across a little clinical & uninspiring. Honestly, the Platinum’s interior changed my whole perception of the Grand Highlander, and put it on par with the Lexus TX.
Here’s what I love about Toyota (Lexus included)…
Yes – all the engine options & nomenclature can get confusing. But – that’s because Toyota/Lexus intentionally makes a vehicle for everybody, and they freaking nail it virtually every time. From the Grand Highlander, to the Rav4, to the Prius, to the 4x4s, to the spirited GR line of sports cars. Every model sets the bar for its segment. Most of them for decades running. Yet – Toyota’s sensibility & consistency doesn’t stifle their drive/passion. There’s still original bloodline in Toyota. That means – they fight to build good cars because their name’s on it. At this point, that’s almost old fashion… and I’m here for it. There’s an honesty & authenticity in Toyota that you don’t see in a lot of the investor-driven modern car companies anymore.
